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Extreme VDX [EOL] vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive Summary

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 - Secu...
Average Rating
8.2
Reviews Sentiment
7.7
Number of Reviews
48
Ranking in other categories
Ethernet Switches (5th)
 

Featured Reviews

Osama Ahmed LUBBAD - PeerSpot reviewer
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.
Uri Harf - PeerSpot reviewer
Integration with cloud management simplifies network expansion
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is expensive, and this initial cost can be a barrier, especially for new businesses setting up from scratch. Although the machine is robust and lasts for years with rare technical issues, the initial price can be high. Sometimes, I have to offer alternatives like Aruba or HP, which might be cheaper.

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"The most valuable feature of Extreme VDX is that we have had no problems and the solution's performance is excellent."
"The fabric of the solution and the management aspect are the solution's most valuable features."
"Its simplicity and web interface were most valuable. I also liked the two-factor authentication."
"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access has essential features for managing switches."
"The software is very stable."
"The integration with the whole platform, so there's one dashboard for everything. It is one of the most valuable features."
"This device is easy to use."
"The most valuable feature of the solution is the MAC feature."
"The tool's setup was very easy."
"What I really love in FortiSwitch: its usability, the graphical user interface, and the ability to be managed by FortiGate."
"I can say that the product is easy to use...The initial setup of the product was easy."
 

Cons

"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."
"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 solution doesn't support other switches."
"We've had some issues with Layer 3 FortiSwitch. We can deploy the device in the cloud. However, we can't deploy this solution in complex environments easily."
"Technical support needs to take a different approach and pricing should appear more competitive."
"The security of the solution could be a bit better."
"The product could use more security related features."
"If you contact Fortinet, it's a bit difficult. Most of the time, they send you just links and documents to read for troubleshooting. When you contact support, you don't need documents. You want someone that can understand your problem, give a hand, and help you. I'm not impressed by the support really."
"The product must improve its prices."
"The installation is not difficult. However, some features have to be activated from the CLI."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"It was around $1500 a year. It is cheaper than Cisco but more expensive than Ruckus."
"We have to renew and pay for the licenses."
"The cost appears to be high in comparison to other competing products although with this product you are paying for what you get."
"It's affordable and there are no additional costs, just regular support, and license fees."
"Licensing is billed annually and contracts are either one or three years in length."
"The pricing is quite high."
"We have an annual licensing cost. There are no additional costs."
"Licensing is easy: FortiCare and that's it."
"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access requires a license and the price is expensive."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
No data available
Computer Software Company
12%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Government
8%
Financial Services Firm
7%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
No data available
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business37
Midsize Enterprise6
Large Enterprise7
 

Questions from the Community

Ask a question
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Which would you choose - Fortinet Fortiswitch secure access or Cisco Ethernet Switches?
We researched Cisco but ultimately chose Fortinet FortiSwitch Secure Access, mostly because of the price. Fortinet FortiSwitch is an ethernet switch solution that provides security and performance...
What do you like most about Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access?
With FortiSwitch, you can easily identify who is connected to each port, disable ports as needed, and retrieve configurations from FortiGate when required.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access?
The initial cost of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is high compared to other options. Although robust and rarely needs replacement, it can be overqualified for some jobs, which affects the re...
 

Also Known As

VDX, Brocade VDX
No data available
 

Overview

 

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
Find out what your peers are saying about Cisco, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Netgear and others in Ethernet Switches. Updated: October 2025.
872,008 professionals have used our research since 2012.