Fortinet FortiSwitch 424e Layer 3 Switch

Overview

The Fortinet FS-424E-POE is a Layer 3 switch designed to deliver both data and power through 24 PoE+ ports, making it ideal for deploying wireless access points, VoIP phones, and surveillance cameras without additional power infrastructure. It supports high-speed fiber uplinks via four SFP+ slots that accept 1 or 10 gigabit modules, providing flexible connectivity options for stacking or linking to core networks. With a switching capacity of 128 Gbps and the ability to forward up to 204 million packets per second at about one microsecond latency, this switch ensures smooth and responsive network performance for demanding environments.

Key features

• 24 PoE+ ports deliver both power and data over a single cable, simplifying device installation and reducing cabling complexity
• Four SFP+ uplink slots support 1 or 10 gigabit fiber modules, enabling flexible and scalable backbone connections
• Layer 3 routing capabilities with support for RIP-2, OSPFv2, VRRP, and BFD protocols enhance network routing efficiency and redundancy
• Integration with FortiGate firewalls allows centralized management of security policies, VLANs, and Quality of Service settings from a unified interface
• Advanced traffic management features such as jumbo frame support, DHCP relay, IGMP snooping, and port mirroring facilitate smooth data flow and simplify troubleshooting
• Supports up to 4,000 VLANs and 4,000 host entries, providing ample capacity for large or expanding network segmentation
• Multiple remote management options including CLI, HTTP, HTTPS, SNMP, SSH, and Telnet offer flexible control suited to various administrative preferences
• Compact 1U rack-mount design with an internal power supply reduces cabinet clutter and eases installation
• Limited lifetime warranty ensures long-term reliability and peace of mind for critical network deployments

Key specs

• Ports: 24 PoE+ Ethernet ports
• Uplink slots: 4 SFP+ supporting 1 or 10 gigabit fiber modules
• Switching capacity: 128 Gbps
• Packet forwarding rate: Up to 204 million packets per second
• Latency: Approximately 1 microsecond
• VLAN support: Up to 4,000 VLANs
• Host entries: Up to 4,000
• Routing protocols: RIP-2, OSPFv2, VRRP, BFD
• Form factor: 1U rack-mountable
• Power supply: Internal

Connectivity and compatibility

This switch offers versatile connectivity options to fit into various network architectures. The 24 PoE+ ports provide power and data to connected devices, reducing the need for separate power sources. The four SFP+ slots accept both 1 gigabit and 10 gigabit fiber modules, allowing you to tailor uplink speeds to your network backbone requirements. Its Layer 3 routing support ensures compatibility with common routing protocols, making it suitable for complex network topologies. Integration with FortiGate firewalls further enhances security and network orchestration, streamlining management across your infrastructure.

Ideal uses and environments

The FS-424E-POE is well suited to environments that require secure, high-performance network switching with centralized control. It fits naturally in university campuses expanding their network reach, SD-branch deployments needing tight integration with security appliances, and retail floors that demand reliable power and data delivery to numerous access points and cameras. Its robust VLAN and host capacity make it a strong choice for large or growing networks that require detailed segmentation and efficient traffic management. The low latency and high packet throughput also support real-time applications and services that depend on fast, consistent network responses.