Fortinet FortiSwitch 224D vs MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
The FortiSwitch 224D delivers 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports in a compact, fan‑less chassis, providing reliable, high‑performance connectivity for enterprise networks. Designed to work seamlessly with FortiGate firewalls via FortiLink, it simplifies management and enhances security across the LAN. Ideal for branch offices, SMBs, and distributed environments, the 224D offers Layer‑2 switching, VLAN support, and basic QoS without the complexity of larger chassis systems. Its low power consumption and rugged metal housing make it suitable for both rack‑mount and wall‑mount deployments.
The MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM is a 24-port Gigabit PoE+ rackmount switch with four SFP+ uplinks, running RouterOS and SwOS. It is designed for high-performance networking applications, providing a reliable and efficient solution for managing and switching data traffic. This switch is ideal for network administrators and IT professionals who require a robust and scalable networking solution.
- Seamless FortiGate integration via FortiLink
- Quiet, fan‑less operation
- Compact 1U form factor
- Robust Layer‑2 feature set
- High-performance Gigabit Ethernet connectivity
- Flexible SFP+ uplinks for fiber connectivity
- PoE+ support for powering devices over Ethernet
- Rackmount design for easy installation
- No built‑in PoE support
- Limited advanced routing features
- Only basic QoS capabilities
- Limited to 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- No built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
- Requires technical expertise for configuration and management
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataFortiSwitch 224D is a low‑cost, fan‑less 24‑port Layer‑2 switch ideal for FortiGate‑centric SMB sites, while MikroTik CRS328‑24P‑4S+ adds PoE+ and SFP+ fiber uplinks at a higher price and complexity.
Key differences
- •FortiSwitch 224D lacks built‑in PoE; MikroTik CRS328 provides PoE+ on all 24 ports.
- •MikroTik includes 4 SFP+ 10 Gbps uplink slots; FortiSwitch has only copper Ethernet ports.
- •FortiSwitch integrates directly with FortiGate via FortiLink; MikroTik uses RouterOS/SwOS and needs manual configuration.
- •Weight and size: FortiSwitch is 0.8 kg, 1U; MikroTik is 2.5 kg, larger rack footprint.
- •Warranty: FortiSwitch offers 3‑year warranty; MikroTik only 1‑year.
Performance
MikroTik adds 4 × SFP+ 10 Gbps uplinks, giving higher back‑haul capacity than FortiSwitch’s all copper ports.
Build quality
FortiSwitch is fan‑less, metal‑enclosed, 1U, lighter (0.8 kg) versus MikroTik’s heavier (2.5 kg) chassis.
Connectivity
MikroTik offers PoE+ on 24 ports and 4 SFP+ ports; FortiSwitch provides only 24 non‑PoE Ethernet ports.
Power & efficiency
FortiSwitch requires no PoE power budget and is fan‑less, consuming less power than MikroTik’s PoE+ and active components.
Compatibility
FortiSwitch integrates natively with FortiGate via FortiLink; MikroTik relies on generic RouterOS configuration.
Price & value
FortiSwitch MSRP $299 vs MikroTik $489, giving a $190 cost advantage.
Warranty & support
FortiSwitch includes a 3‑year warranty; MikroTik provides only 1‑year.
Choose Fortinet FortiSwitch 224D if…
SMB or branch office using FortiGate, needing silent, low‑cost, non‑PoE switching.
Choose MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM if…
Sites requiring PoE+ devices or fiber uplinks and willing to invest in higher‑priced, more complex management.
Common questions
Is PoE supported?
FortiSwitch 224D has no built‑in PoE; MikroTik CRS328‑24P‑4S+ supplies PoE+ on all 24 ports.
Can I connect fiber uplinks?
Only the MikroTik provides 4 SFP+ (10 Gbps) uplink slots; FortiSwitch offers only copper Ethernet.
What warranty coverage do I get?
FortiSwitch includes a 3‑year warranty; MikroTik offers a 1‑year warranty.