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3Com H3C Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access 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 - Secu...
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
5th
Average Rating
8.2
Reviews Sentiment
7.7
Number of Reviews
48
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of October 2025, in the Ethernet Switches category, the mindshare of 3Com H3C Switches is 0.9%, down from 1.1% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is 4.5%, down from 5.9% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Ethernet Switches Market Share Distribution
ProductMarket Share (%)
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access4.5%
3Com H3C Switches0.9%
Other94.6%
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.
Uri Harf - PeerSpot reviewer
Integration with cloud management simplifies network expansion
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is expensive, and this initial cost can be a barrier, especially for new businesses setting up from scratch. Although the machine is robust and lasts for years with rare technical issues, the initial price can be high. Sometimes, I have to offer alternatives like Aruba or HP, which might be cheaper.

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"The reliability of the solution has been the best feature."
"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."
"They're straightforward and stable."
"They are easy to use, they are cheaper, and it's a trusted brand."
"The installation is quite straightforward."
"Their customer service is instant with a tracking system and follow-ups for human access."
"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."
"I can say that the product is easy to use...The initial setup of the product was easy."
"The product is very secure."
"The main benefit of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is its integration with FortiCloud, which allows me to manage all appliances in a single interface."
"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access has essential features for managing switches."
"The most valuable feature of this product is its simplicity."
"You can hook all the other components to be monitored. You can create policies and block certain people from accessing the Internet."
"The solution has enhanced network security by integrating access control more seamlessly, reducing overhead, and simplifying the network environment by removing the need for interfaces with other vendors."
"The most valuable feature of FortiSwitch is its user-friendly interface, which facilitates easy management and propagation of rules throughout the network."
 

Cons

"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."
"I think there's nothing that needs to be improved because the company is no longer in existence."
"When we try to do configuration changes sometimes it malfunctions."
"The cost and the integration with other solutions could be better."
"The technical support services need improvement in terms of communication."
"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 scalability and technical support can be improved."
"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is expensive, and this initial cost can be a barrier, especially for new businesses setting up from scratch."
"The central management needs improvement. The initial setup could be easier."
"FortiSwitch requires periodic firmware updates. It can be a little difficult because the switches aren't connected to the internet, so you cannot upgrade the firmware remotely. You need to go to the site and do it manually because it's a closed network."
"In the next release, I would like to see more outdoor products."
"I would like Fortinet to make this product easier to configure."
"The initial setup is pretty easy; we have built a knowledge base. But there's a learning curve for beginners."
"I give the stability a seven out of ten because we have noticed when we hook up phones the switching of ELANs et cetera doesn't work as it should."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"3Com H3C Switches have a competitive cost. I rate the pricing a nine out of ten."
"The cost could be improved, but it is cheaper than the others."
"The solution is expensive but overall the cost makes sense."
"The solution is cheaper than Cisco but more expensive than Huawei."
"We have to pay for the solution's subscription."
"Price-wise, I find Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access to be an okay product. It is not an expensive product."
"We have to renew and pay for the licenses."
"The solution has reasonable pricing. The firewall costs around 500$ annually."
"We signed up for a three-year license for support and replacement."
"The pricing is quite high."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Manufacturing Company
10%
Financial Services Firm
9%
University
7%
Educational Organization
7%
Computer Software Company
12%
Manufacturing Company
10%
Government
7%
Comms Service Provider
7%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business4
Midsize Enterprise1
Large Enterprise4
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business37
Midsize Enterprise6
Large Enterprise7
 

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...
Which would you choose - Fortinet Fortiswitch secure access or Cisco Ethernet Switches?
We researched Cisco but ultimately chose Fortinet FortiSwitch Secure Access, mostly because of the price. Fortinet FortiSwitch is an ethernet switch solution that provides security and performance...
What do you like most about Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access?
With FortiSwitch, you can easily identify who is connected to each port, disable ports as needed, and retrieve configurations from FortiGate when required.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access?
The initial cost of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is high compared to other options. Although robust and rarely needs replacement, it can be overqualified for some jobs, which affects the re...
 

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 - Secure Access and other solutions. Updated: September 2025.
868,787 professionals have used our research since 2012.