Fortinet FortiSwitch 448E Rack Mountable 48 Ports Managed Switch

Overview

The Fortinet FS-448E is a rack-mountable managed switch designed to support growing networks with ease and reliability. It features 48 gigabit Ethernet ports and 4 high-speed 10G SFP+ uplink ports, delivering a switching capacity of 176 Gbps and handling up to 262 million packets per second. This combination makes it well suited for medium to large offices, data centers, and campus networks that demand both scale and speed. Its integration with FortiGate firewalls via FortiLink streamlines network management by allowing centralized control from a single interface.

Key features

• Provides extensive connectivity with 48 gigabit Ethernet ports to accommodate numerous devices and endpoints.
• Includes 4 10G SFP+ ports for high-bandwidth uplinks, ensuring fast and reliable data transfer between network segments.
• Supports advanced Layer 3 routing protocols such as BGP, OSPF, and RIP-2, enabling dynamic routing and efficient network segmentation.
• Allows direct management through FortiGate firewalls using FortiLink, simplifying administration and reducing operational complexity.
• Features redundant power supplies to maintain continuous operation and minimize downtime in critical environments.
• Delivers low latency as low as 1 microsecond, which benefits applications requiring rapid response times.
• Compact 1U rack-mountable design fits easily into standard network racks, optimizing space in data centers or network closets.
• Equipped with 1 GB RAM and 256 MB flash memory to support robust performance and firmware updates.
• Backed by a lifetime limited warranty, providing long-term reliability and support.

Key specs

• Ports: 48 gigabit Ethernet, 4 10G SFP+ uplinks
• Switching capacity: 176 Gbps
• Packet forwarding rate: up to 262 million packets per second
• Latency: as low as 1 microsecond
• Memory: 1 GB RAM, 256 MB flash
• Form factor: 1U rack-mountable
• Power: redundant power supplies included

Connectivity and compatibility

The FS-448E offers a broad range of connectivity options to support diverse network setups. Its 48 gigabit Ethernet ports provide ample connections for workstations, servers, and other network devices, while the 4 10G SFP+ ports handle high-speed uplinks to core switches or data center equipment. The switch’s compatibility with FortiGate firewalls through FortiLink enables seamless integration into Fortinet security ecosystems, allowing unified management and enhanced network visibility.

Performance and reliability

Designed to maintain smooth data flow even under heavy network loads, this switch delivers a high switching capacity and ultra-low latency. The inclusion of redundant power supplies ensures that power interruptions do not disrupt network operations, which is critical for environments where uptime is essential. Its support for Layer 3 routing protocols allows the switch to adapt dynamically to network changes, improving overall performance and resilience.

Ideal uses and environments

The Fortinet FS-448E fits well in environments that require scalable, high-performance networking with centralized management. It is a strong choice for medium to large enterprises, data centers, and campus networks that need to connect numerous devices while maintaining fast uplinks and advanced routing capabilities. Network administrators who use FortiGate firewalls will find the FortiLink integration particularly valuable for simplifying their management tasks.