The new FortiSwitch 148E managed switch is a Layer 2 (Data Link) network appliance. We are going to look at it’s performance. However, first a few words on switches generally.
Basically, a switch is a device that takes in packets (of data) being sent by devices that connect to its physical ports and sends them out again. But, it sends them only through the ports that lead to the devices the packets are intended to reach. In other words, switches connect Ethernet IP devices and forward information between them. In it’s simplest form, an unmanaged switch is a fancy ethernet hub that can be had quite cheaply. As such, an unmanaged switch requires no configuration. Generally, they are typically for basic connectivity. You’ll often see them in home networks or wherever a few more ports are needed.
Alternately, a managed switch such as the FS 148E communicates across multiple networks while simultaneously providing built-in network security. It also improves the network’s bandwidth by prioritizing packet requests.
Why a managed switch?
There is no ability to configure an unmanaged network switch because it lacks a “brain.” A managed switch gives you the ability to manually configure, monitor, and manage the devices on your network.
The reason an organization would spend good money on a managed switch with all these heavy-duty features is simply this: managed switches give you greater security, more features, and flexibility. As a result, you can configure them to custom-fit your network. With this greater control, you can better protect your network and improve the quality of service for those who access the network.
Plus, a managed switch has more software on it that allows the user to have more control over their network. For example, you can use a managed switch to control the LAN to create VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks).
In addition, managed switches provide network status, diagnostics, and data prioritization. With such a switch, unauthorized devices cannot connect to the network, thus preventing malicious threats.
How do I manage all these functions?
A good switch should be simple to set up and manage. The FortiSwitch 148E (and all FortiSwitches) tightly integrates into the Fortinet Security Fabric via FortiLink, an innovative proprietary management tool. This allows any FortiGate firewall to seamlessly manage any FortiSwitch. This enables it to become a logical extension of the FortiGate.
As a result, the 148E is integrated directly into the Fortinet Security Fabric. At that point, the FortiSwitch can be managed directly from the familiar, easy-to-grasp FortiGate interface. The nice thing is, it’s a “single pane of glass” interface. This provides complete visibility and control of users and devices on the network no matter how they connect.
The integration between the FortiGate and FortiSwitch — the reporting and monitoring — is superb. One of the most valuable features is that you can completely isolate devices that are compromising the network.
Performance of the FortiSwitch 148E
The FS-148E has 48 GE RJ45, and 4 GE SFP ports. It delivers 104 Gbps of Switching Capacity, and 155 Packets per Second. Additionally, it has 3.86 ms latency. Lastly, it supports 4000 VLANS.
Plus, it carries 256 MB of DDR3 RAM, and 64 MB of Flash memory.
Features
Some features include Flow control, auto-negotiation, port mirroring, SNTP support, Link Aggregation Control Protocol, and IPv6 management. In addition, there’s Protocol support, DHCP client, VLAN Tagging, and a lot more.
Who is the FS-148E designed for?
The 148E is ideal in converged network environments; enabling voice, data and wireless traffic to be delivered across a single network. Specifically, it will suit threat conscious mid-sized to large businesses and branch offices.
Networks today are essential for supporting businesses. They provide communication, deliver entertainment—the list goes on and on. And, building a small business network is not possible without switches to tie devices together. It unites the computers, printers, and servers in a small business network seamlessly and safely.
So if you have any questions, give Corporate Armor a call at 877-449-0458. Or, you can email us at [email protected].