Fortinet FS-424E network switch 24x GE RJ45 4x 10 GE SFP+

FortiSwitch 424E managed access switch

The FortiSwitch 424E is a rackmount managed switch that delivers 24 Gigabit RJ45 ports and four 10 Gigabit SFP+ uplinks compatible with 1 Gb SFP modules. It operates at Layer 2 and Layer 3, supporting dynamic routing protocols such as OSPFv2, RIPv2, VRRP, BGP and IS-IS. The unit is designed for integration with FortiGate controllers, providing a unified management plane for network security and switching. Small to mid-size enterprises building a scalable, controller-managed fabric will find the feature set aligned with that requirement.

Sustained forwarding with shared buffers

The switch forwards packets at a rate of 190 Mpps while using a dynamically shared 2 MB packet buffer to absorb bursts without head-of-line blocking. Quality-of-service mechanisms include IEEE 802.1p and IP TOS/DSCP priority queuing, explicit congestion notification, egress priority tagging and percentage rate control. IEEE 1588 PTP transparent and boundary clock modes keep timing precise across long-haul links. Average power draw is 22.3 W with a maximum of 23.6 W, so thermal output remains predictable during continuous operation.

Verify uplinks, stacking and controller plans

Confirm that your SFP+ transceivers match the 10 Gb or 1 Gb modes the uplinks support and that cabling distances suit the chosen optics. Stacking is available, so decide whether you will link multiple units into a single logical switch before racking. FortiGate compatibility is a core feature; if you manage switches through a different platform, the integrated benefits will not apply. The chassis measures 44 x 260 x 440 mm and weighs 3.1 kg, so ensure the rack space and mounting hardware accommodate those dimensions.