FortiSwitch Secure Access Switches vs. UniFi WiFi Access Points

If you've got a large network and are already using FortiGate firewalls or FortiAP access points, integrating FortiSwitch Secure Access Switches makes for one integrated solution. Previously we had Cisco switches that had to be configured and managed separately, which was always prone to error. Now that we have our entire network backbone on FortiNet devices, managing and configuring them is smoother. We are now able to see much clearer if there are any configuration issues between networking devices.

Incentivized

I love the equipment for small-scale commercial solutions and quality without the price tag. I might not recommend their products for a large organization with multiple locations and servers. However, the GUI interface will allow remote access and setup across the network. I think this is a great solution for small businesses and families or home office solutions, provided there is some IT knowledge for setup and maintenance.

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• Makes them easy to manage within one spot
• Allows for advanced network configuration
• Has plenty of power for all our PoE devices

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• Ubiquti WLAN is very easy on setup for fast deployment.
• The monitoring software is offered at different level. Cloudkey, or just throwing up their free controller on a PC somewhere.
• It also does a great job of publishing timely updates to firmware, and addressing bug issues.
• The ease of the interface, without adding a bunch of fluff, makes this literally the best out there in my opinion.

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• Would be nice to have a bit different layout on the configuration page. Sometimes can be hard to find what you're looking for.
• When disabling ports, it would be nice to have batch setting features rather than having to make changes individually.

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• Initial configuration of access points can be rather tricky. Each one I have installed was a complete pain to get setup and connected with the UniFi Controller software. I never worked out what causes me problems, but thankfully once I've stumbled through the correct procedure, it does work completely reliably after that, for years on end.
• The UniFi Controller software will nag you to share usage data. When offered to opt-in, I choose not to do so, but you'll eventually be nagged again on a future login.
• Some of the 'tooltips' within the Controller software could be more informative.

Incentivized

Ubiquiti makes great Access points at various tiers provided far better coverage and throughput than consumer-grade wireless repeaters and routers. We have not had any performance complaints from guests or from the administration who use the wifi on a daily basis.

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Ubiquiti support is minimal, which is said to help decrease the cost of the equipment. However, with many reports of emails going directly to the Ubiquiti support line taking days to hear a response, you're better off either engaging with the community forums for help from fellow UniFi users or reaching out to a reseller that has training on the equipment that can assist.

Incentivized

We have previously used both Cisco 220 Series and Dell PowerConnect 8000 Series switches that were managed separately from our firewalls and access points. The Cisco and Dell switch worked fine and we never had a problem with them, but it was always a hassle to have to make configuration changes since that would have to be done via separate GUIs. Having the ability to configure and manage firewalls, switches, and wireless access points all within one central GUI saves time and headache.

Incentivized

Ubiquiti is overall easier to work with. There is no special training needed to accomplish many of the things required with a Cisco product. Since my time is stretched thin, I need something that I can manage without being weighed down by command-line communications. Also, I am able to use my wireless devices to maintain every Ubiquiti device on my network.

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• It has made management of the network much easier and less time consuming
• We are more confident that our network traffic is being secured
• Ability to monitor network traffic and detect potential anomalies

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• Can't say it enough, prices are awesome, so ROI is very high IMHO.
• Remote cloud management allows me to service more clients at greater distances.
• Project estimates become much more attractive when you can show the savings vs more expensive solutions.

Incentivized