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Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center vs HPE Ethernet Switches comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Nov 3, 2024

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Categories and Ranking

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data...
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
15th
Average Rating
8.2
Reviews Sentiment
7.4
Number of Reviews
24
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
HPE Ethernet Switches
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
9th
Average Rating
8.2
Reviews Sentiment
7.3
Number of Reviews
103
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2025, in the Ethernet Switches category, the mindshare of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is 1.8%, up from 1.1% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of HPE Ethernet Switches is 2.5%, up from 2.5% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Ethernet Switches
 

Featured Reviews

Rias Majeed - PeerSpot reviewer
Enables easy management of traffic and enhances security
FortiSwitch Data Center allows for centralized management of both Fortinet switches and firewalls from a single interface. This integration makes network management streamlined and secure. Additionally, the controllers are built into the firewall, which enables easy management of traffic and enhances security. Unlike some solutions, a Fortinet firewall is not just a firewall; it also acts as a full-fledged router.
LuisSilva6 - PeerSpot reviewer
Provides ease of management and has an easy initial setup process
Primarily, we use the product for network and VLAN segmentation across our hospitality property. It forms the backbone of our network, providing connectivity to devices like TVs, phones, access points, and even electrical switches within guest rooms The product's most valuable feature is the ease…

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Pros

"FortiSwitch Data Center allows for centralized management of both Fortinet switches and firewalls from a single interface."
"When configuring FortiSwitch with a FortiGate firewall, I can consider all FortiSwitch's ports as a part of the FortiGate firewall."
"The most valuable feature is the port analytics."
"FortiSwitch Data Center allows for centralized management of both Fortinet switches and firewalls from a single interface."
"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center offers flexibility and control over the entire network from a single pane of management."
"It is very stable."
"The product's most valuable feature is its ability to manage switches from one central point."
"I have found the solution to be scalable."
"It's stable. We never have any issues."
"Switching to HPE Ethernet Switches greatly improved our network. We used to have both Cisco and HPE Ethernet Switches. Our network performance has increased by 300 percent."
"The solution is very, very stable."
"I value that there is a clear place to find a MAC table with HPE Ethernet Switches."
"I would rate the stability a solid ten out of ten."
"The solution offers lifetime warranties."
"It's fairly lightweight, they don't require a lot of maintenance."
"It's stable and performing well."
 

Cons

"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center needs to improve its UI and stability."
"When there are many switches being used, the speed declines noticeably."
"The FortiSwitch product was initially quite complex."
"Does not have as many features as other solutions, such as segmentation and analytics engines."
"Managing the VLANs is an area where the solution lacks and needs to improve."
"Cisco is better in terms of price, scalability, and ease of management. Regarding resources, they are available in Pakistan to manage these systems."
"Enhancing security on the firewall and the switches, as well as focusing on price segment issues, would make it a better solution for the future."
"The solution could always benefit from more security. It's of critical importance to organizations right now."
"The pricing could be better."
"We have some problems with the performance of our HPE Ethernet Switches because they are old."
"The only improvement I can think of is that it could be better with less updates."
"The tool should be more stable."
"We have had some rare occasions with glitches, so the stability can be improved."
"The pricing could be lowered."
"It would be helpful to have training available for this solution."
"The pricing is expensive."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Cost-wise, Fortinet solutions are cheaper than those offered by Cisco."
"The tool's pricing is lower than Cisco's."
"This solution is expensive but it does not require a license."
"The solution's pricing is a little high. The solution deserves the current price it receives from its users."
"The product is less expensive than one of its competitors."
"The solution is not expensive."
"We pay a yearly licensing fee for the solution, which is expensive."
"The product has a mid-range price."
"There are free software updates and there is a lifetime warranty for a few of the switch series."
"I believe HPE is less expensive than Aruba's and UniFi and that is why certain clients have chosen them as their solution."
"We have to see only the security part when considering licenses because the licenses upgrade."
"The licensing cost is yearly, and there aren't any additional costs on top of the standard fee."
"It is a more expensive solution."
"This is not an expensive solution."
"The price is fair."
"The license cost is yearly."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
19%
Government
10%
Financial Services Firm
9%
Comms Service Provider
6%
Computer Software Company
15%
Educational Organization
9%
Government
8%
Financial Services Firm
8%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center?
The Fortinet switches come with no additional cost as they are open source, with only hardware warranties applicable.
What needs improvement with Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center?
There is room for improvement in customer support and device speed. Sometimes, customer support does not provide prompt assistance, leaving projects hanging. Additionally, improving the speed of th...
What do you like most about HPE Ethernet Switches?
The solution is very stable and easy to use.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for HPE Ethernet Switches?
When compared to Cisco, Aruba is about 40% cheaper. However, Huawei would be even cheaper than Aruba. We can't compare HPE Ethernet Switches with Huawei directly because of different price ranges.
What needs improvement with HPE Ethernet Switches?
HPE Ethernet Switches have room for improvement in the initial setup and integration process, especially when incorporating them into an existing infrastructure with competitor products. It's a cha...
 

Also Known As

No data available
HP Ethernet Switches
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Black Gold Regional Schools, Amadeus Hospitality, Jefferson County, Chunghwa Telecom, City of Boroondara, Dimension Data
Emirates Palace Hotel
Find out what your peers are saying about Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center vs. HPE Ethernet Switches and other solutions. Updated: April 2025.
851,604 professionals have used our research since 2012.