FortiSwitch Comparison and Ordering Guide #

FortiSwitch provides a comprehensive range of high-performance Ethernet switches, designed for various environments like small retail branches, large campuses, and data centers. These switches offer seamless integration with FortiGate through FortiLink, enabling centralized management and enhanced security across networks.

Switch Model Comparison #

Switch Comparison by Port Type and Density #

Explanation of Port Types and Densities #

• RJ45 Ports: Standard Ethernet ports that support copper cabling, commonly used for connecting devices like computers, phones, and access points.
• SFP/SFP+ Ports: Modular ports that support fiber-optic connections or copper connections (via transceivers). SFP ports typically support up to 1G speeds, while SFP+ ports support up to 10G speeds.
• QSFP/QSFP28 Ports: These high-bandwidth ports are typically used for uplinks in data center environments. QSFP supports up to 40G, while QSFP28 supports up to 100G.
• PoE/PoE+/PoE++: Power over Ethernet features allow switches to deliver power to devices like IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras over standard Ethernet cables. PoE++ (bt) provides up to 60W or 100W per port for high-power devices.

Size, Scale, and Deployment Types #

FortiSwitch models are optimized for different environments, ranging from small branches to large data centers. Here’s an overview of how they scale and their deployment types.

Deployment Scenarios #

Feature Comparison #

FortiSwitch models come equipped with a variety of features designed to optimize security, manageability, and network performance. Below is a comparison of key features supported by each model.

Explanation of Features #

• FortiLink Support: All models support FortiLink, enabling centralized management through FortiGate, which provides enhanced security and network visibility.
• Access Security: Ensures secure access for devices, enforcing policies defined in FortiGate.
• Netflow Support: Allows network traffic monitoring and visibility for enhanced traffic analysis.
• Multichassis Link Aggregation (MCLAG): Provides redundancy and high availability by linking multiple switches to function as one logical unit, preventing downtime.
• Layer 3 Routing (L3): Allows switches to route traffic between different VLANs or subnets, crucial for complex networks.
• PoE Support: Available in PoE and PoE++ models, providing power to connected devices such as IP phones, access points, and surveillance cameras directly through the network cables.

Power Supply and Redundancy Options #

FortiSwitch models are designed for high availability and redundancy to ensure continuous operation, especially in mission-critical environments.

Explanation of Redundancy Options #

Additional PoE Power: Ensures PoE switches can deliver maximum power to connected devices without interruptions, especially for devices like IP cameras, access points, and VoIP phones.

Hot-Swappable Redundant Power Supplies: Allow switches to continue operating while replacing faulty power supplies, minimizing downtime.

Redundant AC Power for Multiple Units: Power multiple switches with one power supply for space and power efficiency in large deployments.

SFP Transceiver Support #

FortiSwitch models support various Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) transceivers, which are modular connectors that allow flexibility in connecting different fiber-optic or copper cables for network uplinks and inter-switch communication.

Explanation of SFP Transceivers #

• Short Reach (SR) Transceivers: Ideal for short-distance connections within a data center or campus (e.g., up to 300m).
• Long Reach (LR) Transceivers: Suitable for long-distance connections, often used for connecting switches across large campuses or different buildings (e.g., up to 10km).
• QSFP and QSFP28: High-bandwidth transceivers, typically used for data center uplinks and interconnects (e.g., 40G and 100G connections).