

NETGEAR Switches and Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access compete in the network hardware space, primarily catering to small and medium enterprises. Fortinet FortiSwitch seems to have the upper hand due to better integration with its security suite, offering enhanced security and centralized management.
Features: NETGEAR Switches provide cost-effective options with easy setup and lower power consumption. They offer automated features such as auto-sensing Ethernet connectivity and LED monitoring and cater to small enterprise needs with both managed and unmanaged switches. Fortinet FortiSwitch offers seamless integration with other Fortinet products, providing a centralized management console through FortiGate that enhances network security and usability.
Room for Improvement: NETGEAR Switches lack advanced security features like the 802.1x protocol and have limited VLAN management on some models. Remote management features and integration with other systems can be improved. Their stacking capabilities could be more flexible. Fortinet FortiSwitch needs more competitive pricing and improved technical support. Enhancements in console features for better independent switch management are necessary, along with expanding their product line to include more variety, like 16-port models.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Both products are deployed on-premises, providing strong local network management solutions. NETGEAR offers straightforward deployments with good customer service, although some users report challenges in accessing technical support. Fortinet FortiSwitch deploys effectively with on-premises solutions and has hybrid cloud capability, offering additional flexibility. Users note room for improvement in Fortinet's support efficiency and response times.
Pricing and ROI: NETGEAR Switches are favored for their cost-to-performance ratio and competitive pricing, offering lifetime warranties and low hardware costs. Customers value minimal additional licensing costs, leading to positive ROI through savings on infrastructure expenses. Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access, while more costly, justifies its pricing with enhanced features and integration capabilities. Its mid-range pricing offers reliable performance, but includes additional expenses for licensing and support contracts. The choice between them depends on budget priorities and perceptions of value.
They are knowledgeable, professional, and assist with any issues.
It's a potential area for improvement, possibly in terms of response time or quality.
My local support is working fine, and I have my connection with my account manager in the public company of Fortinet.
There are issues distinguishing which switches support cloud features.
For enterprise solutions, it's extendable easily with options for edge connectivity or stackable devices.
With uniform Fortinet FortiGate switches, adding or removing switches without reconfiguring individually is straightforward.
You just need to connect another switch or replace the current one, and it integrates well with the existing setup.
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.
The tool is robust and lasts for three to four years without needing replacement.
I would give it a nine out of ten for stability.
The stability has been good overall.
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 machine is robust and lasts for years with rare technical issues.
The introduction of AI integration could be valuable for detecting abnormal traffic directly on the switch.
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.
It has increased by about two hundred percent over the past three years.
The initial cost of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is high compared to other options.
Some high-end switches required for specific advanced features, like precision time protocols, can be more expensive.
It is an expensive product.
This centralized management saves time and ensures seamless scalability.
One of the main features is the integration with FortiGate.
The powerful integration capabilities allow us to manage all devices from a single interface through the firewall.
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 - Secure Access | 4.2% |
| Other | 89.1% |


| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 38 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 6 |
| Large Enterprise | 7 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 43 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 4 |
| Large Enterprise | 11 |
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access offers centralized control and seamless FortiGate integration, enhancing network management and security with single-console operations. Known for user-friendly configurations, it supports VLAN, PoE, and cloud-based management.
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access provides a powerful network management solution, emphasizing integration with FortiGate for streamlined operations and enhanced security protocols. Its interface and straightforward configuration support effective device management. While recognized for robust performance and affordability, users seek improvements in pricing, support, and firmware reliability. FortiSwitch fits into industries such as education, healthcare, and retail, providing secure remote access and connectivity for campus environments and remote sites. Clients value its comprehensive management features but suggest enhancements in standalone management, terminology clarity, and initial setup.
What are the key features?In industries like education, healthcare, and retail, Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is implemented to manage network security and infrastructure efficiently. Organizations use it to integrate with FortiGate, ensuring centralized management and improved security. It is deployed for secure remote access and connectivity for campuses and remote sites, enhancing security requirements in these sectors. Fortinet partners and customers benefit from its advanced management features, supporting VLANs and access-level connectivity for phones and computers, aligning with industry-specific demands.
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.
We monitor all Ethernet Switches reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.