Cisco Linksys Ethernet Switches and Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center compete in the Ethernet switch market, serving various network needs. Fortinet seems to have the upper hand with its enhanced security features and comprehensive management tools, especially appealing to security-focused users.
Features: Cisco Linksys Ethernet Switches are valued for affordability and straightforward use, suitable for small to medium businesses. They integrate easily with platforms, providing reliable operation over time. Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center excels in enhanced security, especially when integrated with FortiGate. It offers superior network visibility and management, making it ideal for comprehensive cybersecurity environments.
Room for Improvement: Cisco Linksys could improve its warranty offerings and enhance ruggedness for industrial applications. Better scalability and user interface are also needed. Fortinet FortiSwitch could benefit from improved VLAN management and greater AI-driven features. Users also seek enhanced integration with broader network architectures.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco Linksys Ethernet Switches are generally easy to set up with on-premises deployment and good technical support, though service quality varies by location. Fortinet FortiSwitch can be deployed in hybrid and on-premises formats, with competent support but needing better global reach and integration assistance.
Pricing and ROI: Cisco Linksys is known for its cost-effectiveness, offering a good return on investment over time without expensive licensing. Some concerns persist about variable pricing. Fortinet FortiSwitch, while more expensive, provides valued security features. Users appreciate its predictable cost model but desire higher ROI to justify its upfront costs.
The integration of Fortinet infrastructure, including FortiSwitches, is cost-effective compared to Cisco, especially when paired with Fortinet wireless solutions.
They've integrated it over the last few years, and they don't differentiate with the support as far as the Linksys versus the full-blown Cisco switches.
They were easily reachable for technical support in our last project.
I rate Cisco's technical support at eight out of ten.
Technical partners provide responses within a day for any technical queries.
Customer support needs improvement in terms of speed and reliability.
On a scale from one to 10, I would rate the technical support of Fortinet an eight.
When used in a dedicated Fortinet infrastructure, FortiSwitch scalability is better than some other switches, like Cisco, Meraki, or Arista.
Scalability is generally good, with transitions from gigabit to ten giga, twenty-five giga, and forty giga.
The Linksys depends on the environment; if it's an easy-going environment, they're pretty stable, but in more complex network environments, Cisco is definitely a lot more stable.
There is room for improvement as it sometimes takes over an hour to push configurations onto the devices from the management tool.
There should be an improvement in Cisco's response time and overall competence.
Having tools that allow for easier management and configuration would benefit the Cisco switches because the Linksys switches are easier to manage, set up, configure, and get up and running than doing configs on Cisco switches.
I would like Cisco to improve their technical support.
Sometimes, customer support does not provide prompt assistance, leaving projects hanging.
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.
There is room to improve the integration between FortiSwitch and other third-party solutions, as challenges arise when integrating with different vendors.
Pricing can be high when compared to other solutions in the market.
The Fortinet switches come with no additional cost as they are open source, with only hardware warranties applicable.
Pricing is competitive, although it's not the cheapest option.
Cisco is trusted by most broadcast customers for data centers due to their experience and knowledge.
Some of the most valuable features of Cisco Linksys Ethernet Switches include their security features.
Cost savings and ease of use are benefits I've seen from using this, as it's less complex to set up and configure compared to Cisco switching.
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.
This feature allows the switch's ports to be used as firewall ports, enhancing network security by enabling IPS and network profiling directly on the ports.
It allows me to create VLANs, implement security measures, and push configurations using a single tool.
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.
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