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Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch 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
MikroTik Cloud Router Switch
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
18th
Average Rating
7.8
Reviews Sentiment
7.1
Number of Reviews
21
Ranking in other categories
Routers (5th)
 

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 MikroTik Cloud Router Switch is 1.3%, down from 1.4% 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.
Josephat Magesa - PeerSpot reviewer
Easy to set up, user-friendly, and reliable
I'm also familiar with Cisco which I used at another company. Cisco is a little bit expensive to acquire. With MikroTik, came with the same solution and you can use so many features. In MikroTik, you can use maybe two routers or one router to cover all your requirements, which you can also do on Cisco. This product is also cheaper than Cisco. Cisco has a lot of complications even with the configurations. On the price issues or even support issues, you may need to have so many routers when using Cisco for a simple solution. If you can use only one switch to clear your solution, why don't you use MikroTik? You don't have to use Cisco to have more than one switch to solve your problem.

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"It allows us to manage all necessary services, such as data centers, networking, and cybersecurity."
"I have found the solution to be scalable."
"All the features are necessary, like tracking evidence and IPS. However, I appreciate the ability to connect the logs and the dashboard functionality."
"What I like about the solution is that it can be accessed anywhere."
"FortiSwitch Data Center allows for centralized management of both Fortinet switches and firewalls from a single interface."
"Configurations between FortiGate and FortiSwitch have to link to each other. We need configuration. The configuration is not like a Cisco switch. It has a unique configuration."
"The single pane of glass that helps us manage everything through FortiManager is the most important feature."
"The initial setup was simple."
"The tool has impacted our company's network costs and productivity in a perfect manner and percentage-wise, I can say it is 120 percent."
"The router power is the most valuable aspect."
"The performance has been good."
"The wiki page that describes the scripting and other features is very good."
"A valuable aspect is its user-friendly configuration, making it accessible even for individuals with basic technical knowledge."
"The beauty of MikroTik is that you have flexibility with the routing parts."
"The most valuable feature is that it has better throughput than its competitors."
"The router power is the most valuable aspect."
 

Cons

"The FortiSwitch product was initially quite complex."
"Managing the VLANs is an area where the solution lacks and needs to improve."
"Before using FortiSwitch, you need several certifications."
"The solution’s pricing could be improved."
"The product must improve the latency in the management center."
"Compatibility with infrastructure from other vendors like Cisco and Sophos can be further improved."
"They could improve availability and security by detecting and preventing switch attacks."
"The solution could always benefit from more security. It's of critical importance to organizations right now."
"The solution does not yet offer a SaaS version."
"Antispam and antivirus features should be included in the future."
"The initial setup is complex."
"MikroTik Cloud Router Switch needs improvement in the area of security, although the recent models are addressing this."
"There has to be more development in the OS. It's complex for this switch as compared to others like Cisco. For NetGear and Cisco, it's easy to adapt the VLAN concept but it should be simplified for MikroTik."
"The port isolation and VLAN need to be improved."
"The bulk efficiencies and the control of traffic could be a bit better."
"The packet filtering, user log data, and user access log could all be improved."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The solution's pricing is a little high. The solution deserves the current price it receives from its users."
"The solution is not expensive."
"The product is less expensive than one of its competitors."
"The tool's pricing is lower than Cisco's."
"It is reasonably priced."
"We pay a yearly licensing fee for the solution, which is expensive."
"The product has a mid-range price."
"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is expensive."
"The price of the solution is fair and there is a one-time license purchase only."
"MikroTik is really cheap compared to the competitors."
"I consider it to be a cost-effective solution."
"The licensing for MikroTik is great. It's easy to enter, especially for small businesses. Their model is great."
"This product has a one-time cost and there is no licensing fee."
"They came with the licensing when we purchased them."
"I believe the price of the tool is high, but it is okay for the services we get from it."
"The price is competitive."
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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%
Comms Service Provider
13%
Hospitality Company
8%
Educational Organization
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 MikroTik Cloud Router Switch?
The tool has impacted our company's network costs and productivity in a perfect manner and percentage-wise, I can say it is 120 percent.
What needs improvement with MikroTik Cloud Router Switch?
MikroTik Cloud Router Switch needs improvement in the area of security, although the recent models are addressing this. Additionally, the quality of the hardware, such as the processor, RAM, and he...
 

Also Known As

No data available
MikroTik CRS Series
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Black Gold Regional Schools, Amadeus Hospitality, Jefferson County, Chunghwa Telecom, City of Boroondara, Dimension Data
Information Not Available
Find out what your peers are saying about Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center vs. MikroTik Cloud Router Switch and other solutions. Updated: April 2025.
851,604 professionals have used our research since 2012.