Cisco Nexus 9000 Series vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access comparison

Cisco Nexus 9000 Series is a high-performing network switch line designed for modern data centers, offering scalability, flexibility, and efficiency for complex network infrastructures.

This series enhances data center performance with its ability to provide extensive support for open Ethernet standards and programmable networking environments. It is specifically tailored to meet the demands of evolving infrastructure by delivering advanced automation and simplified operations tailored for application-driven environments. Designed to tackle the challenges of today's data centers, Cisco Nexus 9000 Series ensures robust networking for enterprises seeking growth through technological advancement.

• High Density: Features high-density 40G Ethernet, enhancing throughput in data centers.
• Programmability: Offers full programmable access via Cisco’s NX-OS software, enabling customized operations.
• Scalability: Supports scalability to enable growth and expansion without compromising performance.
• Energy Efficiency: Equipped with energy-saving technology, reducing operational costs significantly.

• Cost Efficiency: Reduces costs through energy-efficient operations and maintenance.
• Performance: Increases network performance forwarding vital data swiftly and securely.
• Adaptability: Easily integrates into existing systems, aiding in smooth transitions and upgrades.
• Reliability: Ensures continuous uptime and stability, crucial for business-critical operations.

Cisco Nexus 9000 Series finds extensive use in industries like finance, healthcare, and telecommunications, where robust, scalable network infrastructure is essential. In finance, it supports fast and reliable data transactions. In healthcare, it's critical for handling patient data securely. Telecommunications rely on it for managing extensive data traffic efficiently, demonstrating its adaptability and strength in managing sector-specific demands.

Fortinet FortiSwitch Secure Access is a secure, high-performance, and easy-to-manage switch. Fortinet FortiSwitch is the best solution for threat-conscious enterprises of all sizes because it is secure, simple, and scalable. Secure Access, which is tightly integrated into the Fortinet Security Fabric via FortiLink, may be handled directly from the FortiGate interface.

Regardless of how people and devices connect to the network, this single-pane-of-glass administration provides total visibility and control. This makes the Fortinet FortiSwitch perfect for SD-Branch and campus deployments, allowing enterprises to combine their security and network access with applications ranging from desktop to data center aggregation. Fortinet FortiSwitch's Secure Access is the most adaptable security platform with end-to-end protection in the industry.

Switches for Secure Access: Small to medium-sized businesses, scattered organizations, branch offices, and industrial control systems can all benefit.

Switches for Data Centers: Ideal for users requiring high-performance 10 GE or 40 GE.

Fortinet FortiSwitch Secure Access Features

Fortinet FortiSwitch has many valuable key features. Some of the most useful ones include:

• Fortinet FortiSwitch Secure Access is designed for various installations, including desktops and wiring closets.

• Deploy and manage switches using the FortiGate interface, with FortiGate Cloud as a cloud administration option, or manage as a standalone switch using CLI, API, GUI, or the cloud with FortiSwitch Cloud.

• Switch configuration, management, and troubleshooting are all simplified with a single-pane-of-glass dashboard.

• Fortinet FortiSwitch Secure Access is ideal for SD-Branch deployments.

• Secure Access uses FortiGate interfaces to connect with FortiLink. This provides centralized security and access control.

• Integration of the Security Fabric: Fortinet FortiSwitch's FortiGate management brings Security Fabric features to the Ethernet access layer.

• Voice, data, and wireless traffic can all be carried over a single network, making it ideal for converged network environments.

• Non-FortiLink deployments can be supported via the onboard GUI, API, or command line settings.

• Up to 48 ports in a compact and 1 RU form factor.

• Depending on the model, up to 300 switches can be stacked per FortiGate.

• Supports wire-speed switching, as well as store and forward mode.

Fortinet FortiSwitch Secure Access Benefits

There are many benefits to implementing Fortinet FortiSwitch. Some of the biggest advantages the solution offers include:

• You can easily manage all deployments in one interface if your company scales and opens a new office or location.

• You can ensure that users are authenticated before giving network access.

• Power over Ethernet makes it simple to set up wireless access points and IP phones.

• With network segmentation, you can help satisfy data separation compliance.

Reviews from Real Users

Fortinet FortiSwitch stands out among its competitors for a number of reasons. Two major ones are its stability and its VLAN setup. PeerSpot users take note of the advantages of these features in their reviews:

Rutul S., CXO at Aariha Enterprise Private Limited, writes of the product, “The most valuable feature is the SD-WAN support. This device is easy to use.” He adds, “Stability-wise, this product is better than others that are on the market.”

Emil V., System Consultant at I team, notes, “I like the VLAN setup of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access. Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access has very good scalability.” He adds, “Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is easy to set up. It only takes minutes to deploy this product, because it is mostly boxes.”