

Cisco Ethernet Switches and Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access are competitors in the network infrastructure market, particularly in providing core switching solutions. In terms of features, Cisco seems to have an edge with its advanced capabilities and robust security measures, while Fortinet excels in user-friendliness and centralized management.
Features: Cisco Ethernet Switches include advanced QoS features, seamless management with Smartports and CDP, and strong security with MACSec encryption. Their flexibility and stackability make them reliable core switches. In contrast, Fortinet FortiSwitch integrates well with FortiGate, focusing on security, usability, and streamlined centralized management leveraging the Fortinet Security Fabric.
Room for Improvement: Cisco's pricing, complex licensing, and initial setup challenges are areas for improvement, along with limited GUI options and third-party integration issues. Fortinet could enhance market appeal by refining pricing strategies and improving technical support responsiveness. The reliance on FortiGate for management can be inconvenient for users seeking standalone solutions.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco offers versatile deployment options across various environments, supported by global technical assistance, though support quality may vary. Fortinet focuses on on-premises solutions, with customer service generally well-rated, but some users face initial configuration challenges and variable support response times.
Pricing and ROI: Cisco Ethernet Switches command a premium price justified by durability and features but may be costly for smaller businesses. Fortinet FortiSwitch is more affordable but incurs additional costs due to annual licensing. Cisco's long-term ROI is positive due to reliability, while Fortinet offers good value through centralized management and reduced operational overhead.
It has saved considerable time for engineers to troubleshoot and perform related tasks.
Customer support for Cisco Ethernet Switches is really good.
It takes two to three days for Cisco support to address issues.
Currently, we don't have any technical support because our license doesn't allow for direct support.
They are knowledgeable, professional, and assist with any issues.
My local support is working fine, and I have my connection with my account manager in the public company of Fortinet.
It's a potential area for improvement, possibly in terms of response time or quality.
Cisco mainly provides security, patch management, hardware reliability, durability, scalability, and security features supporting my organization's expansion.
The latest products do not allow integration with the earlier environment.
The scalability depends on the model.
For enterprise solutions, it's extendable easily with options for edge connectivity or stackable devices.
You just need to connect another switch or replace the current one, and it integrates well with the existing setup.
With uniform Fortinet FortiGate switches, adding or removing switches without reconfiguring individually is straightforward.
The switches are very stable, rated ten out of ten.
The tool is robust and lasts for three to four years without needing replacement.
The stability has been good overall.
I would give it a nine out of ten for stability.
The pricing and hardware warranty renewal costs are more expensive than other products.
FortiGate switches are considered more valuable because they have firewall capabilities.
For example, on switches, filtering specific sections isn't supported, whereas, on routers, you can do 'show run' with additional commands to filter.
The introduction of AI integration could be valuable for detecting abnormal traffic directly on the switch.
The machine is robust and lasts for years with rare technical issues.
Cisco Ethernet switches are priced at a rating of nine, indicating they are expensive.
We need to pay for the subscription, as there are extra expenses after purchasing the product.
Regarding the cost, Cisco Ethernet Switches have a competitive price.
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.
Their stability and durability are essential features we've been looking for many years, and they are still working fine.
It provides a high layer of enterprise security via 802.1X port-based authentication, DHCP snooping, ARP inspection, IP Guard, ACLs, and integration with Cisco ISE.
The Cisco Ethernet switches are sturdy products that do not require any kind of maintenance.
This centralized management saves time and ensures seamless scalability.
The powerful integration capabilities allow us to manage all devices from a single interface through the firewall.
One of the main features is the integration with FortiGate.
| Product | Mindshare (%) |
|---|---|
| Cisco Ethernet Switches | 8.8% |
| Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access | 4.2% |
| Other | 87.0% |


| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 60 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 35 |
| Large Enterprise | 55 |
| Company Size | Count |
|---|---|
| Small Business | 38 |
| Midsize Enterprise | 6 |
| Large Enterprise | 7 |
Cisco Ethernet Switches provide reliable, high-performance networking with advanced features suitable for demanding environments, offering flexibility and easy management. These switches integrate well with different technologies, making them a go-to option for enterprises needing robust network solutions.
Renowned for superior performance and reliability, Cisco Ethernet Switches offer advanced networking features like network virtualization, VLAN, and quality of service. Robust design ensures durability in harsh conditions, while enhanced security features and remote management capabilities provide exceptional flexibility and troubleshooting ease. Users appreciate the support and comprehensive documentation provided, alongside the switches' ability to integrate seamlessly with technologies, supporting scalability and making them a preferred choice for businesses looking for efficient, secure networking solutions.
What are the key features of Cisco Ethernet Switches?Cisco Ethernet Switches are widely used in industries focusing on local area networking, data center infrastructure, and core to edge connectivity. Supporting LAN, data centers, security networks, and others, these switches facilitate robust communication and reliable connections. With advanced routing and stacking features, they optimize latency and handle high-throughput traffic, making them ideal for industries requiring stable and efficient networking.
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.
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