Fortinet FortiSwitch Rack Mountable 16 Ports Managed Switch

Overview

The Fortinet FS-M426E-FPOE is a rack-mountable managed switch designed to integrate seamlessly with FortiGate firewalls, providing unified security, switching, and wireless management through a single connection. It features 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports with PoE+ capabilities, including 8 ports that deliver higher power PoE++ for devices like cameras and access points. With a 420 watt PoE budget and multi-gigabit ports supporting speeds up to 5G, this switch is built to handle demanding network environments while maintaining consistent performance.

Key features

• 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports with PoE+ to power connected devices without separate injectors
• 8 PoE++ ports that supply extra power for high-demand equipment such as PTZ cameras and advanced access points
• Four SFP+ slots supporting 1G or 10G fiber uplinks for flexible and high-speed network connections
• Two RJ-45 multi-gig ports capable of 1G, 2.5G, or 5G speeds to support modern Wi-Fi access points and future-proof your network
• Centralized management through FortiGate firewalls simplifies administration and reduces the learning curve for existing Fortinet users
• Layer 2 switching combined with Layer 3 static and dynamic routing enables versatile network segmentation and traffic management
• Robust switching fabric of 172 Gbps and forwarding rate of 255 million packets per second ensures smooth handling of voice, video, and data traffic during peak loads
• Compact 1U rack size fits standard racks easily, making installation straightforward in branch offices, campus wiring closets, or small data centers
• Support for VLANs, link aggregation, and security policies enhances network organization and protection
• Designed to operate reliably in temperatures ranging from 32°F to 122°F, suitable for various environments
• Backed by a lifetime limited hardware warranty for long-term dependability

Key specs

• Ports: 16 Gigabit Ethernet with PoE+, 8 PoE++ capable
• Uplink slots: 4 SFP+ for 1G or 10G fiber connections
• Multi-gig ports: 2 RJ-45 supporting 1G, 2.5G, or 5G speeds
• PoE budget: 420 watts total power available for connected devices
• Switching capacity: 172 Gbps
• Forwarding rate: 255 million packets per second
• Memory: 1 GB RAM
• Storage: 256 MB flash
• Form factor: 1U rack mount
• Operating temperature: 32°F to 122°F

Connectivity and compatibility

This switch offers a versatile range of ports to accommodate a variety of network setups. The 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports with PoE+ support powering devices directly through the network cable, reducing clutter and installation complexity. The 8 PoE++ ports provide additional power for devices that require more energy, such as advanced security cameras or wireless access points. Four SFP+ slots allow for fiber optic uplinks at 1G or 10G speeds, ideal for connecting to core switches or data center infrastructure. The two multi-gig RJ-45 ports support speeds up to 5G, ensuring compatibility with the latest high-speed devices and future network upgrades.

Performance and reliability

With a switching fabric rated at 172 Gbps and a forwarding rate of 255 million packets per second, this switch maintains smooth network performance even during traffic spikes. The combination of Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities allows for efficient traffic routing and segmentation, improving overall network efficiency and security. Its operating temperature range from 32°F to 122°F ensures stable operation in various environments, while the lifetime limited warranty provides peace of mind for long-term use.

Ideal uses and environments

The FS-M426E-FPOE is well suited to branch offices, campus wiring closets, and small data centers where network expansion and power delivery to devices are critical. Its PoE++ support makes it a strong choice for deployments involving power-hungry IoT devices and advanced wireless access points. Teams familiar with Fortinet security products will find the management interface intuitive, allowing for quick integration and streamlined network administration.