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Extreme VDX [EOL] vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center comparison

Extreme Networks and Fortinet are both solutions in the Ethernet Switches category. Additionally, 100% of Extreme Networks users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 95% of Fortinet users who would recommend it.
Extreme VDX [EOL]
Read 3 Extreme VDX [EOL] reviews
    100% willing to recommend
    Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data...
    Read 26 Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center reviews
    • 1,668 Views
    • 1,668 Comparison Views
    95% willing to recommend
     

    Comparison Buyer's Guide

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    Executive Summary
    We performed a comparison between Extreme VDX [EOL] and Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

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

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    Ethernet Switches
    January 2026
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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:
     

    Categories and Ranking

    Extreme VDX [EOL]
    Average Rating
    8.6
    Reviews Sentiment
    7.5
    Number of Reviews
    3
    Ranking in other categories
    No ranking in other categories
    Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data...
    Average Rating
    8.0
    Reviews Sentiment
    6.4
    Number of Reviews
    26
    Ranking in other categories
    Ethernet Switches (15th)
     

    Featured Reviews

    Osama Ahmed LUBBAD - PeerSpot reviewer
    Osama Ahmed LUBBAD
    Systems Support Engineer at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
    A stable, scalable, and problem-free solution
    Software needs to be updated regularly in order to maintain security and performance. However, in some cases, it is necessary to stack switches in order to meet the needs of the network. Although Cisco switches are able to stack, other switches are not as simple to stack. I would like the ability to stack with different switch brands.
    Read full review
    Rutul SHah - PeerSpot reviewer
    Rutul SHah
    CXO at Aariha Enterprise Private Limited
    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

    Quotes from Members

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

    Pros

    "Its simplicity and web interface were most valuable. I also liked the two-factor authentication."
    "The fabric of the solution and the management aspect are the solution's most valuable features."
    "The most valuable feature of Extreme VDX is that we have had no problems and the solution's performance is excellent."
    "An affordable and stable solution for small-medium companies."
    "The solution has made configuration and setup very, very easy."
    "It integrates well."
    "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."
    "It allows us to manage all necessary services, such as data centers, networking, and cybersecurity."
    "The single pane of glass that helps us manage everything through FortiManager is the most important feature."
    "We are able to monitor everything that is happening on our network."
    "The initial setup was simple."
    More Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center pros
     

    Cons

    "Its scalability can be better. If possible, it can have Hyper POE. I am not sure if there is a fiber version."
    "I would like the ability to stack with different switch brands."
    "The only problem is that at the moment it's an Extreme product and Extreme is not really pushing it. They have to make up for weak innovation and I'm not sure if they want to do that."
    "Cisco is better in terms of price, scalability, and ease of management. Regarding resources, they are available in Pakistan to manage these systems."
    "We need to understand a bit more about certifications and knowledge for understanding capabilities. The solution should make that more clear to its users."
    "Managing the VLANs is an area where the solution lacks and needs to improve."
    "Before using FortiSwitch, you need several certifications."
    "There is room to improve the integration between FortiSwitch and other third-party solutions, as challenges arise when integrating with different vendors."
    "Compatibility with infrastructure from other vendors like Cisco and Sophos can be further improved."
    "The FortiSwitch product was initially quite complex."
    "Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center needs to improve its UI and stability."
    More Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center cons
     

    Pricing and Cost Advice

    "It was around $1500 a year. It is cheaper than Cisco but more expensive than Ruckus."
    "Cost-wise, Fortinet solutions are cheaper than those offered by Cisco."
    "The product is less expensive than one of its competitors."
    "This solution is expensive but it does not require a license."
    "We pay a yearly licensing fee for the solution, which is expensive."
    "The product has a mid-range price."
    "Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is expensive."
    "The solution is not expensive."
    "The solution's pricing is a little high. The solution deserves the current price it receives from its users."
    More Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center pricing and cost advice
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    Top Industries

    By visitors reading reviews
    No data available
    Government
    14%
    Computer Software Company
    9%
    Manufacturing Company
    8%
    Retailer
    7%
     

    Company Size

    By reviewers
    Large Enterprise
    Midsize Enterprise
    Small Business
    No data available
    By reviewers
    Company SizeCount
    Small Business17
    Midsize Enterprise5
    Large Enterprise4
     

    Questions from the Community

    Ask a question
    Earn 20 points
    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?
    The performance is basic only, and we cannot compare Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center with Aruba or Cisco switches. Regarding security policies, I did not configure that many policies in Fortinet...
    See all answers
     

    Comparisons

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    Compared 13% of the time
    Cisco Ethernet Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center Logo
    Cisco Ethernet Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center
    Compared 10% of the time
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    Compared 7% of the time
    Meraki MS Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center Logo
    Meraki MS Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center
    Compared 7% of the time
    More Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center Competitors
     

    Product Reports

    Buyer's Guide
    Ethernet Switches
    January 2026
    Extreme VDX [EOL] reportDownload Extreme VDX [EOL] product report
    Buyer's Guide
    Ethernet Switches
    January 2026
    Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center reportDownload Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center product report
     

    Also Known As

    VDX, Brocade VDX
    No data available
     

    Overview

    Brocade VDX Switches support Layer 2 and Layer 3 fabrics with open standards and extensive scalability to deliver high performance, capacity, and reliability for data center spine and leaf deployments. It includes the following products: Brocade VDX 6740 SWITCHES, Brocade VDX 6940 SWITCH and Brocade VDX 8770 SWITCH.
    Extreme Networks

    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
     

    Sample Customers

    Niagra Falls Bridge Commission, Medien System Partner, CDE Lightband, MaximumASP
    Black Gold Regional Schools, Amadeus Hospitality, Jefferson County, Chunghwa Telecom, City of Boroondara, Dimension Data
    Buyer's Guide
    Ethernet Switches
    January 2026
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