The FortiSwitch M426E FPoE managed switch is a lot like the FortiSwitch 424 series. So there. But there are a few differences, enough to to be worth pointing out.
But first, a few words on switches generally.
A switch is a device that takes in packets (of data) from devices that are connected to its physical ports and sends them out again. However, it sends them only through the ports that lead to the devices the packets ought to reach. In other words, switches connect Ethernet IP devices and forward information between them.
On the other hand, a managed switch is designed to communicate across multiple networks while simultaneously providing built-in network security. It also it also improves the network’s bandwidth by prioritizing packet requests.
Why a managed switch?
There is no ability to configure an unmanaged network switch because it lacks a “brain.” A managed switch like the FortiSwitch M426E gives you the ability to manually configure, monitor, and manage the devices on your network.
A good switch should be simple to set up and manage. The M426E integrates tightly into the Fortinet Security Fabric via FortiLink, an innovative management tool. This allows any FortiGate firewall to seamlessly manage any FortiSwitch. At that point, the FortiSwitch is manageable directly from the familiar, easy-to-grasp FortiGate interface, providing complete visibility and control of users’ devices no matter how they connect.
These are pretty inexpensive switches that can be sent up directly to a Fortigate, functioning as if they are ports on the same fabric. So any individual port can be it’s own separate routed interface and belong to a zone. Pretty cool.
And the integration between the FortiGate and FortiSwitch — the reporting and monitoring — is superb. One of the most valuable features is that you can completely isolate devices that are compromising the network.
And why PoE?
Power over Ethernet delivers electrical power to PoE-enabled devices using your CATx (CAT-5, CAT-6, etc.) network cables. Since you don’t need to run electrical wiring, PoE saves money in materials and install time. It’s also flexible, especially for remote applications, since it doesn’t require a nearby electrical outlet. These and other benefits have led to a big increase in PoE’s popularity in recent years. However, the limiting factor has always been power.
Standard PoE provides 15.4w per port. It is compatible with Gigabit Ethernet ports. On the other hand, PoE+ will provide up to 30w per port. It is backwards compatible with PoE. It can also negotiate the power output it supplies to end devices. Essentially, it has a greater power budget that ordinary PoE.
Features and performance of the M426E FPoE
This is where the differences with the FS-424s show up. The FortiSwitch M426E FPoE has 16x GE RJ45, 8x 2.5 GERJ45, and 2x 5 GE RJ45 ports. It also has 4 10GE SFP+ ports. It delivers 172 Gbps of Switching Capacity, and pushes 255 Mpps Packets per Second. These numbers are higher than in the FS-424 switches. Lastly, it supports 4000 VLANS. A FortiGate firewall will be able to manage anywhere from 8 to 300 FortiSwitches, depending on the model.
The M426E FPoE is ideal in converged network environments; enabling voice, data and wireless traffic to be delivered through a single network. Specifically it will suit threat conscious mid-sized businesses and branch offices.
And building a small to medium-sized business network is not possible without switches to tie devices together. So if you have any questions on Fortinet switches, give Corporate Armor a call at 877-449-0458 or email us at [email protected].
FortiSwitch M426E FPoE At-A-Glance
| 16x GE RJ45, 8x 2.5 GE RJ45, and 2x 5 GE RJ45 ports | |
| Integrated directly into the Fortinet Security Fabric | |
| 172 Gbps of Switching Capacity | |
| 255 Mpps Packets per Second |