Aruba vs Fortinet Switches – EarlyTechGuy Review

Network switches are the backbone of modern IT infrastructure, enabling the seamless flow of data and communication within organizations. Two renowned players in the networking industry, Aruba (a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company) and Fortinet, offer a range of switches designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses. In this blog post, we will delve into the technical differences between Aruba switches and Fortinet switches to help you make an informed decision when selecting the right switch for your network.

Switching Capabilities

Aruba switches and Fortinet switches differ in terms of their primary focus. Aruba places a strong emphasis on wired and wireless networking solutions, offering a wide range of access switches and core switches to cater to different network sizes. Fortinet, on the other hand, is renowned for its security-centric approach, with switches designed to integrate seamlessly with their cybersecurity solutions. Fortinet switches are known for their security features, which are tightly integrated into the switching hardware.

Aruba switches and Fortinet switches have different L3 (Layer 3) routing capabilities that set them apart. Here are some of the L3 routing capabilities that differentiate Aruba switches from Fortinet switches:

Aruba Switches:

1. ArubaOS-CX: Aruba switches run on the ArubaOS-CX operating system, which provides advanced L3 routing features. This includes support for Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) and Intermediate System to Intermediate System (IS-IS) routing protocols, making them suitable for complex routing scenarios.
2. VRF (Virtual Routing and Forwarding): Aruba switches support VRF, allowing for the segmentation of the routing tables, which is useful in scenarios where multiple virtual networks or tenants share the same physical infrastructure. VRF enhances network isolation and security.
3. Dynamic Routing Protocols: Aruba switches support a variety of dynamic routing protocols, including OSPF, BGP (Border Gateway Protocol), and RIP (Routing Information Protocol). These protocols enable dynamic route updates and adjustments based on network changes.
4. Quality of Service (QoS): Aruba switches offer robust QoS capabilities, allowing for the prioritization of traffic based on different criteria, including source/destination, application, or DSCP markings. This is essential for ensuring the performance and efficiency of the network.
5. Policy-Based Routing: Aruba switches support policy-based routing, which allows administrators to define routing decisions based on specific policies or attributes, offering flexibility in managing traffic flow.
6. IPv6 Support: Aruba switches provide comprehensive IPv6 support, which is important for organizations transitioning to the next-generation Internet Protocol. This support includes IPv6 routing and addressing features.

Fortinet Switches:

1. Security Integration: Fortinet switches are known for their deep integration with Fortinet’s security solutions. While this isn’t a routing capability per se, the seamless integration with Fortinet’s security appliances enhances security at the network edge. Fortinet’s security features can be used to protect against threats at the perimeter and within the network, complementing the L3 routing capabilities.
2. VLAN Segmentation: Fortinet switches offer strong VLAN support, allowing for effective network segmentation and isolation. VLANs are a crucial component of L3 routing, as they enable network traffic separation and can be used in conjunction with routing policies.
3. Secure SD-WAN: Fortinet’s L3 routing capabilities are often used in conjunction with their Secure SD-WAN solution. This integrates SD-WAN functionality with routing, making it easier to optimize and secure wide area networks.
4. Unified Management: Fortinet switches can be managed through the FortiGate Security Fabric, providing a unified dashboard for both security and routing management. This integration simplifies network administration and security policy enforcement.
5. FortiOS: Fortinet switches run on FortiOS, which includes L3 routing features like static routing, dynamic routing (OSPF, BGP), and VPN support. FortiOS is designed with security in mind and can seamlessly integrate with other Fortinet security appliances.

In summary, while both Aruba and Fortinet switches offer L3 routing capabilities, the key differentiator is that Aruba switches provide more advanced routing features and support for a wider array of routing protocols, making them well-suited for complex enterprise networks. Fortinet switches, on the other hand, excel in integrating routing with security, allowing for a unified approach to network security and routing management. The choice between these switches will depend on your specific networking and security requirements.

Security Features

Fortinet switches come with robust security features that are well-suited for organizations looking to enhance network security. They include deep packet inspection, intrusion prevention, and other advanced security functions. These switches are optimized for integration with Fortinet’s firewall and security appliances, offering a comprehensive security solution within the network.

Aruba switches, while not primarily focused on security, do provide some security features. They support 802.1X authentication, VLAN segmentation, and access control lists (ACLs) to enhance network security. However, they may not offer the same level of security integration as Fortinet switches.

Aruba switches and Fortinet switches have distinct security features that cater to different aspects of network security. Here are some of the security features that differentiate Aruba switches from Fortinet switches:

Aruba Switches:

1. 802.1X Authentication: Aruba switches support IEEE 802.1X authentication, which allows for port-based access control and authentication of connected devices. This feature enhances network security by ensuring that only authorized devices can access the network.
2. VLAN Segmentation: Aruba switches enable the creation of Virtual LANs (VLANs), which help in segregating network traffic. By isolating different types of traffic onto separate VLANs, organizations can enhance network security by controlling access and limiting the scope of potential threats.
3. Access Control Lists (ACLs): Aruba switches provide the ability to create and enforce Access Control Lists (ACLs). ACLs allow you to define rules for filtering traffic, thereby controlling what is allowed or denied at the network perimeter.
4. Dynamic Segmentation: Aruba’s Dynamic Segmentation feature allows for network policies and access controls to be applied dynamically based on user roles or attributes. This dynamic approach enhances network security by adapting to user and device behavior.
5. Aruba ClearPass: Aruba ClearPass is a comprehensive network access control solution that can be integrated with Aruba switches. It provides advanced features for user and device authentication, profiling, and enforcement. ClearPass can enforce policies to ensure that only compliant and authorized devices gain network access.

Fortinet Switches:

1. Integrated Security Services: Fortinet switches are designed to seamlessly integrate with Fortinet’s security appliances, such as FortiGate firewalls. This integration provides a comprehensive security fabric that inspects traffic at the edge of the network, offering protection against various threats, including malware and intrusions.
2. Deep Packet Inspection: Fortinet switches can perform deep packet inspection (DPI) through the FortiGate firewall to inspect traffic at the application layer. This allows for the identification and blocking of malicious content, even within encrypted traffic, enhancing security.
3. Intrusion Prevention System (IPS): Fortinet switches often include an Intrusion Prevention System that can detect and block network-based attacks and vulnerabilities in real-time. This is crucial for safeguarding the network from known and emerging threats.
4. Secure SD-WAN: Fortinet switches are typically part of Fortinet’s Secure SD-WAN solution, which combines routing, security, and application optimization in a single platform. This integration enables organizations to securely connect remote offices and branch locations to the network while enforcing security policies.
5. Single Pane of Glass Management: Fortinet offers a centralized management platform (FortiManager) that allows administrators to manage both the switches and other Fortinet security devices from a single console. This unified management approach simplifies network security operations.

In summary, Aruba switches focus on providing network access control and segmentation features, making them suitable for organizations looking to enforce policies and control network access at the edge. Fortinet switches, on the other hand, emphasize security integration with deep inspection and intrusion prevention capabilities, making them a compelling choice for organizations seeking a unified approach to network security and routing. The choice between these switches will largely depend on your organization’s specific security requirements and existing security infrastructure.

Management and Control

Aruba and Fortinet switches offer different management and control options:

• Aruba switches typically utilize the Aruba Central platform for network management. This cloud-based solution allows for centralized management of Aruba devices, making it easier to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot your network.
• Fortinet switches are managed through the FortiGate Security Fabric, which provides a centralized and integrated approach to network and security management. This can simplify network administration by bringing security and switching together under a unified dashboard.

Scalability

Both Aruba and Fortinet offer switches suitable for various network sizes. Aruba’s portfolio includes entry-level access switches, mid-range switches, and high-end core switches. They are known for their scalability, making it easy to expand your network as your organization grows.

Fortinet switches are also often designed with a focus on small business, the mid-size to large enterprise market. Their security-oriented switches may be a better fit for organizations that require advanced security and scalability.

Price and Licensing

When it comes to price and licensing, the landscape between Aruba and Fortinet switches displays a distinctive contrast. Aruba switches are positioned at a premium price point, reflecting their comprehensive feature set and robust capabilities. On the other hand, Fortinet switches are known for their aggressively competitive pricing, making them a cost-effective choice for businesses seeking value in their networking investments.

Aruba switches may require a higher initial investment, but they often come with a diverse range of licensing options. These licensing options empower organizations to select features and functionalities that align precisely with their budgetary considerations and operational needs.

In contrast, Fortinet switches, despite their affordability, deliver compelling performance and integration capabilities. Their cost-effective pricing can be particularly attractive for organizations looking to maximize the value of their network infrastructure investments.

Ultimately, your decision between Aruba and Fortinet switches should factor in your organization’s budget, specific networking requirements, and the balance between advanced features and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion

When choosing between Aruba and Fortinet switches, the decision should be based on your organization’s specific requirements. Aruba switches excel in providing a wide range of networking solutions with strong scalability and competitive pricing. On the other hand, Fortinet switches are security-centric, designed to enhance network security, and integrate seamlessly with Fortinet’s security solutions.

Ultimately, your choice should be driven by your organization’s priorities, whether that be a focus on networking performance and scalability, or a strong emphasis on network security. By understanding the technical differences between Aruba and Fortinet switches, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your unique networking needs.