Try our new research platform with insights from 80,000+ expert users

D-Link Ethernet Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center 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

D-Link Ethernet Switches
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
11th
Average Rating
7.8
Reviews Sentiment
7.4
Number of Reviews
29
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data...
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
15th
Average Rating
8.2
Reviews Sentiment
7.4
Number of Reviews
24
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2025, in the Ethernet Switches category, the mindshare of D-Link Ethernet Switches is 5.7%, up from 5.4% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is 1.8%, up from 1.1% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Ethernet Switches
 

Featured Reviews

MichaelNdwiga - PeerSpot reviewer
Enhanced network efficiency through features and demonstrate minimal downtime
One of the issues is the range of their products. They need to increase it. For example, if I want a 12-port switch that is fully managed, it's not easy to find. So, I have to opt for a 24-port switch that is fully managed, which might not be necessary as I only need 12 ports. So if they could increase the range of the switches in regards to the features, and the number of ports, that would be beneficial. So, that's the only potential improvement. The switches are perfect otherwise. Ideally, I'd like to see a central management system included as part of their license, not as a separate purchase. Currently, we have to manage switches independently. A central portal for managing all switches and providing visibility would be great.
Rias Majeed - PeerSpot reviewer
Enables easy management of traffic and enhances security
FortiSwitch Data Center allows for centralized management of both Fortinet switches and firewalls from a single interface. This integration makes network management streamlined and secure. Additionally, the controllers are built into the firewall, which enables easy management of traffic and enhances security. Unlike some solutions, a Fortinet firewall is not just a firewall; it also acts as a full-fledged router.

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"D-Link has a good VPN feature and quality of service."
"The switches have a graphical user interface that makes configuration good, easy, and straightforward."
"There are no stability issues with D-Link Ethernet switches."
"Its integration is the most valuable."
"The main selling point for me was the pricing. Moreover, the performance is good. I haven't had any issues so far."
"D-Link has a graphical interface that is easy to use. It is simple enough that our junior technicians can configure the switches."
"I can't find anything wrong with our D-Link Ethernet Switches."
"The most valuable feature is VLAN."
"The initial setup was simple."
"A valuable feature of FortiGate is its management integrity."
"Using Fortinet's whole range, including FortiSwitches, is cost-effective compared to Cisco and beneficial for network security."
"It integrates well."
"The most valuable feature is the port analytics."
"FortiSwitch Data Center allows for centralized management of both Fortinet switches and firewalls from a single interface."
"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center's scalability is good."
"It allows us to manage all necessary services, such as data centers, networking, and cybersecurity."
 

Cons

"I would like an option to create different networks within the switch."
"The solution's web filtering feature could be improved."
"The solution needs to improve layer 2 switches."
"They could be more stable. They were not as resistant as Cisco. After some time, some of them failed. This could be because we import quite a lot of products from different horizons, so there is no guarantee of quality. In Africa, these products don't always directly come from the manufacturer. We get these products from the Middle East or Asia. Therefore, you cannot be sure that the quality is exactly similar to what you have in Europe or America."
"We have issues with the stability."
"The D-Link Ethernet Switches have to be replaced because they are difficult to manage and security is poor. They should add centralized manageability to make the solution better, it will allow administrators to better know what is happening on the network."
"In future releases, I would like to see improved security and an improved CLI (Command-Line Interface)."
"Areas of the solution that have room for improvement include scalability, as it should improve both scaling and security."
"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center needs to improve its UI and stability."
"There is room for improvement in customer support and device speed. Sometimes, customer support does not provide prompt assistance, leaving projects hanging."
"Compatibility with infrastructure from other vendors like Cisco and Sophos can be further improved."
"With IT products, there is always room for improvement."
"Managing the VLANs is an area where the solution lacks and needs to improve."
"The product must improve the latency in the management center."
"The stability of the solution is impacted when integrating parts from different vendors such as Cisco, which can lead to performance problems and disconnections."
"The tool is not easy to use."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"They were cheap. We were not paying for any license."
"D-Link Ethernet Switches' price is good."
"These units vary in price from $200 to one thousand dollars. They're available for a one-time purchase."
"The price of D-Link Ethernet Switches is in the 4,000 to 5,000 rupees or 65 to 100 USD range. The price of the solution is not expensive."
"The D-Link Switches are cheaper than Cisco."
"It is an affordable solution."
"The solution is budget-friendly"
"This product is very affordable, especially compared to Cisco."
"The solution's pricing is a little high. The solution deserves the current price it receives from its users."
"We pay a yearly licensing fee for the solution, which is expensive."
"This solution is expensive but it does not require a license."
"The product is less expensive than one of its competitors."
"The solution is not expensive."
"The product has a mid-range price."
"It is reasonably priced."
"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is expensive."
report
Use our free recommendation engine to learn which Ethernet Switches solutions are best for your needs.
849,686 professionals have used our research since 2012.
 

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
15%
Comms Service Provider
9%
Healthcare Company
9%
Manufacturing Company
8%
Computer Software Company
19%
Government
10%
Financial Services Firm
9%
Comms Service Provider
5%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

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 functions but there are many different models within the same 2960 line, and on the ...
What do you like most about D-Link Ethernet Switches?
D-Link has a good VPN feature and quality of service.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for D-Link Ethernet Switches?
D-Link Ethernet Switches are 30% cheaper than Cisco switches. Pricing has not been a concern since it is already included in the capex.
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.
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 prompt assistance, leaving projects hanging. Additionally, improving the speed of th...
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

George Mason University, Somerville House, Hiperwall, New Brunswick School District 16, The Fulcrum Group, Bremond Independent School District, University of Texas Health Science Center, Grand Canyon Skywalk, SUN Area Career & Technology Center, Abington Senior High School
Black Gold Regional Schools, Amadeus Hospitality, Jefferson County, Chunghwa Telecom, City of Boroondara, Dimension Data
Find out what your peers are saying about D-Link Ethernet Switches vs. Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center and other solutions. Updated: April 2025.
849,686 professionals have used our research since 2012.