Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch comparison

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access vs. MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

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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 - Secu...

Ranking in Ethernet Switches

9th

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

7.1

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Ranking in Ethernet Switches

17th

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

6.3

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Routers (5th)

Mindshare comparison

As of August 2026, in the Ethernet Switches category, the mindshare of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is 3.6%, down from 4.6% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of MikroTik Cloud Router Switch is 2.0%, up from 1.6% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Ethernet Switches Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access	3.6%
MikroTik Cloud Router Switch	2.0%
Other	94.4%

Ethernet Switches

Featured Reviews

Hassan Mohamed

Cyber Security Manager at Greater Cairo Water Company (GCWC)

Zero Trust access has improved branch security and provides granular visibility for all devices

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access has substantial automation because the configuration is managed from FortiGate dashboard. Automation increases performance and decreases installation time. I mentioned the unique specifications of the switch and the solution at the start. Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access granular visibility features have helped me manage IoT devices. I can see every device in the network and the details about each device because FortiGate has an inventory of every device, making the integration between Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access and FortiGate unique. The deep integration with Fortinet's Security Fabric is very important for threat intelligence in my organization. Reliability is key, and automation contributes significantly to network performance optimization in my organization. I have to use FortiLink for automatic UTM extension, as it is a unique proprietary protocol to manage Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access through FortiGate. Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is a switch that is related to its Secure Access feature. I gave this review a rating of 9.

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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

"The technical support has been very good."

"It's easy to be configured and powerful in terms of performance."

"What I actually use in this deployment are Forti APs (Fortinet Access Points). So, I can see all my office infrastructure from a single console, which is handy. One FortiGate, one FortiSwitch, and five access points, everything under good control. It's really nice to see it all together like this."

"Deploying the solution is a breeze, even a novice can do it."

"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access has good scalability."

"The most valuable feature is the breakability after integration with the FortiGate firewall."

"It is very user-friendly. There is no need to use command lines to configure it or to do anything in it. You hardly use command lines, which makes it different from Cisco. In Cisco, the CLI is your best friend. Fortinet has the lowest TCO, so you can use its integrated components without having to buy additional licenses. They provide centralized management without needing to buy or acquire additional licenses. You have an integral or complete vision through a single pane of glass, and you can see everything from one single console without having to buy additional licenses, which is a plus. It works the same way when you add wireless. You can see everything from FortiGate. It has a security processor, which is another plus. It does not have a standard desktop processor. It has a multi-threat security processor, and it is built by Fortinet. So, all the components that you include in a Fortinet solution are proprietary and work in an integral way. It has one single solution, whereas other brands, such as Palo Alto and Check Point, have been acquiring certain solutions, and they're not fully integrated. With Fortinet, everything is integrated. If you start building on Fortinet, everything that you expand to the local LAN or WAN is integrated. You don't have to pay for professional services and other things to do that. Their technical information is also very good. Most of their information is based on how-to, and it can be found online, which is something my clients like."

"The solution has enhanced network security by integrating access control more seamlessly, reducing overhead, and simplifying the network environment by removing the need for interfaces with other vendors."

More Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access pros

"I like that it's quite flexible and addresses different issues. It's quite easy to use, and the pricing is great. We find them to be very capable switches."

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

"Regarding security and visibility in monitoring, it is very good, the GUI is very intuitive, and it has many more features than those from major vendors."

"The traffic monitoring capabilities are excellent."

"The GUI is easy to use."

"This solution is very similar to the on-premises version making it easy to use for those who know the architect."

"The best aspect is that it remains affordable."

"I think that Mikrotik is the best solution for SOHO and small businesses because the price is very good and it includes a lot of features."

More MikroTik Cloud Router Switch pros

Cons

"FortiSwitch requires periodic firmware updates. It can be a little difficult because the switches aren't connected to the internet, so you cannot upgrade the firmware remotely. You need to go to the site and do it manually because it's a closed network."

"I give the stability a seven out of ten because we have noticed when we hook up phones the switching of ELANs et cetera doesn't work as it should."

"It is always nice when something is cheaper."

"The reporting capabilities should be included."

"The solution doesn't support other switches."

"There are currently issues with some of the switches, problems with the firmware."

"The security of the solution could be a bit better."

"I believe enhancement in security is essential for Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access."

More Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access cons

"There has to be more development in the OS. It's complex for this switch as compared to others like Cisco. For NetGear and Cisco, it's easy to adapt the VLAN concept but it should be simplified for MikroTik."

"Technical support could be better."

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

"In medium to large sectors, there's a necessity for managing aspects like proxy firewalls."

"Aspects such as zero trust, security, and management interface could be improved, which would be useful."

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

"The area for improvement is security. MikroTik is mostly used by medium and small businesses, so the security is not as robust as Cisco."

"The port isolation and VLAN need to be improved."

More MikroTik Cloud Router Switch cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The product's pricing is less compared to other enterprise solutions."

"The solution is cheaper than Cisco but more expensive than Huawei."

"It's affordable compared to other switching products, like Cisco switches."

"It's affordable and there are no additional costs, just regular support, and license fees."

"The pricing is quite high."

"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access requires a license and the price is expensive."

"You can buy this equipment in a multitude of ways. You can buy just the hardware, or you can buy the hardware and the licenses."

"Price-wise, I find Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access to be an okay product. It is not an expensive product."

More Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access pricing and cost advice

"I consider it to be a cost-effective solution."

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

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

"MikroTik is really cheap compared to the competitors."

"The price is competitive."

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

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

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

More MikroTik Cloud Router Switch pricing and cost advice

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909,725 professionals have used our research since 2012.

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Comms Service Provider

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Outsourcing Company

Comms Service Provider

14%

Educational Organization

10%

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	39
Midsize Enterprise	6
Large Enterprise	7

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

Questions from the Community

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 is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access?

The price is very affordable. The price is comfortable for me.

What needs improvement with Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access?

I believe enhancement in security is essential for Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access. Fortinet needs to perform extensive testing to improve its reliability. If they achieve that, I think it wil...

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

The Python solution pricing is on the lower side.

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...

What is your primary use case for MikroTik Cloud Router Switch?

I mostly work with network equipment now, focusing mainly on routers. I work with FortiGates and MikroTik routers. When referring to FortiGate routers, I mean the firewalls, but not the enterprise-...

Aruba Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access

Comparisons

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Cisco Catalyst Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access

Compared 6% of the time

Ubiquiti UniFi Switches vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access

Compared 5% of the time

Cisco Nexus 9000 Series vs Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access

Compared 4% of the time

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MikroTik Routers and Switches vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Compared 9% of the time

Cisco Enterprise Routers vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Compared 7% of the time

TP-Link Omada Switches vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Compared 7% of the time

Huawei Enterprise Routers vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Compared 6% of the time

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center vs MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Compared 5% of the time

More MikroTik Cloud Router Switch Competitors

Product Reports

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access

Download Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access product report

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access report

MikroTik Cloud Router Switch

Download MikroTik Cloud Router Switch product report

Also Known As

No data available

MikroTik CRS Series

Overview

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access offers centralized control and seamless FortiGate integration, enhancing network management and security with single-console operations. Known for user-friendly configurations, it supports VLAN, PoE, and cloud-based management.

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access provides a powerful network management solution, emphasizing integration with FortiGate for streamlined operations and enhanced security protocols. Its interface and straightforward configuration support effective device management. While recognized for robust performance and affordability, users seek improvements in pricing, support, and firmware reliability. FortiSwitch fits into industries such as education, healthcare, and retail, providing secure remote access and connectivity for campus environments and remote sites. Clients value its comprehensive management features but suggest enhancements in standalone management, terminology clarity, and initial setup.

What are the key features?

Centralized Control: Seamlessly integrates with FortiGate for streamlined management.
User-Friendly Interface: Simplified device management through easy configurations.
VLAN and PoE Support: Enhance connectivity with advanced network management capabilities.
Cloud-Based Management: Provides flexible and scalable network administration.
Robust Performance: Ensures high reliability and scalability for diverse network needs.

What benefits and ROI should users consider?

Affordability: Offers cost-effective network management solutions.
Scalability: Adapts to growing network demands with ease.
Efficient Deployment: Reduces need for extensive technical expertise.
Enhanced Security: Strengthens network protection across various environments.
Comprehensive Management: Centralizes operations for improved network oversight.

In industries like education, healthcare, and retail, Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is implemented to manage network security and infrastructure efficiently. Organizations use it to integrate with FortiGate, ensuring centralized management and improved security. It is deployed for secure remote access and connectivity for campuses and remote sites, enhancing security requirements in these sectors. Fortinet partners and customers benefit from its advanced management features, supporting VLANs and access-level connectivity for phones and computers, aligning with industry-specific demands.

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

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access vs. MikroTik Cloud Router Switch