Fortinet FortiSwitch 424E-POE

Introduction — What Is Fortinet FortiSwitch 424E‑POE?

The Fortinet FortiSwitch 424E‑POE is an advanced enterprise‑grade managed Ethernet switch designed to deliver high‑performance connectivity, integrated security, and scalable PoE capabilities tailored for modern networks. This switch is part of Fortinet’s FortiSwitch Secure Access family, which enables organizations to scale their network access layer while maintaining tight integration with Fortinet’s Security Fabric for unified security and networking management. The FortiSwitch series is engineered to support distributed enterprises, mid‑size networks, branch offices, and campus deployments that demand reliable Gigabit connectivity with Power over Ethernet (PoE) support for powered devices such as VoIP phones, wireless access points, IP cameras and more.

The FortiSwitch 424E‑POE blends robust hardware performance with versatile software features. It provides 24 PoE+ capable Gigabit Ethernet ports alongside four high‑speed 10 Gigabit SFP+ uplinks—offering both access flexibility and backbone scalability within a compact 1 RU rack‑mountable form factor. With extensive Layer 2/3 features, comprehensive VLAN, routing, and security options, this switch empowers IT teams with the ability to support complex network infrastructures while simplifying management and reducing operational costs.

Hardware Architecture and Physical Design

At its core, the Fortinet FortiSwitch 424E‑POE is built for performance and durability. It features a 24‑port Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 interface that supports IEEE 802.3af/at PoE+ standards, delivering both data and electrical power over a single cable to connected endpoints. This PoE capability is crucial for powering devices like wireless access points, IP telephony, and security cameras without external power adapters, streamlining installations and reducing infrastructure complexity.

Complementing its PoE ports are four 10 Gigabit SFP+ uplink ports, which provide high‑speed connectivity to core switches, servers, or data center fabric, ensuring that the network backbone can handle throughput beyond standard Gigabit links. The switch supports both Gigabit and 10 Gigabit optical modules via these uplinks, offering flexibility for fiber and long‑distance deployments.

Physically, the FortiSwitch 424E‑POE is designed as a 1U rack‑mountable appliance, making it suitable for standard telecommunication racks in server rooms or closets. The sturdy build, appropriate airflow design, and compact footprint ensure it fits efficiently in dense network environments.

Performance Specifications

Performance is a critical factor for any enterprise switch, and the Fortinet FortiSwitch 424E delivers across multiple metrics:

• Switching Capacity: The device supports a 128 Gbps switching capacity (duplex), enabling it to handle high traffic volumes typical in enterprise access layers.

• Packets Per Second (PPS): It processes up to 204 million packets per second, ensuring minimal bottlenecks even under heavy loads.

• MAC Address Table: With support for 16 K MAC addresses, it can accommodate expansive layer 2 networks with numerous connected devices.

• Latency: Network latency is kept extremely low (typically <1 µs), critical for time‑sensitive applications and high‑performance data flows.

• VLAN Support: Up to 4 K VLANs can be configured, giving administrators granular control over network segmentation and traffic isolation.

These specifications make the FortiSwitch 424E‑POE ideal for enterprises that require consistent performance across a broad user base and demanding application environments.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) Capabilities

One of the standout features of the Fortinet FortiSwitch 424E is its robust PoE support. With 24 PoE+ ports and a total power budget of approximately 250 W, the switch can power a range of devices directly through Ethernet cables. This capability simplifies network topologies by decreasing the need for separate power adapters and electrical outlets at each endpoint.

PoE+ support allows for higher power delivery than traditional PoE, accommodating devices with elevated power requirements such as multi‑radio wireless access points or advanced IP cameras. The smart PoE allocation ensures that power is used efficiently and safely, protecting both the switch and connected devices.

Advanced Network Management and Security Features

The Fortinet FortiSwitch 424E  offers advanced management features that extend far beyond basic switching capabilities. It supports a wide array of protocols and functions that enhance performance, security, and traffic control:

• VLANs and Segmentation: Extensive VLAN support enables logical segmentation of network traffic, which simplifies security and traffic management in large deployments.

• Link Aggregation: The switch supports link aggregation (LACP), improving throughput and redundancy between devices.

• Quality of Service (QoS): QoS controls ensure that critical applications receive priority treatment, which is essential for voice, video, and real‑time data.

• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP/RSTP/MSTP): These protocols help maintain loop‑free topologies and improve network resilience.

• DHCP Snooping and IGMP Snooping: These features enhance network performance and security by managing DHCP traffic and multicast group memberships respectively.

• Access Control Lists (ACLs): ACLs allow fine‑grained control over traffic flows based on policies defined by network administrators.

The switch’s management interface supports multiple configuration methods, including web GUI, command line interface (CLI), SNMP, REST APIs, and more. This flexibility allows organizations to integrate the switch into automated network management workflows or maintain traditional administrator access methods.

FortiLink and Security Fabric Integration

A major differentiator for the Fortinet FortiSwitch 424E‑POE is its seamless integration with Fortinet’s Security Fabric via FortiLink management. FortiLink allows network administrators to manage FortiSwitch units directly through FortiGate firewalls—creating a unified management plane that combines switching, routing, and security policy controls in a single interface.

This integration provides:

• Centralized Policy Enforcement: Security policies created at the firewall can be applied consistently across wired endpoints connected to the FortiSwitch.

• Converged Networking: FortiLink bridges the gap between network access and security layers, enabling converged network operations that are easier to manage and more secure.

• Single Pane of Glass: Administrators can view and manage network topology, threat events, access logs and more from FortiGate dashboards.

• Zero‑Touch Provisioning: FortiSwitch devices can be auto‑discovered and provisioned through FortiGate or FortiCloud, reducing setup complexity.

FortiLink integration also supports scalable SD‑Branch architectures, where edge network devices seamlessly integrate security enforcement and access management across distributed sites.

Scalability and Stacking

The Fortinet FortiSwitch 424E‑POE supports stacking and scalable deployment models that are important for growing organizations. Multiple FortiSwitch units can be stacked and managed as a single logical unit, simplifying administration while expanding port density across a site. In FortiLink mode, up to 300 switches can be managed from a single FortiGate controller, providing massive scalability without manual reconfiguration of each device.

Stacking and centralized management improve resilience and help reduce operational overhead as networks expand.

PoE Use Cases and Power Applications

Thanks to its PoE+ capabilities, the Fortinet FortiSwitch 424E is well‑suited to environments requiring powered endpoints:

• VoIP Phones and Unified Communications: PoE eliminates the need for external power, simplifying deployment of telephony devices.

• Wireless AP Deployment: Wireless APs, including high‑density or Wi‑Fi 6 models, can be powered directly from switch ports.

• IP Camera Systems: Surveillance systems can draw power and data from a single connection.

• IoT Device Connectivity: Many IoT devices, sensors, and access controllers require PoE, making FortiSwitch ideal for smart building and automation applications.

Environmental and Reliability Specifications

• Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF): More than 10 years, indicating strong reliability in enterprise conditions.

• Operating Temperature: Designed to operate in typical IT environments (0–45 °C).

• Humidity Range: 5–95% non‑condensing, making it suitable for most telecom and data center conditions.

• Power Consumption: PoE models have higher power demands due to the PoE budget; however, thermal management ensures stable operation under full load.

The sturdy engineering ensures that the Fortinet FortiSwitch 424E can be deployed in high‑availability IT environments with confidence.

Security and Authentication Features

Fortinet FortiSwitch 424E enhances network security with:

• 802.1x Authentication: Controls port‑based access for secure endpoint authentication.

• MAC Black/White List Support: Blocks unauthorized endpoints.

• Device and User Visibility: Security insights integrated via FortiLink.

• DHCP Snooping and IP Source Guard: Protects against rogue DHCP servers and IP spoofing.

These features help maintain a secure access layer essential for enterprise network integrity.

Management and Monitoring Tools

Administrators can monitor and configure the Fortinet FortiSwitch 424E  through various tools:

• Web GUI: User‑friendly graphical interface for configuration.

• CLI: Command line interface for advanced control.

• SNMP: Integrates with network monitoring systems.

• FortiManager and FortiCloud: Centralized tools for multi‑device management and cloud‑based administration.

The flexibility of management options makes it easier for organizations to align their workflows with existing IT practices.

Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

Enterprise Branch Offices:
Fortinet FortiSwitch 424E  serves as the federated access switch offering PoE support and backbone uplinks for branch connectivity.

Campus Networks:
It provides robust performance and VLAN segmentation needed for campus edge access.

Small to Medium Business:
Businesses needing a mix of PoE, high throughput, and unified security find the switch especially beneficial.

Unified Wired and Wireless Architectures:
The switch powers and supports both wired devices and wireless infrastructure while maintaining policy consistency via FortiLink.

Conclusion

The Fortinet FortiSwitch 424E‑POE is a powerful, flexible, and secure managed switch designed for modern enterprise and distributed networking environments. It combines PoE+ support, high‑speed uplinks, advanced Layer 2/3 capabilities, tight Fortinet Security Fabric integration, and scalable management features to deliver a comprehensive network access solution. Its robust design, rich feature set, and integration capabilities position it as an ideal choice for businesses that prioritize performance, security, and simplified management.

For more details, you can find the datasheet on our website at the following link:

FortiSwitch Secure Access Series