Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch comparison

Fortinet and MikroTik are both solutions in the Ethernet Switches category. Fortinet is ranked #15 with an average rating of 8.4, while MikroTik is ranked #16 with an average rating of 7.9. Fortinet holds a 3.1% mindshare in ES, compared to MikroTik’s 2.1% mindshare. Additionally, 95% of Fortinet users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 96% of MikroTik users who would recommend it.

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data...

Read 26 Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center reviews

2,957 Views
2,957 Comparison Views

95% willing to recommend

MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Read 25 MikroTik Cloud Router Switch reviews

3,030 Views
2,151 Comparison Views

96% willing to recommend

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data...

MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Nov 3, 2024

MikroTik Cloud Router Switch and Fortinet FortiSwitch Data Center are competing in the networking space with distinct approaches to market needs. MikroTik offers advantages in pricing and customer support, while Fortinet's advanced features suggest it provides better value in security.

Features: MikroTik Cloud Router Switch is recognized for cost-effectiveness and comprehensive routing capabilities. It supports various protocols, enhances flexibility, and provides excellent throughput. Fortinet FortiSwitch Data Center delivers robust security features, integration with Fortinet products, and an intuitive graphical user interface that simplifies configuration.

Room for Improvement: MikroTik Cloud Router Switch can enhance its advanced security features, streamline customer service for complex issues, and improve scalability options. Fortinet FortiSwitch Data Center may benefit from reducing deployment complexity, improving cost-effectiveness, and expanding customer support to cater to less technically skilled users.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: MikroTik Cloud Router Switch provides straightforward deployment and reliable customer support, accessible to a wide audience. Fortinet FortiSwitch Data Center offers sophisticated deployment models for technical experts and excellent customer service for complex integrations.

Pricing and ROI: MikroTik Cloud Router Switch is affordable with a quick return on investment, targeting budget-conscious buyers. Fortinet FortiSwitch Data Center involves higher initial costs but offers enhanced security and long-term benefits, providing a higher lifetime ROI for those prioritizing performance and security.

To learn more, read our detailed Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center vs. MikroTik Cloud Router Switch Report (Updated: April 2026).

Buyer's Guide

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center vs. MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

April 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

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data...

Ranking in Ethernet Switches

15th

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

6.4

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Ranking in Ethernet Switches

16th

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

6.3

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Routers (3rd)

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2026, in the Ethernet Switches category, the mindshare of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is 3.1%, up from 1.8% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of MikroTik Cloud Router Switch is 2.1%, up from 1.3% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Ethernet Switches Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center	3.1%
MikroTik Cloud Router Switch	2.1%
Other	94.8%

Ethernet Switches

Featured Reviews

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.

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Andriejus Artamonovas

IT Specialist at a outsourcing company with 501-1,000 employees

Has supported deeper configuration through traffic mirroring and advanced VLAN setup

The main reason why MikroTik Cloud Router Switch is usually chosen is its raw performance to price ratio. In comparison to UniFi switches, MikroTik Cloud Router Switch can mirror all ports for traffic inspection for further traffic analysis, which UniFi cannot do. VLANs in MikroTik Cloud Router Switch are always useful. The way MikroTik implements VLAN-aware switching at the bridge level is hidden in the configuration. Making CRS work as a simple VLAN-aware switch requires deeper configuration, which is not intuitive. VLANs support individual interfaces not part of the bridge, allowing for double VLANing. You can create a VLAN interface in the interfaces context and also create a bridge interface, add physical ports, create VLANs for that bridge interface, and assign tagged and untagged ports and VLANs. Load balancing is one of the key components. The feature itself is quite efficient and works reliably on MikroTik Cloud Router Switch. The very basic setup is one of my favorites because they have their protocol where I can connect through the MAC address right on Layer 2, and I don't lose connectivity to the switch if I mess up with bridging or IP addressing.

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Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"We have the entire Fortinet FortiSwitch system - Secure Access, firewalls, and everything, and it integrates well into the entire Fortinet fabric."

"The initial setup was straightforward; it wasn't complex at all and we found it to be relatively painless."

"When configuring FortiSwitch with a FortiGate firewall, I can consider all FortiSwitch's ports as a part of the FortiGate firewall."

"The most valuable feature is the port analytics."

"I have found the solution to be scalable."

"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."

"Using Fortinet's whole range, including FortiSwitches, is cost-effective compared to Cisco and beneficial for network security."

More Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center pros

"They are very well suited for small and medium businesses, and here in Tanzania, in some cases, even some large enterprises are using MikroTik due to the fact that they provide many features at zero cost."

"We value the solution's price, and it can do almost anything you need regarding routing, so it's a well-rounded solution for routing, especially for network routing."

"The most valuable feature is that it has better throughput than its competitors."

"The technical support for MikroTik Cloud Router Switch is superb."

"The interface management and the user access management is pretty good."

"The best aspect is that it remains affordable."

"The beauty of MikroTik is that you have flexibility with the routing parts."

"Familiar RouterOS support, port isolation, flexible VLAN handling (tagging, untagging, rewriting, etc.)."

More MikroTik Cloud Router Switch pros

Cons

"The solution’s pricing could be improved."

"We had a slight issue with the device when it was working as a standalone product in an environment where there wasn't any FortiGate in place."

"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."

"There could be more porting software options for easy deployment in the product."

"The product must improve the latency in the management center."

"The UI of the firewall and reporting could be improved."

"The FortiSwitch product was initially quite complex."

"Compatibility with infrastructure from other vendors like Cisco and Sophos can be further improved."

More Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center cons

"This product is not recommended for enterprise-level projects."

"Technical support could be better."

"The scalability is good except if you are using version OS 6. However, once you begin to use version OS 7, it only uses some of the processes at a time, and it doesn't thread the things but instead uses them one at a time, which is a hold-back for that product."

"The bulk efficiencies and the control of traffic could be a bit better."

"Improvements are needed with respect to some of the security, especially for VPN links between vendors other than Cisco."

"There has to be more development in the OS. It's complex for this switch as compared to others like Cisco."

"The packet filtering, user log data, and user access log could all be improved."

"Technical support needs to be faster and more knowledgeable."

More MikroTik Cloud Router Switch cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"This solution is expensive but it does not require a license."

"We pay a yearly licensing fee for the solution, which is expensive."

"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is expensive."

"The tool's pricing is lower than Cisco's."

"It is reasonably priced."

"The solution's pricing is a little high. The solution deserves the current price it receives from its users."

"Cost-wise, Fortinet solutions are cheaper than those offered by Cisco."

"The solution is not expensive."

More Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center pricing and cost advice

"MikroTik is really cheap compared to the competitors."

"This product has a one-time cost and there is no licensing fee."

"The price of the solution is fair and there is a one-time license purchase only."

"They came with the licensing when we purchased them."

"I believe the price of the tool is high, but it is okay for the services we get from it."

"The licensing for MikroTik is great. It's easy to enter, especially for small businesses. Their model is great."

"In Pakistan, if you buy this cloud router, it's approximately $700 for the device."

"The price is competitive."

More MikroTik Cloud Router Switch pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Government

15%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Construction Company

Computer Software Company

Comms Service Provider

12%

Educational Organization

12%

Marketing Services Firm

Manufacturing Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	17
Midsize Enterprise	5
Large Enterprise	4

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	19
Midsize Enterprise	5
Large Enterprise	2

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.

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...

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What is your primary use case for Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center?

Currently, we are mostly working with Sophos and Fortinet. Before, we worked with XG, but now they have upgraded to the XGS series, and in Fortinet, we are working with FortiGate Firewall. In some ...

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What do you like most about MikroTik Cloud Router Switch?

The tool has impacted our company's network costs and productivity in a perfect manner and percentage-wise, I can say it is 120 percent.

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What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for MikroTik Cloud Router Switch?

The Python solution pricing is on the lower side.

See all answers

What needs improvement with MikroTik Cloud Router Switch?

It can be difficult to identify key functions for MikroTik Cloud Router Switch. I experience functionality limitations, particularly when trying to find specific features. It would be beneficial to...

See all answers

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Cisco Catalyst Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center

Compared 6% of the time

Meraki MS Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center

Compared 4% of the time

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Compared 9% of the time

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Compared 8% of the time

Huawei Enterprise Routers vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Compared 6% of the time

Cisco Enterprise Routers vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Compared 6% of the time

OneAccess Enterprise Routers vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Compared 4% of the time

More MikroTik Cloud Router Switch Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Ethernet Switches

April 2026

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center report

Download Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center product report

Buyer's Guide

MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

May 2026

Download MikroTik Cloud Router Switch product report

Also Known As

No data available

MikroTik CRS Series

Overview

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center offers cost-effective, centralized network management through seamless integration with FortiGate. It supports enhanced security, flexibility in VLAN management, and intuitive control through an efficient interface.

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center is valued for its cost-effectiveness and ease of use. It provides seamless integration with FortiGate, enabling centralized network management. Users appreciate its port analytics, graphical interface, and enhanced security features, allowing VLAN creation and configuration across infrastructure. The system offers efficient alerting, automatic adjustments, and functions like QoS and traffic management to maintain consistent security. Its intuitive design and high visibility make it an efficient all-in-one tool for network management. Despite needing improvements in AI integration, security, and pricing, users find it a reliable choice for managing traffic between VMs and physical hosts. It supports network connectivity, VLAN management, and internal traffic control while integrating with security fabric and SD-WAN features.

What are the key features of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center?

Centralized Management: Seamlessly integrates with FortiGate for centralized control.
Port Analytics: Offers comprehensive analytics for better network management.
Enhanced Security: Provides robust security features for consistent protection.
VLAN Flexibility: Allows for easy VLAN creation and management.
Efficient Alerting: Delivers timely alerts for proactive network management.

What benefits should users look for in reviews?

Cost-Effectiveness: Provides a high return on investment through affordable management.
Ease of Use: Intuitive interface for simplified network control.
High Visibility: Offers clear insights into network performance.
Integration Capabilities: Supports seamless integration with existing infrastructure.

Organizations across industries implement Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center to effectively manage both virtual and physical network environments within data centers. It helps in controlling internal traffic and ensures robust security measures are in place. Its integration with extensive security fabric and SD-WAN features allows for comprehensive network management through a single dashboard, streamlining operations and providing enhanced control over infrastructure.

Fortinet

MikroTik Cloud Router Switch offers a balance of price and performance ideal for businesses needing efficient routing and traffic management. It enables load balancing, VLAN support, and comprehensive monitoring, making it suitable for diverse network environments.

MikroTik Cloud Router Switch is recognized for its flexible routing capabilities and cost-efficient solutions, benefiting sectors like public services and education. With user-friendly setup and advanced configuration options, it efficiently manages ISP business routes, integrates into corporate networks, and scales for government projects and data centers. However, it could benefit from improvements in security aspects like VPNs, and better technical support. While admired for intuitive interfaces, there’s a desire for enhancements in hardware quality, MPLS support, and OS utilization.

What are the key features of MikroTik Cloud Router Switch?

Flexible Routing: Allows for sophisticated traffic management suited for ISPs and corporate networks.
Intuitive Interfaces: User-friendly GUI and command-line setup for ease of use across tech levels.
Advanced Security: Offers firewall features and VPN support for secure network environments.
Load Balancing: Efficiently manages network traffic to optimize performance.
VLAN Support: Enables segmenting networks to enhance security and management.

What benefits should users expect in MikroTik Cloud Router Switch?

Cost Efficiency: Competitive pricing aligned with high-performance delivery.
Scalability: Adaptable to network size, from small organizations to data centers.
User-Friendly: Simple setup and flexible configuration reduce deployment time.
Comprehensive Monitoring: Effective tools for real-time traffic and network status insights.
Support for Diverse Applications: Integrates well into educational, governmental, and commercial settings.

MikroTik Cloud Router Switch sees extensive use in industries requiring robust networking, like ISPs for core routing and client management, as well as government and educational sectors for large-scale network integration. Key users include distributors and service providers, leveraging its traffic control and secure routing in complex environments.

MikroTik

Sample Customers

Black Gold Regional Schools, Amadeus Hospitality, Jefferson County, Chunghwa Telecom, City of Boroondara, Dimension Data

Information Not Available

Buyer's Guide

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center vs. MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

April 2026

Free Report: Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center vs. MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

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