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3Com H3C Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center 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

3Com H3C Switches
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
21st
Average Rating
8.0
Reviews Sentiment
5.8
Number of Reviews
7
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
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
 

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2025, in the Ethernet Switches category, the mindshare of 3Com H3C Switches is 1.0%, down from 1.1% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is 1.8%, up from 1.1% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Ethernet Switches
 

Featured Reviews

MURALI NIDAMANURI - PeerSpot reviewer
Upgraded interface supports efficient configuration and extensive network layer integration
The user interface is upgraded to the latest GUI technology, allowing configurations like VLAN to be done through the interface rather than the command line, making it more efficient. The solutions provided support many network layers extensively, including VLANs, L3 APIs, and L4, L5, L7 application layers, which improve customization, security, and data management.
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.

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"They are easy to use, they are cheaper, and it's a trusted brand."
"They're straightforward and stable."
"The hardware side is a very big advantage. We use it 24/7 and we haven't had any problems so far with the switches."
"Their customer service is instant with a tracking system and follow-ups for human access."
"The reliability of the solution has been the best feature."
"The installation is quite straightforward."
"The user interface is upgraded to the latest GUI technology, allowing configurations like VLAN to be done through the interface rather than the command line, making it more efficient."
"What I like about the solution is that it can be accessed anywhere."
"The product is stable."
"When configuring FortiSwitch with a FortiGate firewall, I can consider all FortiSwitch's ports as a part of the FortiGate firewall."
"SD-WAN and the security fabric are essential features of the product."
"Using Fortinet's whole range, including FortiSwitches, is cost-effective compared to Cisco and beneficial for network security."
"An affordable and stable solution for small-medium companies."
"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."
 

Cons

"The cost and the integration with other solutions could be better."
"The technical support services need improvement in terms of communication."
"I think there's nothing that needs to be improved because the company is no longer in existence."
"The company should come up with new security features and new management and log recording systems, helping customers to analyze issues and prevent future incidents."
"The configuration of 3Com H3C Switches could be better."
"The company should come up with new security features and new management and log recording systems, helping customers to analyze issues and prevent future incidents."
"When we try to do configuration changes sometimes it malfunctions."
"They could improve availability and security by detecting and preventing switch attacks."
"Fortinet could have the ability to authenticate users like Aruba offers because managing ten or twelve SSIDs for different clients is complicated."
"There is room to improve the integration between FortiSwitch and other third-party solutions, as challenges arise when integrating with different vendors."
"The solution can improve by upgrading QSFP+, it is very limited and must be supported more than it is now. If we need FortiSwitches to support all the QSFP ports our budgets would have to be very large."
"When there are many switches being used, the speed declines noticeably."
"The solution’s pricing could be improved."
"The tool is not easy to use."
"The stability of the solution is impacted when integrating parts from different vendors such as Cisco, which can lead to performance problems and disconnections."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The cost could be improved, but it is cheaper than the others."
"3Com H3C Switches have a competitive cost. I rate the pricing a nine out of ten."
"The tool's pricing is lower than Cisco's."
"Cost-wise, Fortinet solutions are cheaper than those offered by Cisco."
"The solution is not expensive."
"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."
"It is reasonably priced."
"This solution is expensive but it does not require a license."
"The product has a mid-range price."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
13%
University
11%
Financial Services Firm
10%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Computer Software Company
19%
Government
10%
Financial Services Firm
9%
Comms Service Provider
5%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about 3Com H3C Switches?
The installation is quite straightforward.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for 3Com H3C Switches?
The price depends on the segments the switches serve. For some segments, they can be costly.
What needs improvement with 3Com H3C Switches?
The company should come up with new security features and new management and log recording systems, helping customers to analyze issues and prevent future incidents. Remediation recommendations sho...
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...
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

British Columbia Assessment Authority, DreamWorks, DRV
Black Gold Regional Schools, Amadeus Hospitality, Jefferson County, Chunghwa Telecom, City of Boroondara, Dimension Data
Find out what your peers are saying about 3Com H3C Switches vs. Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center and other solutions. Updated: April 2025.
850,028 professionals have used our research since 2012.