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Cisco Ethernet Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center vs Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches comparison

Cisco and Fortinet are both solutions in the Ethernet Switches category. Cisco is ranked #1 with an average rating of 8.8, while Fortinet is ranked #15 with an average rating of 8.2. Cisco holds a 12.8% mindshare in ES, compared to Fortinet’s 1.9% mindshare. Additionally, 96% of Cisco users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Fortinet users who would recommend it.
Cisco Ethernet Switches
Read 135 Cisco Ethernet Switches reviews
  • 13,797 Views
  • 13,797 Comparison Views
96% willing to recommend
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data...
Read 25 Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center reviews
  • 1,562 Views
  • 1,562 Comparison Views
100% willing to recommend
Juniper EX Series Ethernet ...
Read 71 Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches reviews
  • 3,450 Views
  • 3,347 Comparison Views
91% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive Summary
We performed a comparison between Cisco Ethernet Switches, Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center, and Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out what your peers are saying about Cisco, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Netgear and others in Ethernet Switches.

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To learn more, read our detailed Ethernet Switches Report (Updated: August 2025).
Buyer's Guide
Ethernet Switches
August 2025
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Review summaries and opinions

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

Mindshare comparison

As of August 2025, in the Ethernet Switches category, the mindshare of Cisco Ethernet Switches is 12.8%, down from 18.6% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is 1.9%, up from 1.2% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches is 2.8%, down from 3.8% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Ethernet Switches Market Share Distribution
ProductMarket Share (%)
Cisco Ethernet Switches12.8%
Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches2.8%
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center1.9%
Other82.5%
Ethernet Switches
 

Featured Reviews

Myint Aung - PeerSpot reviewer
Exceptional network support and AI integration drive performance while suggesting enhancements for future use cases
I work with both HyperFlex and other Cisco products. I prefer to make online support available because I can utilize my CCIE architect, solution consultant, and engineer team along with our account manager and product sales team. We can clarify requirements and decide how to support you. We should arrange a conference call about Cisco Ethernet Switches where I can invite my architect and consultant to clarify more about the features that are most beneficial for improving network efficiency. Today is AI day, and all the new firmware includes AI to optimize the performance, traffic, and security of Cisco Ethernet Switches. It's performing very well. With many solutions and vendors available, you have to decide on one. I am extremely satisfied with the licensing cost for Cisco Ethernet Switches. For the price of Cisco Ethernet Switches, I would rate it a 7. My overall rating for Cisco Ethernet Switches is 10 out of 10.
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Rutul SHah - PeerSpot reviewer
Provides seamless traffic control and secure connectivity while minimizing downtime and optimizing resource allocation
There is always room for improvement in Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center because with this switch, they can reduce downtime due to broadcasting issues by denying specific traffic on particular ports. Currently, I am not identifying any weak points of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center because it meets the customer's use case. However, 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.
Read full review
FauzanRahmanto - PeerSpot reviewer
Have achieved lower costs and gained reliability with some room for better scalability
The security capabilities of Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches are comparable to other brands, so there are no additional points for Juniper regarding the security systems. I would rate the price of Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches an eight out of ten. Regarding stability, I would rate Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches a nine out of ten. I would recommend Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches to other organizations because it is easy to use, the command is easy to learn, and it is very stable. I chose Juniper as my primary vendor because it is very stable, reliable, and the price is lower than competitors. I am the person who usually does the maintenance alone. In my office, my two colleagues and I are the network engineers directly responsible for the operation of the EX devices. The number of users in my organization who have access to Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches is around 17 people. Overall, I would rate Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches an eight out of ten.
Read full review

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"I am not sure exactly which feature is most valuable because overall, the device helps us to manage our environment."
"The most valuable features of Cisco Ethernet Switches for our network are speed, latency, and reliability."
"The brand name and the service support by Cisco are most valuable."
"The solution effectively provides a stable connection for users."
"The most valuable features are network monitoring and management."
"Cisco Ethernet Switches are very reliable and work like a clock once configured."
"Remote access is a valuable feature."
"The product offers very good customer support. It's likely the best in the industry."
More Cisco Ethernet Switches pros
"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."
"Using Fortinet's whole range, including FortiSwitches, is cost-effective compared to Cisco and beneficial for network security."
"All the features are necessary, like tracking evidence and IPS. However, I appreciate the ability to connect the logs and the dashboard functionality."
"When configuring FortiSwitch with a FortiGate firewall, I can consider all FortiSwitch's ports as a part of the FortiGate firewall."
"We are able to monitor everything that is happening on our network."
"The product's most valuable feature is its ability to manage switches from one central point."
"The solution has made configuration and setup very, very easy."
"I have found the solution to be scalable."
More Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center pros
"It is very valuable for SRX devices and we have found it very easy to configure."
"I like the simplicity of it."
"One of the most valuable features of Juniper Ethernet Switches is they are rugged."
"The most valuable feature of this solution is the Junos operating system."
"The main benefits that solutions such as the Juniper products provide are their reliability."
"Compared to Cisco, Juniper offers better stability and low prices."
"The GUI interface distinguishes it from other vendors and makes it easy to operate."
"The feature I like the most is the ability to reword changes before committing to the change. We can always reword changes in 10 minutes if they don't work."
More Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches pros
 

Cons

"I would like to see this solution automatically store multiple versions of the configuration file."
"The interface and dashboard could look better."
"The technical support could improve, they are about average quality."
"AI technology must be involved in the future."
"There's are other products that are better for network programmability. Cisco isn't as programmable as some preferred vendors. For example, on iOS 6 products, you have to commit the change directly on the running configuration. If you have a generic product you can do this, so it can improve in programmability."
"We'd like the pricing to be lowered."
"It'll also help if it can support more network utilization."
"Location of customers to connect clients to the servers and transport the data and VoIP in parallel with QoS and NBAR with 802.1X."
More Cisco Ethernet Switches cons
"With IT products, there is always room for improvement."
"They could improve availability and security by detecting and preventing switch attacks."
"We need to understand a bit more about certifications and knowledge for understanding capabilities. The solution should make that more clear to its users."
"The tool is not easy to use."
"There is room for improvement in customer support and device speed. Sometimes, customer support does not provide prompt assistance, leaving projects hanging."
"The product must improve the latency in the management center."
"The UI of the firewall and reporting could be improved."
"Cisco is better in terms of price, scalability, and ease of management. Regarding resources, they are available in Pakistan to manage these systems."
More Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center cons
"Improvements can be made in the web user interface and web management."
"We are not very pleased with their performance."
"Juniper's support could be much better and faster."
"In the next release of this solution, I would like to see better integration with software-defined networking."
"We would like it if there was more security added in future releases."
"The price is in the intermediate range. It is not overly expensive, but also not cheap. It could stand improvement."
"Juniper should consider reducing its pricing."
"The difficulty of the installation of Juniper Ethernet Switches depends on the environment it is being implemented in. It is fairly straightforward in terms of being able to source the technical information as we need it. However, this process could improve."
More Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches cons
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"There is a license required for this solution and the price could be better."
"These switches are expensive, but they are an excellent buy and definitely have value for the investment."
"When you compare with other products, they are more or less the same price."
"The price is on the higher side."
"Pricing for this product is high but the cost is worth it if you can afford it."
"The pricing is reasonable so I rate it a six out of ten."
"Not inexpensive. Price will vary widely depending on the chosen product and size of the deployment."
"Price-wise, Cisco Ethernet Switches is a product that falls a little bit on the expensive side."
More Cisco Ethernet Switches pricing and cost advice
"The tool's pricing is lower than Cisco's."
"It is reasonably priced."
"The product has a mid-range price."
"The solution's pricing is a little high. The solution deserves the current price it receives from its users."
"The solution is not expensive."
"Cost-wise, Fortinet solutions are cheaper than those offered by Cisco."
"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is expensive."
"This solution is expensive but it does not require a license."
More Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center pricing and cost advice
"If compared to Cisco, this is a well priced solution. Compared to HP, it is a little bit overpriced. Overall, they are priced in the middle compared to competitors."
"You require the Junos Management Platform in order to manage the switches and you need to purchase the Juniper Ethernet Switches."
"We purchased the box for a one-time charge, and we are paying a yearly support fee of several hundred Euros."
"The pricing is very aggressive."
"It's was $100,000 per year."
"The pricing for the support is very high."
"Juniper Ethernet Switches are cheaper than Cisco or HP."
"The price could be cheaper."
More Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches pricing and cost advice
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Comparison Review

it_user82779 - PeerSpot reviewer
Jan 29, 2014
Benefits of Juniper vs Cisco
Both are decent products. I prefer Juniper for the following reasons: 1) Cleaner separation of data plane from control plane. Higher end Cisco devices are better at this but most of the lower end products still seem to be more integrated than I like. 2) The Hierarchical config design means I can…
Read full review
 

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
12%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Financial Services Firm
8%
Government
7%
Computer Software Company
17%
Government
10%
Manufacturing Company
8%
Financial Services Firm
6%
Computer Software Company
12%
Manufacturing Company
9%
University
8%
Educational Organization
7%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business57
Midsize Enterprise35
Large Enterprise53
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business16
Midsize Enterprise5
Large Enterprise4
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business38
Midsize Enterprise17
Large Enterprise23
 

Questions from the Community

Would you recommend replacing a Cisco Catalyst Switch by a D-link one?
Hello Mesfin It depends on the real scenario, the cisco 2960 is a very good device and they usually have routing func...
See all answers
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 F...
See all answers
In terms of ethernet switches, would you go with Cisco or Juniper?
Our organization ran comparison tests to determine whether Cisco or Juniper Ethernet switches were the better fit for...
See all answers
What do you like most about Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center?
The initial setup was simple.
See all answers
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.
See all answers
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 prom...
See all answers
What advice do you have for others considering Juniper Ethernet Switches?
Juniper EX model is ok for the campus network as the ex4300 is EOL in a few years and the new ex4400 is the standard....
See all answers
What is your primary use case for Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches?
We deal mostly with Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches products, as we are partners with Juniper products. We work w...
See all answers
What do you like most about Juniper EX Series?
The setup phase was straightforward.
See all answers
 

Comparisons

Aruba Switches vs Cisco Ethernet Switches Logo
Aruba Switches vs Cisco Ethernet Switches
Compared 19% of the time
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access vs Cisco Ethernet Switches Logo
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access vs Cisco Ethernet Switches
Compared 16% of the time
D-Link Ethernet Switches vs Cisco Ethernet Switches Logo
D-Link Ethernet Switches vs Cisco Ethernet Switches
Compared 9% of the time
NETGEAR Switches vs Cisco Ethernet Switches Logo
NETGEAR Switches vs Cisco Ethernet Switches
Compared 7% of the time
Meraki MS Switches vs Cisco Ethernet Switches Logo
Meraki MS Switches vs Cisco Ethernet Switches
Compared 3% of the time
More Cisco Ethernet Switches Competitors
Aruba Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center Logo
Aruba Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center
Compared 19% of the time
HPE Ethernet Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center Logo
HPE Ethernet Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center
Compared 15% of the time
Ubiquiti UniFi Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center Logo
Ubiquiti UniFi Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center
Compared 7% of the time
Meraki MS Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center Logo
Meraki MS Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center
Compared 6% of the time
Huawei Ethernet Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center Logo
Huawei Ethernet Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center
Compared 6% of the time
More Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center Competitors
Aruba Switches vs Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches Logo
Aruba Switches vs Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches
Compared 14% of the time
Arista Networks Platform vs Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches Logo
Arista Networks Platform vs Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches
Compared 10% of the time
Ubiquiti UniFi Switches vs Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches Logo
Ubiquiti UniFi Switches vs Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches
Compared 8% of the time
NETGEAR Switches vs Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches Logo
NETGEAR Switches vs Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches
Compared 6% of the time
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access vs Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches Logo
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access vs Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches
Compared 4% of the time
More Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches Competitors
 

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
Cisco Ethernet Switches
August 2025
Cisco Ethernet Switches reportDownload Cisco Ethernet Switches product report
Buyer's Guide
Ethernet Switches
August 2025
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center reportDownload Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center product report
Buyer's Guide
Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches
August 2025
Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches reportDownload Juniper EX Series Ethernet Switches product report
 

Also Known As

Cisco Industrial Ethernet Switches
No data available
Juniper Ethernet Switches
 

Overview

Cisco Ethernet Switches scale to meet the needs of networks of all sizes. They are Secure, Reliable and Seamless.
Cisco

With 10 or 40 GE access ports and a high-throughput backbone, FortiSwitch Data Center Switches are ideal for the top-of-rack (ToR) server or firewall-aggregation applications. The high-speed switching fabric is also well suited for enterprise network core or backbone network installations.

Fortinet

Juniper Ethernet Switches are made up of the EX Series product line. These EX Series Ethernet Switches provide branch, campus and data center networks with access, aggregation and core layer switching solutions. The end result is secure, fast and efficient application and data delivery.

Today's enterprise networks increasingly demand mobile access, optimal availability, virtualization, and unified communications. The Juniper Ethernet Switches EX Series caters for all of these requirements, ensuring business continuity, network flexibility and maximum productivity.

Juniper EX Series switches are AI-driven, operated and managed using the Mist AI cloud from Juniper. This gives EX customers simplified operations with insights, anomaly detection and automated troubleshooting, empowering IT teams to deliver the best user experience across the wired network.

Juniper
 

Sample Customers

Linz AG
Black Gold Regional Schools, Amadeus Hospitality, Jefferson County, Chunghwa Telecom, City of Boroondara, Dimension Data
BlackLotus, Staminus, Community Bank, BAS Group, Cloud Dynamics, Privalia, Fluidata, and Tesla Motors.
Buyer's Guide
Ethernet Switches
August 2025
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