IT Network, Security Engineer at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Real User
Has good documentation available and a good configuration
Pros and Cons
  • "Configurations between FortiGate and FortiSwitch have to link to each other. We need configuration. The configuration is not like a Cisco switch. It has a unique configuration."
  • "FortiSwitch should improve the FortiGate map. The diagram cannot move automatically to show the switch. The map does not map the physical location. It cannot move or touch the diagram."

What is our primary use case?

We implement it for our customers and do the installation. 

What is most valuable?

Configurations between FortiGate and FortiSwitch have to link to each other as "FortiLink". We need configuration. The configuration is not like a Cisco switch. It has a unique configuration. 

What needs improvement?

FortiSwitch should improve the FortiGate map. The diagram cannot move, automatically to show the switch. The map does not map the physical location. It cannot move the diagram.

For how long have I used the solution?

2 yeas

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What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

If the customer uses a certain function, the customer can change the configuration from FortiGate. They can unify their network to drive only on FortiGate. We can reduce the cost of the operation network. That function is very scalable and cheap.

How are customer service and support?

The technical support depends on the technician's expertise. We can't choose any person in the technical support center. Sometimes they're not good. Sometimes they are good. They're almost always very good. 

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is not very difficult. The manufacturer has a lot of documentation about the product in their documentation website. We do all of the configurations from the documentation that is available. It's not difficult.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend this solution. It's suitable. If you use FortiGate you should use FortiSwitch. It's very helpful. It has a good configuration. I would recommend it. If you use Fortigate you should replace a Cisco switch to FortiSwitch. FortiSwitch should not be used as a legacy switch(standalone mode).
If we use it as a standalone mode, we can't use it in an SDN function. FortiGate should look at the whole packet in the network. 

I would rate it a nine out of ten. Not a ten because we cannot use it as a layer 3 switch when we use it as the standalone mode. because sometimes the customer wants to replace the layer 3 switch.

We can use the standalone normal FortiSwitch as Layer 3 Switch but if we want to use the SDN function, we have to use it as managed Layer 2 FortiSwitch.


but there is counter measure.

We recommend to proposal to choose more high-end model FortiGate.

so Fortigate can controll routing on behalf Layer 3 switch.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Distributor
PeerSpot user
ICT Architect at a insurance company with 51-200 employees
Real User
Easy to use interface, reasonably priced, and has good technical support
Pros and Cons
  • "It integrates well."
  • "The FortiSwitch product was initially quite complex."

What is most valuable?

The interface is good.

It integrates well.

It works well.

What needs improvement?

The FortiSwitch product was initially quite complex.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center since 2018.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I don't have any issues with the stability of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It's a scalable solution.

How are customer service and support?

Technical support is good. I don't have any problem with technical support.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We have the entire Fortinet FortiSwitch system - Secure Access, firewalls, and everything. We have the entire Fortinet fabric.

It takes some time to get used to the interface at first. I would rate the Fortinet Secure Access a nine out of ten.

How was the initial setup?

This is not an area that I am involved with. I did not set up this solution. For me, it would be difficult.

What about the implementation team?

The installation was done mostly by the integrator.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

It is reasonably priced.

What other advice do I have?

We had a difficult time at first because we were among the first to integrate this product, but everything went smoothly after that.

I would rate Fortinet FortiSwitch - Data Center a nine out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
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