

NETGEAR Switches and Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center both compete in the network switches category targeting enterprises seeking reliable and efficient networking solutions. Fortinet FortiSwitch appears to have an upper hand due to its extensive security features and integration with Fortinet's security ecosystem.
Features: NETGEAR Switches offer affordability with low power consumption and easy setup, ideal for small to medium enterprises. They provide both managed and unmanaged options with automatic full duplex sensing and noise reduction. Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center excels in integrating seamlessly with Fortinet's security solutions, offering robust security features, advanced management, and efficient network utilization.
Room for Improvement: NETGEAR Switches need to improve traffic management and incorporate advanced security features. Their compatibility with more virtual stacking and cloud configurations needs enhancement. Fortinet FortiSwitch requires simplification in VLAN management and user interface stability, along with improved scalability to support a larger number of switches.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: NETGEAR Switches are easy to deploy with intuitive on-premise management, although their customer support could be faster in resolving issues. Fortinet FortiSwitch supports hybrid deployments and offers strong customer service but could benefit from simplified configuration processes and enhanced support documentation.
Pricing and ROI: NETGEAR Switches are competitively priced, boasting a favorable price-to-performance ratio and lifetime warranty, making them cost-effective for budget-conscious enterprises. Fortinet FortiSwitch is more expensive but justifies the cost with superior security features and integration within Fortinet's ecosystem, focusing on security and network efficiency for a good ROI.
The integration of Fortinet infrastructure, including FortiSwitches, is cost-effective compared to Cisco, especially when paired with Fortinet wireless solutions.
Technical partners provide responses within a day for any technical queries.
I gave it eight points because local support is absent.
Customer support needs improvement in terms of speed and reliability.
There are issues distinguishing which switches support cloud features.
When used in a dedicated Fortinet infrastructure, FortiSwitch scalability is better than some other switches, like Cisco, Meraki, or Arista.
Scalability is generally good, with transitions from gigabit to ten giga, twenty-five giga, and forty giga.
The scalability of NETGEAR Switches is easy and very beneficial for us.
We used to use a lot of the 4300 switches and they're not completely compatible with the new AV line.
NETGEAR's scalability through its Insight Cloud system is on par with Ubiquiti's, although it must offer features beyond its competitors.
There is room for improvement as it sometimes takes over an hour to push configurations onto the devices from the management tool.
We've experienced failures such as a 16-port dying after three to four years.
I rarely see glitches, but we had some minor glitches over the past years, and they were easily resolved.
The commercial aspect presents challenges, particularly with pricing, as customers often ask for Juniper or Cisco, brands they are more aware of, which makes awareness about Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center another weak point.
There is room to improve the integration between FortiSwitch and other third-party solutions, as challenges arise when integrating with different vendors.
Sometimes, customer support does not provide prompt assistance, leaving projects hanging.
Real-time analytics would be helpful regarding the analytics aspect, and this feature is not yet present and would be an improvement regarding analytics.
They should introduce features like dual firmware or dual boot that allow systems to be updated without downtime.
They can improve on the commercial part, specifically the cost, as it is higher than other brands.
The Fortinet switches come with no additional cost as they are open source, with only hardware warranties applicable.
Pricing is competitive, although it's not the cheapest option.
Some high-end switches required for specific advanced features, like precision time protocols, can be more expensive.
It is an expensive product.
The main actual benefit that Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center brought to my customer's environment is secure connectivity while minimizing downtime from unexpected traffic or broadcasting.
This feature allows the switch's ports to be used as firewall ports, enhancing network security by enabling IPS and network profiling directly on the ports.
It allows me to create VLANs, implement security measures, and push configurations using a single tool.
The precision time protocol feature caught our interest for future use in specific settings like churches, where low latency is required.
The most valuable features are routing and access control.
The best things about NETGEAR Switches are the support they provide and the ease of implementation.
| Product | Mindshare (%) |
|---|---|
| NETGEAR Switches | 6.7% |
| Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center | 3.1% |
| Other | 90.2% |


| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 17 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 5 |
| Large Enterprise | 4 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 43 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 4 |
| Large Enterprise | 11 |
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center offers cost-effective, centralized network management through seamless integration with FortiGate. It supports enhanced security, flexibility in VLAN management, and intuitive control through an efficient interface.
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is valued for its cost-effectiveness and ease of use. It provides seamless integration with FortiGate, enabling centralized network management. Users appreciate its port analytics, graphical interface, and enhanced security features, allowing VLAN creation and configuration across infrastructure. The system offers efficient alerting, automatic adjustments, and functions like QoS and traffic management to maintain consistent security. Its intuitive design and high visibility make it an efficient all-in-one tool for network management. Despite needing improvements in AI integration, security, and pricing, users find it a reliable choice for managing traffic between VMs and physical hosts. It supports network connectivity, VLAN management, and internal traffic control while integrating with security fabric and SD-WAN features.
What are the key features of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center?Organizations across industries implement Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center to effectively manage both virtual and physical network environments within data centers. It helps in controlling internal traffic and ensures robust security measures are in place. Its integration with extensive security fabric and SD-WAN features allows for comprehensive network management through a single dashboard, streamlining operations and providing enhanced control over infrastructure.
NETGEAR Switches offer ease of setup, low cost, and power efficiency. With robust remote management and modular designs, they are ideal for small businesses and large enterprises, ensuring reliable performance and flexible connectivity solutions.
NETGEAR Switches provide intuitive interfaces with both GUI and CLI options, supporting VLANs, multicast, and stackable configurations. Their competitive pricing, lifetime warranty, and powerful AV-over-IP capabilities make them a preferred choice. Despite their strengths, there is room for improvement in virtual stacking compatibility, feature expansion on the Insight portal, and consistent firmware management. A more refined remote management tool and enhancements in scalability and security are also needed. NETGEAR Switches' scalability serves sectors such as audiovisual, education, and healthcare.
What are the key features of NETGEAR Switches?IT service providers utilize NETGEAR Switches for small to medium business infrastructures, enabling 10GB internet and office network expansion. Models like M4300, GC728XP, and GC752XP are deployed for enterprise connectivity and Pro AV tasks in audiovisual, educational, and medical sectors, offering robust performance and management.
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