The new FortiSwitch 124F managed switch is a Layer 2 (Data Link) networking appliance. We are going to look at it’s performance, but first, a few words on switches generally.
A switch is a device that takes in packets (of data) coming 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 correct devices. 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 and improving 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 gives you the ability to manually configure, monitor, and manage the devices on your network.
The reason an organization would spend good money on a managed switch with all these heavy-duty features is simply this: managed switches give you greater security, more features, and flexibility. Consequently, you can configure them to custom-fit your network. With this greater control, you can better protect your network and improve the quality of service for those who access the network.
Plus, a managed switch has more software on it that allows the user to have more control over their network. For example, you can use a managed switch to control the LAN to create VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks).
In addition, managed switches provide network status, diagnostics, and data prioritization. With a managed switch, unauthorized devices cannot connect to the network, thus preventing malicious threats.
How do I manage all these functions?
A good switch should be simple to set up and manage. The FortiSwitch 124F is tightly integrated into the Fortinet Security Fabric via FortiLink, an innovative managing tool. This allows any FortiGate firewall to seamlessly manage any FortiSwitch. At that point, you can manage the FortiSwitch directly from the familiar, easy-to-grasp FortiGate interface. It provides complete visibility and control of users and devices no matter how they connect.
So, 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 its’ own separate routed interface and belong to a zone. Pretty cool.
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.
Features and performance of the FortiSwitch 124F
In comparison to the FortiSwitch 124E, the FS-124F has 24 GE RJ45, and 4 10GE SFP+ ports. It delivers 128 Gbps of Switching Capacity, whereas the FS124E reached 56 Gbps. It pushes 190 (83 for the 124E) Mpps Packets per Second. Additionally, it has 1(4) ms latency, to the 124E’s 4ms. Lastly, it supports 4000 VLANS. A FortiGate firewall will be able to manage anywhere from 8 to 300 FortiSwitches, depending on the model.
Who is the FS-124F for?
The FS-124F is ideal in converged network environments; enabling voice, data and wireless traffic for delivery through a single network. Specifically it will suit threat conscious small to mid-sized businesses and branch offices.
And building a small business network is not possible without switches to tie devices together. So if you have any questions, give Corporate Armor a call at 877-449-0458 or email us at [email protected].
FortiSwitch 124F At-A-Glance
| 24 GE RJ45 ports, 4 10GE SFP+ ports | |
| Integrated directly into the Fortinet Security Fabric | |
| 128 Gbps of Switching Capacity | |
| 190 Mpps Packets per Second |