Buying Guide
The Best Fortinet Network Switches for a Better Desk Setup
We looked at 5 fortinet network switches side by side, with the trade-offs that separate them and who each one suits.
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
7 min read5 products evaluated
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FortiSwitch integrates tightly with Fortinet's Security Fabric through FortiLink, letting you manage switches directly from a FortiGate firewall's interface for a single-pane-of-glass view of security and network access, a genuine differentiator for buyers already on Fortinet's security stack.
We compared this cluster on port count, PoE options, and SFP+ uplink availability, since full FortiSwitch value depends on an existing FortiGate deployment rather than standalone switching alone.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best 24-Port
Fortinet FortiSwitch 124F, 24 GE + 4 SFP+
Buyers prioritizing 24 ge + 4 sfp+ ports, fanless
Our take Check price for Fortinet FortiSwitch 124F, 24 GE + 4 SFP+ (opens in a new tab)
Best 8-Port
Fortinet FortiSwitch 108F, 8 GE + 2 SFP
Buyers prioritizing 8 ge + 2 sfp ports, fanless
Our take Check price for Fortinet FortiSwitch 108F, 8 GE + 2 SFP (opens in a new tab)
Best Flexible Mounting
Fortinet FortiSwitch 108E-FPOE
Buyers prioritizing 8 ports + 2 sfp slots
Our take Check price for Fortinet FortiSwitch 108E-FPOE (opens in a new tab)
Best with PoE
Fortinet FortiSwitch 108F-POE, 65W
Buyers prioritizing layer 2+ managed switch, 65w poe
Our take Check price for Fortinet FortiSwitch 108F-POE, 65W (opens in a new tab)
Best with 10GE SFP+ Uplinks
Fortinet FortiSwitch 108F-FPOE
Buyers prioritizing 8 ge poe+ + 2 sfp + 4x 10ge sfp+ uplinks
Our take Check price for Fortinet FortiSwitch 108F-FPOE (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best 24-Port1 of 5
Fortinet FortiSwitch 124F, 24 GE + 4 SFP+ on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The FortiSwitch 124F is a fanless Layer 2 switch with 24 Gigabit ports and 4 SFP+ uplinks, built to integrate tightly with Fortinet's Security Fabric through FortiLink, letting you manage the switch directly from a FortiGate firewall's interface.
Best for
- Buyers prioritizing 24 ge + 4 sfp+ ports, fanless
Why we like it
This single-pane-of-glass management gives complete visibility into users and devices regardless of connection type, positioning it for SD-Branch deployments that want security and network access converged into one dashboard.
Key dimensions & specs
- 24 GE + 4 SFP+ ports, fanless
- FortiLink integration with FortiGate
- Layer 2 switching
Pros
- Single-dashboard management via FortiGate integration
- Fanless despite 24-port density
- Built for converged SD-Branch security architecture
Cons
- Full value requires an existing FortiGate deployment
- Enterprise pricing above consumer-grade switches
Best 8-Port2 of 5
Fortinet FortiSwitch 108F, 8 GE + 2 SFP on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The FortiSwitch 108F scales Fortinet's FortiLink-integrated management down to a compact 8-port fanless switch with 2 SFP uplinks, suited to smaller branch offices already running FortiGate security infrastructure.
Best for
- Buyers prioritizing 8 ge + 2 sfp ports, fanless
Why we like it
Like its larger sibling, it can be managed as a non-FortiLink deployment through onboard GUI, API, or CLI if a full FortiGate integration isn't needed yet.
Key dimensions & specs
- 8 GE + 2 SFP ports, fanless
- FortiLink or standalone management
- Layer 2 switching
Pros
- Smaller entry point into the FortiSwitch ecosystem
- Flexible standalone or FortiLink-integrated management
- Fanless silent operation
Cons
- Full value requires FortiGate for unified management
- Enterprise pricing above consumer switches
Best Flexible Mounting3 of 5
Fortinet FortiSwitch 108E-FPOE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The FortiSwitch 108E-FPOE is an 8-port manageable Layer 2 switch with 2 SFP slots supporting both twisted pair and optical fiber connections, in a 1U rack-mountable, desktop, or standalone chassis.
Best for
- Buyers prioritizing 8 ports + 2 sfp slots
Why we like it
As part of the FortiSwitch family it integrates with FortiGate for unified security and network management when deployed alongside Fortinet firewall infrastructure.
Key dimensions & specs
- 8 ports + 2 SFP slots
- 1U rack, desktop, or standalone
- Layer 2 manageable
Pros
- Flexible mounting: rack, desktop, or standalone
- SFP slots support fiber connectivity
- Fits into FortiGate-managed deployments
Cons
- Full value requires existing FortiGate infrastructure
- Enterprise pricing above consumer switches
Best with PoE4 of 5
Fortinet FortiSwitch 108F-POE, 65W on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 108F-POE adds 65W of PoE budget to Fortinet's 108F-series Layer 2+ managed switch, integrating through FortiLink for single-pane-of-glass management from a connected FortiGate firewall.
Best for
- Buyers prioritizing layer 2+ managed switch, 65w poe
Why we like it
Like the rest of the FortiSwitch line, it's positioned for SD-Branch deployments converging security and network access into one dashboard rather than managing switches and firewalls separately.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layer 2+ managed switch, 65W PoE
- FortiLink integration
- SD-Branch deployment focus
Pros
- Converged security/network management via FortiLink
- PoE budget appropriate for smaller branch deployments
- Part of a cohesive Fortinet security stack
Cons
- Full value requires a FortiGate deployment
- Enterprise pricing above consumer alternatives
Best with 10GE SFP+ Uplinks5 of 5
Fortinet FortiSwitch 108F-FPOE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
This 108F-FPOE variant packs 8 GE PoE+ capable ports, 2 SFP uplinks, and 4 additional 10GE SFP+ uplink ports into a fanless entry-level switch, supporting Zero-Touch Provisioning for auto-discovery and configuration of ports and security policies.
Best for
- Buyers prioritizing 8 ge poe+ + 2 sfp + 4x 10ge sfp+ uplinks
Why we like it
It supports non-FortiLink deployment through onboard GUI, API, or CLI for buyers who don't yet want to fold it into a full FortiGate-managed architecture.
Key dimensions & specs
- 8 GE PoE+ + 2 SFP + 4x 10GE SFP+ uplinks
- Zero-Touch Provisioning
- Fanless, standalone or FortiLink managed
Pros
- 10GE SFP+ uplinks future-proof the backbone
- Zero-Touch Provisioning speeds fleet deployment
- Fanless entry-level Fortinet option
Cons
- Enterprise pricing above consumer switches
- Full security-fabric value needs a FortiGate
How We Chose These Fortinet Network Switches
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Port Count & Speed Tier
- Verified the actual port count, Gigabit vs multi-gig speed rating, and whether every port runs at the advertised speed or only some do, since several switches mix full-speed and lower-speed ports.
- Checked the total PoE wattage budget against realistic device counts, not just the per-port maximum, since a switch's total power pool is what actually limits how many cameras or access points it can run.
- Classified each switch as unmanaged, smart/easy-managed, or fully managed Layer 2/3, since this determines what troubleshooting and segmentation options are available after installation, not just at setup.
- Weighed fanless vs active cooling, metal vs plastic housing, and desktop/wall/rack mounting options against the switch's likely install environment.
- Favored listings that clearly state cabling requirements, host port requirements, and speed caveats over ones that only advertise the theoretical maximum.
What to Look for in a Fortinet Network Switch
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Port count is a headroom decision, not a current-need one
Buy for what you'll plug in over the next 2-3 years, not just today. An 8-port switch that's already full the day it arrives means buying a second switch and daisy-chaining, which adds a hop of latency and another point of failure.
PoE budget is a shared pool, not per-port
A switch rated for 8 PoE+ ports at 120W total does not mean every port gets 30W simultaneously. Add up the real draw of every camera, AP, and phone you'll connect, and make sure the total budget clears it with room to spare.
Managed vs unmanaged changes what you can diagnose later
An unmanaged switch is zero-configuration but gives you no visibility when something goes wrong. A smart-managed switch adds VLANs, port mirroring, and traffic monitoring for a modest price increase, worth it the first time you need to isolate a misbehaving device.
Fanless does not always mean silent under load
Most desktop switches are fanless and silent, but high-port-count PoE switches sometimes add active cooling once the power budget climbs past 200-300W. Check for a fan explicitly if a quiet office or bedroom install matters.
Multi-gig speed needs matching cable and network gear
5G or 10G switch only delivers those speeds if your cabling is Cat5e or better (Cat6a for 10G) and the devices on both ends actually support that speed. Mixing a multi-gig switch into an all-Gigabit network gets you nothing extra.
Renewed enterprise gear needs a licensing check first
Cisco Meraki, Juniper, and some Aruba/HPE switches on Amazon are frequently sold as renewed hardware without an active license or support contract. Confirm what functions before assuming a discounted enterprise switch works like a new one out of the box.
How to Choose a Fortinet Network Switch
Every FortiSwitch here can run standalone through onboard GUI, API, or CLI without a FortiGate. Full value comes from FortiLink integration, unified security and network management from one FortiGate dashboard, so the buying decision should hinge on whether you already run or plan to run FortiGate firewall infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a FortiGate firewall to use a FortiSwitch?
No, FortiSwitches function as standalone managed switches without a FortiGate. You just won't get the unified single-dashboard management and Security Fabric integration that's the main reason to choose Fortinet over a competing managed switch brand.
Bottom Line
Best overall: Fortinet FortiSwitch 124F, 24 GE + 4 SFP+ — best 24-port pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all fortinet network switches on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.