Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access Reviews

Name: Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access
Brand: Fortinet
Rating: 4.1 (48 reviews)

Vendor: Fortinet

4.1 out of 5

48 reviews
88% willing to recommend

354 followers

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What is Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access?

Fortinet FortiSwitch Secure Access is a secure, high-performance, and easy-to-manage switch. Fortinet FortiSwitch is the best solution for threat-conscious enterprises of all sizes because it is secure, simple, and scalable. Secure Access, which is tightly integrated into the Fortinet Security Fabric via FortiLink, may be handled directly from the FortiGate interface.

Get the Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access Buyer's Guide and find out what your peers are saying about Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access, Cisco Ethernet Switches, Aruba Switches and more!

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is the #6 ranked solution in top Ethernet Switches. PeerSpot users give Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access an average rating of 8.2 out of 10. Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is most commonly compared to Cisco Ethernet Switches: Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access vs Cisco Ethernet Switches. Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 45% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 13% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access

April 2025

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Featured Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access reviews

Uri Harf

Technical Presales at A.G.A.S. מחשוב ותקשורת לעסקים

The main benefit of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access ( /products/fortinet-fortiswitch-secure-access-reviews ) is its integration with FortiCloud ( /products/fortinet-fortigate-cloud-reviews ), which allows me to manage all appliances in a single interface. If my switches are uniform across FortiGate ( /products/fortinet-fortigate-reviews ), it’s easy to add or subtract switches without reconfiguring each one separately. This centralized management saves time and ensures seamless scalability.

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SherifAbdelrahman

IT Director at Rabbit Mart

I use it for retail business. We are using the FortiSwitch solution for our voice switches and access points as well It has helped us by providing easy management from a single platform through the firewall interface. It's very easy to manage and provides all the insights and vulnerabilities,…

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PauloRio

Senior Consultant at a tech services company with 5,001-10,000 employees

The primary use case for Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is for network security. Some of the installations are in remote sites, and the fixed infrastructure, like cameras, needs to be secured. Additionally, there are ports for user access where filtering is done by the firewall, not…

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Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access mindshare

As of June 2025, the mindshare of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access in the Ethernet Switches category stands at 4.9%, down from 6.0% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Ethernet Switches

PeerResearch reports based on Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Ethernet Switches	Jun 9, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Jun 9, 2025	Download
Comparison	Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access vs Cisco Ethernet Switches	Jun 9, 2025	Download
Comparison	Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access vs Aruba Switches	Jun 9, 2025	Download
Comparison	Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access vs NETGEAR Switches	Jun 9, 2025	Download

Valuable Features

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is valued for its user-friendly interface, seamless integration with FortiGate, centralized management, and ease of deployment. Users appreciate the unified console for managing network devices, robust security features, simplified configurations, and strong technical support. FortiSwitch's visual scope allows detailed network visibility and analytics, while its competitive pricing makes it a cost-effective alternative to other brands. Easy scalability and reliable performance add to its appeal.

"The main benefit of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is its integration with FortiCloud, which allows me to manage all appliances in a single interface."
"The centralization of control is highly beneficial."
"Having a single dashboard to manage everything simplifies the process."

Room for Improvement

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access requires improvements in pricing and technical support responsiveness. Management often necessitates FortiGate, limiting standalone functionality. Complex configurations and firmware integration challenges are present. Security enhancements and better integration across platforms are desired. Pricing is frequently compared to HP and Cisco, affecting competitiveness. Certain models lack options like stacking, and current licenses and updates can be cumbersome. Improved scalability, clearer terminology, and better cloud features are also suggested areas for enhancement.

"Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is expensive, and this initial cost can be a barrier, especially for new businesses setting up from scratch."
"I would rate technical support at eight. It's a potential area for improvement, possibly in terms of response time or quality."
"The introduction of AI integration could be valuable for detecting abnormal traffic directly on the switch."

ROI

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access offers a lower cost compared to Cisco, HPE, and Aruba, closing the gap in technical capability. Many express satisfaction with the return on investment thanks to its cost-effectiveness and operational ease. Security is enhanced from the firewall to the access point, providing peace of mind. Although it benefits budget-conscious setups, large enterprises like banks may find existing technological gaps a barrier. Some observe stability improvements and reduced IT budget impact.

Pricing

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access pricing varies significantly, with some users finding it affordable, while others note it as expensive. Licensing is primarily annual, covering support and warranty, with additional features potentially raising costs. Some users highlight its competitive pricing against brands like Cisco and Aruba, while others mention it being mid-range or costly for smaller businesses. Overall, the price is justified by its functionality, yet some feel it could be more accessible.

"The product pricing seems to be mid-range."
"Fortinet FortiSwitch is a pricey solution."
"The solution has reasonable pricing. The firewall costs around 500$ annually."

Popular Use Cases

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is mainly implemented for network security across sectors such as education, banking, and healthcare. Many users integrate it with FortiGate for centralized management, allowing seamless network connectivity and security. It is often used in campus environments for access-level connectivity, managing devices like phones, computers, and cameras. Users benefit from features like VLAN support for data separation, and it is suitable for enterprises of varying sizes, offering flexible configurations.

Service and Support

Customers experience mixed service from Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access. Some users find support effective, rating it highly and appreciating quick responses, especially during specific hours. Others encounter delays and unhelpful responses, suggesting improvements in technical handling and response strategies. The knowledge base and assistance from overseas representatives are valued, despite language barriers. Local teams and resellers add additional support effectiveness, although the support quality doesn’t always match industry leaders like Cisco.

Deployment

Many users find Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access easy to set up, describing it as straightforward, with deployment often taking only minutes to a few hours. Videos help with configuration comprehension. FortiLink eases deployment in Fortinet environments. Some note that experience with Fortinet products makes setup smoother. Configuration complexity varies depending on network size and integration. Although some CLI features require activation, initial deployment is generally simple, akin to plug-and-play.

Scalability

Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is praised for its ability to handle various network sizes, from small to large, yet some find its scale limited compared to alternatives. Users rely on FortiGate for management, enabling seamless integration and expansion by adding switches. It's noted for easy scaling, though challenges arise with the need for hardware upgrades. Fortinet FortiSwitch caters to a diverse client base, including SMBs and enterprises, maintaining scalability across different environments.

Stability

Many users find Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access to be quite stable. They report minimal issues, mostly related to configuration changes or external factors like power outages. Reviews often rate stability highly, typically between eight and ten out of ten. Some mention minor challenges during transitional phases or when connecting specific devices. Overall, most users express satisfaction with its reliable performance and recognize it as a dependable choice in enterprise-grade environments.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

13%

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Government

Comms Service Provider

Educational Organization

Construction Company

Healthcare Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Hospitality Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Retailer

University

Insurance Company

Non Profit

Wholesaler/Distributor

Outsourcing Company

Media Company

Performing Arts

Legal Firm

Transportation Company

Marketing Services Firm

Logistics Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Consumer Goods Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Compare Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access with alternative products

Learn more about Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access

Regardless of how people and devices connect to the network, this single-pane-of-glass administration provides total visibility and control. This makes the Fortinet FortiSwitch perfect for SD-Branch and campus deployments, allowing enterprises to combine their security and network access with applications ranging from desktop to data center aggregation. Fortinet FortiSwitch's Secure Access is the most adaptable security platform with end-to-end protection in the industry.

Switches for Secure Access: Small to medium-sized businesses, scattered organizations, branch offices, and industrial control systems can all benefit.

Switches for Data Centers: Ideal for users requiring high-performance 10 GE or 40 GE.

Fortinet FortiSwitch Secure Access Features

Fortinet FortiSwitch has many valuable key features. Some of the most useful ones include:

Fortinet FortiSwitch Secure Access is designed for various installations, including desktops and wiring closets.

Deploy and manage switches using the FortiGate interface, with FortiGate Cloud as a cloud administration option, or manage as a standalone switch using CLI, API, GUI, or the cloud with FortiSwitch Cloud.

Switch configuration, management, and troubleshooting are all simplified with a single-pane-of-glass dashboard.

Fortinet FortiSwitch Secure Access is ideal for SD-Branch deployments.

Secure Access uses FortiGate interfaces to connect with FortiLink. This provides centralized security and access control.

Integration of the Security Fabric: Fortinet FortiSwitch's FortiGate management brings Security Fabric features to the Ethernet access layer.

Voice, data, and wireless traffic can all be carried over a single network, making it ideal for converged network environments.

Non-FortiLink deployments can be supported via the onboard GUI, API, or command line settings.

Up to 48 ports in a compact and 1 RU form factor.

Depending on the model, up to 300 switches can be stacked per FortiGate.

Supports wire-speed switching, as well as store and forward mode.

Fortinet FortiSwitch Secure Access Benefits

There are many benefits to implementing Fortinet FortiSwitch. Some of the biggest advantages the solution offers include:

You can easily manage all deployments in one interface if your company scales and opens a new office or location.

You can ensure that users are authenticated before giving network access.

Power over Ethernet makes it simple to set up wireless access points and IP phones.

With network segmentation, you can help satisfy data separation compliance.

Reviews from Real Users

Fortinet FortiSwitch stands out among its competitors for a number of reasons. Two major ones are its stability and its VLAN setup. PeerSpot users take note of the advantages of these features in their reviews:

Rutul S., CXO at Aariha Enterprise Private Limited, writes of the product, “The most valuable feature is the SD-WAN support. This device is easy to use.” He adds, “Stability-wise, this product is better than others that are on the market.”

Emil V., System Consultant at I team, notes, “I like the VLAN setup of Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access. Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access has very good scalability.” He adds, “Fortinet FortiSwitch - Secure Access is easy to set up. It only takes minutes to deploy this product, because it is mostly boxes.”