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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 August 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 4.6%, down from 6.0% 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.
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

"They are easy to use, they are cheaper, and it's a trusted brand."
"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."
"They're straightforward and stable."
"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 installation is quite straightforward."
"The reliability of the solution has been the best feature."
"The product is very secure."
"One of the most feature-packed switching solutions you can implement."
"The most valuable feature would be network management, separating the network management component from security. It can do both but we promote it on its own. It's a good solution to do network management."
"What stands out is the effective management and enhanced security provided by the solution's function as an extension of the firewall."
"Integration is good, as well as price and technical support."
"It is a cheap and secure solution. The job switching and security features are better than other solutions."
"What I really love in FortiSwitch: its usability, the graphical user interface, and the ability to be managed by FortiGate."
"The most valuable feature is the breakability after integration with the FortiGate firewall."
 

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."
"When we try to do configuration changes sometimes it malfunctions."
"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."
"I think there's nothing that needs to be improved because the company is no longer in existence."
"The cost and the integration with other solutions could be better."
"The technical support services need improvement in terms of communication."
"The configuration of 3Com H3C Switches could be better."
"The central management needs improvement. The initial setup could be easier."
"The scalability and technical support can be improved."
"We've had some issues with Layer 3 FortiSwitch. We can deploy the device in the cloud. However, we can't deploy this solution in complex environments easily."
"More integration would be helpful, especially since we sometimes have devices from other companies. Improved interoperability would be very beneficial."
"When we started using the solution, it was quite complex but then it became easier to use. It takes a while to get used to the interface."
"The pricing could be improved, and it could be easier to configure."
"I would rate technical support at eight. It's a potential area for improvement, possibly in terms of response time or quality."
"I believe that stacking, a feature that is available in Huawei and Cisco, is not available in Fortinet products."
 

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."
"We have to renew and pay for the licenses."
"The product is costly for SMB customers compared to other brands available in the market."
"The solution has reasonable pricing. The firewall costs around 500$ annually."
"Price-wise, I find Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access to be an okay product. It is not an expensive product."
"The cost appears to be high in comparison to other competing products although with this product you are paying for what you get."
"We have to pay for the solution's subscription."
"The pricing for Fortinet FortiSwitch is not expensive."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Manufacturing Company
11%
University
11%
Financial Services Firm
10%
Construction Company
8%
Computer Software Company
12%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Government
8%
Financial Services Firm
7%
 

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...
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: July 2025.
864,574 professionals have used our research since 2012.