Secure Ethernet Ethernet Switches

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Secure Ethernet Switches in Austin

Fortinet’s Secure, Simple, Scalable Ethernet Solutions

Legacy Ethernet LANs face many challenges including exponential growth in devices and applications, increased throughput demands from wireless LANs, and complex security implementations. Rather than asking how to secure traditional Ethernet LANs, Fortinet takes a security-driven networking approach offering Ethernet as an extension of the security infrastructure through FortiSwitch and FortiLink. Features such as NAC are included with no additional licensing. FortiSwitch offers a broad portfolio of secure, simple, and scalable Ethernet switches ideal for Secure SD-Branch and applications ranging from desktop to data center.

For additional protection, explore our Network Switch and VLAN Security services for business network segmentation and access control.

Secure Ethernet LAN Use Cases:

How do you secure and enable the edges of your network? The remote enterprise branch poses a challenge to network administrators faced with limited IT budget and staff. Fortinet’s Secure SD-Branch solution leverages the FortiSwitch to provide secure Ethernet access that is simple to deploy and easy to scale from the smallest remote branch to a campus. FortiSwitch can also leverage Artificial Intelligence with Machine Learning to simplify management of the LAN Edge through FortiAIOps.

For compatible PoE networking hardware, see our Ethernet PoE Products for business connectivity and connected devices.

For the physical infrastructure that connects your switches and devices, learn more about our Voice and Data Cabling Services.

Campus

Local-area networks (LANs) in campus settings are dynamic and complex, making them challenging to secure and manage. By leveraging the FortiGate Next Generation Firewall as a LAN controller, IT can simplify their workload by consolidating functions into a single management interface that converges both networking and security.

SD-Branch

Securing the wireless at new branches can be expensive, difficult, and time-consuming to deploy. The same simplicity, manageability, and security offered in our Secure SD-WAN solution leveraging the FortiGate NGFW can be carried over into wired and wireless access management to create a Secure SD-Branch. FortiSwitch integrates directly into the FortiOS security infrastructure via our FortiLink protocol.

Secure Ethernet Switching Product Details

Fortinet’s Ethernet switches can be managed standalone or integrate directly into the Fortinet Security Fabric via the FortiLink protocol.
FortiLink is a key supporting technology of the FortiSwitch, that enables its ports to become extensions of the FortiGate security appliance. When connected via FortiLink, the security policies of the FortiSwitch can mirror the FortiGate making Firewall interfaces and Switch ports equally secure.

Centralized management through the FortiGate simplifies deployment and provisioning of FortiSwitch with no-touch auto-discovery, one-click VLAN, and security policy assignment.

With an integrated access layer, the FortiGate provides consolidated visibility and reporting easing management and troubleshooting. Lastly, FortiLink enables stacking of up to 300 switches per FortiGate, depending on the model. All of these features are included and have no licensing fee.

For broader network management and ongoing IT support, explore our Austin Managed IT Services.

FAQ - Secure Ethernet Switches

What is the difference between an unmanaged and a secure managed Ethernet switch?

An unmanaged switch simply passes data between devices without control, whereas a secure managed switch allows network administrators to configure VLANs, monitor traffic, enforce 802.1X port security, prioritize bandwidth (QoS), and isolate cyber threats.

Why is physical port security essential on office network switches?

Unsecured switch ports in conference rooms, reception desks, or hallways allow unauthorized devices to connect directly to your corporate network. With secure Ethernet switches from BCS, unused ports are disabled or locked via MAC filtering and 802.1X authentication.

How do secure switches improve VoIP call quality and security?

Managed switches utilize Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize real-time voice packets over bulk data traffic, eliminating jitter, packet loss, and dropped calls while segmenting voice traffic onto a dedicated private VLAN.

What brands of secure network switches does BCS install in Austin?

BCS supplies, configures, and supports leading enterprise networking hardware including Cisco, SonicWall, Fortinet, Ubiquiti UniFi, and Zyxel switches tailored to your organization’s security and budget requirements.

Do BCS secure switches support Power over Ethernet (PoE/PoE+)?

Yes, we install PoE (802.3af) and PoE+ (802.3at) switches capable of delivering power directly to VoIP desk phones, wireless access points, intercoms, and IP surveillance cameras without dedicated electrical outlets.

Can BCS integrate secure switching with existing firewalls and cabling?

Absolutely. Our certified engineers integrate switches directly with your firewalls, routers, and structured voice/data cabling to maintain cohesive access policies across your entire LAN infrastructure.

Does BCS offer ongoing switch maintenance and firmware monitoring?

Yes, through our Austin managed IT agreements, we manage firmware patches, monitor port uptime, back up switch configurations, and respond promptly to hardware alerts.