Notes: Price range reflects SHI and SHI Direct USD selling prices ($1,255u2013$1,256) up to listed MSRP ($1,705). Specs are from reseller pages and a Fortinet family datasheet; a 128 Gbps capacity figure on one reseller listing for the FPOE model conflicts with 240 Gbps and was not used.
Curation Review
✔ Pros:Multigig 2.5GbE access ports allow Wi-Fi 6/6E APs and other 2.5G endpoints to run above gigabit speeds; 6x 10G SFP+ uplinks provide high-bandwidth aggregation to a FortiGate or core switch; Managed by FortiGate via FortiLink, giving centralized policy, VLAN, and security configuration; FortiLink Stacking (Auto Inter-Switch Links) simplifies multi-switch deployments; 240 Gbps switching capacity and 355 Mpps forwarding support line-rate performance for access layers; Fanless-class access switch design in a compact 1RU form factor; Lower price than the PoE variant when PoE is not needed
✘ Cons:No PoE on the base model, so PoE-dependent devices such as cameras, phones, and APs need the separate FPOE SKU or external injectors; Requires a FortiGate for full management, so it is less useful as a standalone switch; Lacks Layer 3 routing features in most listings, limiting use as a distribution or core switch; Specs are mostly from reseller listings rather than a standalone official Fortinet datasheet, and some figures (such as VLAN count) vary between sources; Price varies by reseller and currency, and support licenses such as FortiCare are priced separately
Est. Price:
$1,255 - $1,705
Compare Against
Cisco Cisco Catalyst 9200L
★ 4.3 Value Score
Technical Specifications
Switching Capacity: 56 Gbps (24P-4G) to 128 Gbps (24-port 4x10G) and 104 Gbps (48P-4G) to 176 Gbps (48P-4X); varies by SKU and source
Forwarding Rate: 83.33 Mpps (24P-4G) to 190.4 Mpps (24P-4X); 154.76 Mpps (48P-4G) to 261.9 Mpps (48P-4X); varies by SKU and source
Ports (breakdown): 24 or 48 x 10/100/1000 downlink ports (PoE+ on P models, non-PoE on T models; some 48-port PXG variants add mGig ports) plus 4 fixed uplinks: 4 x 1G SFP (-4G) or 4 x 10G SFP+ (-4X)
PoE Budget: 24P models: about 370 W default, up to about 740 W with redundant PSU; 48P models: about 740 W default, up to about 1440 W with two PSUs (sources conflict, e.g. 600 W and 1 kW PSU options quoted)
Layer: L2/L3: Network Essentials provides L2 switching with basic L3 features; Network Advantage adds full dynamic L3 routing
Stacking support: Yes, StackWise-80 with 80 Gbps stacking bandwidth, up to 8 switches (requires stacking module/kit)
Curation Review
✔ Pros:Cisco StackWise-80 stacking of up to 8 units with 80 Gbps stacking bandwidth; 4x10G SFP+ uplink option for higher-bandwidth aggregation; Full PoE+ (802.3at) on P models with budgets up to roughly 1440 W with redundant power; Two licensing tiers (Network Essentials and Network Advantage) let buyers pay only for needed L3 features; Lower price point than Catalyst 9300 for standard campus access deployments
✘ Cons:Uplinks are fixed with no modular expansion slots, which limits future upgrade paths; Full dynamic L3 routing requires the more expensive Network Advantage license; Stacking needs a separate stacking module and is capped at 8 units; Switching capacity and PoE budgets differ widely between SKUs, making spec comparison and sizing confusing; Lower forwarding performance and feature depth than Catalyst 9300 for aggregation or core roles