The FortiSwitch 108E is a Layer 2 networking appliance. Priced from $187, the FortiSwitch 108E is Fortinet’s entry-level managed switch. Even the more “tricked out” FS108E-PoE and FS108E-FPoE are under $325. We are going to look at the FS108E. But first a few words on switches generally.
What does a switch do?
A switch is a device that takes in packets of data from devices connected to its ports. Then, it sends them out again. However, it sends them only to the devices the packets are intended to reach. In other words, switches connect devices and forward information between them. So, a switch is sort of like the cops you see in the old movies. You know, the ones out in the middle of a busy intersection directing traffic.
A simple unmanaged switch is just a fancy ethernet hub. They can be quite cheap. They are typically for basic connectivity. You’ll often see them in home networks or wherever a few more ports are.
However, there’s no way to configure one of these switches. It lacks a “brain.” But a managed switch gives you the ability to manually configure and manage all network devices.
Features of the FS108E
A good switch is simple to set up and manage. The FortiSwitch 108E is no exception. It is tightly integrated into the Fortinet Security Fabric. This is done via FortiLink, a proprietary management tool. It allows any FortiGate firewall to seamlessly manage any FortiSwitch. The FortiSwitch becomes a logical extension of the FortiGate. Subsequently, the FortiGate and FortiSwitch communicate superbly. One of the most valuable features is that you can isolate devices that compromise your network. And this seamless unity is surely one of FortiSwitches most powerful selling points.
Each port on the FS108E can convert to an individual interface. As a result, you can individually manage each port. It comes with up to 48 ports, as well as PoE and FPoE options.
They are ideal for busy, converged network environments. And what network environment isn’t converged nowadays? With FortiSwitch, voice, data and wireless traffic fly across a network safe and fast. And FortiSwitch identifies devices and users before giving access to the network.
Specifications
The FS108E pushes 30 Mpps and 20 Gbps switching capacity. It also supports 4K VLANS. It has 32 MB of Flash storage on board. And remember, this is a switch that starts at about $187.
These are very secure access switches that deliver great security and performance. In addition, they help increase productivity for next generation applications by speeding up network access. In other, words, Fortinet=Fast.
Networks today are essential for supporting businesses. They provide communication, deliver entertainment and much more. And building a small business network is not possible without switches to tie devices together. They unite computers, printers, and servers seamlessly. We would love to answer any other questions you may have, about switches. So give Corporate Armor a call at 877-449-0458. Or, email us at [email protected]. Thanks for reading!
FS108E highlights
| Tightly integrated with Fortinet Security Fabric |
| 30 Mpps (Packets per second) |
| 20 Gbps switching Capacity |
| 32 MB of Flash storage |
| Completely isolates compromised devices |
| Seamlessly unifies with FortiGate |