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Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center vs HPE Ethernet Switches 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

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
HPE Ethernet Switches
Ranking in Ethernet Switches
9th
Average Rating
8.2
Reviews Sentiment
7.3
Number of Reviews
103
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2025, in the Ethernet Switches category, the mindshare of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is 1.8%, up from 1.1% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of HPE Ethernet Switches is 2.5%, up from 2.5% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Ethernet Switches
 

Featured Reviews

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.
LuisSilva6 - PeerSpot reviewer
Provides ease of management and has an easy initial setup process
Primarily, we use the product for network and VLAN segmentation across our hospitality property. It forms the backbone of our network, providing connectivity to devices like TVs, phones, access points, and even electrical switches within guest rooms The product's most valuable feature is the ease…

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center's scalability is good."
"I like the solution's technical support. I rate the technical support a ten out of ten."
"The solution has made configuration and setup very, very easy."
"It allows us to manage all necessary services, such as data centers, networking, and cybersecurity."
"I have found the solution to be scalable."
"The product is stable."
"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center offers flexibility and control over the entire network from a single pane of management."
"We are able to monitor everything that is happening on our network."
"The initial setup is straightforward. The steps are simple, and you can always contact support if needed. Overall, it's easy."
"HPE Ethernet Switches are scalable, and their software is also quite sturdy."
"The most valuable feature is that they all have PoE. It's one of the most important things that we need in the EdgeSwitch."
"I like that these switches are reliable, and the support is good."
"HPE is very reliable because it has a lifetime warranty, so the switches didn't give us any problems."
"The simplicity of the commands is most valuable. The commands are the same for several devices."
"I would rate the stability a solid ten out of ten."
"We found the installation process to be simple."
 

Cons

"Enhancing security on the firewall and the switches, as well as focusing on price segment issues, would make it a better solution for the future."
"When there are many switches being used, the speed declines noticeably."
"Before using FortiSwitch, you need several certifications."
"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 FortiSwitch product was initially quite complex."
"Does not have as many features as other solutions, such as segmentation and analytics engines."
"There is room to improve the integration between FortiSwitch and other third-party solutions, as challenges arise when integrating with different vendors."
"We need to understand a bit more about certifications and knowledge for understanding capabilities. The solution should make that more clear to its users."
"I would like to see more updates for the solution."
"The solution could be more stable."
"We have had some rare occasions with glitches, so the stability can be improved."
"The solution could improve by having more integration options."
"The solution would be easier to set up if its GUI could improve or if it had a wizard."
"They should release more updates for the solution."
"The only improvement I can think of is that it could be better with less updates."
"Sometimes, we encounter the need for new technologies, especially when we require higher bandwidth. If we can't find what we need with HPE Ethernet Switches, we explore options from other vendors like Cisco."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"We pay a yearly licensing fee for the solution, which is expensive."
"Cost-wise, Fortinet solutions are cheaper than those offered by Cisco."
"The solution is not expensive."
"The product is less expensive than one of its competitors."
"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is expensive."
"The product has a mid-range price."
"It is reasonably priced."
"The tool's pricing is lower than Cisco's."
"The box itself is cheap, but when we have to install new features, it becomes very expensive."
"All the solutions have a license for the QSFP. Additionally, there is a one-time license fee to increase the interface speed."
"HPE costs almost the same as Cisco."
"Licensing fees are on a yearly basis."
"I believe HPE is less expensive than Aruba's and UniFi and that is why certain clients have chosen them as their solution."
"We have to pay for a yearly license for HPE Ethernet Switches."
"There are free software updates and there is a lifetime warranty for a few of the switch series."
"We have to see only the security part when considering licenses because the licenses upgrade."
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Top Industries

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

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

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...
What do you like most about HPE Ethernet Switches?
The solution is very stable and easy to use.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for HPE Ethernet Switches?
When compared to Cisco, Aruba is about 40% cheaper. However, Huawei would be even cheaper than Aruba. We can't compare HPE Ethernet Switches with Huawei directly because of different price ranges.
What needs improvement with HPE Ethernet Switches?
HPE Ethernet Switches have room for improvement in the initial setup and integration process, especially when incorporating them into an existing infrastructure with competitor products. It's a cha...
 

Also Known As

No data available
HP Ethernet Switches
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Black Gold Regional Schools, Amadeus Hospitality, Jefferson County, Chunghwa Telecom, City of Boroondara, Dimension Data
Emirates Palace Hotel
Find out what your peers are saying about Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center vs. HPE Ethernet Switches and other solutions. Updated: April 2025.
849,686 professionals have used our research since 2012.