HPE OfficeConnect vs. Fortinet FortiExtender

The PoE function works well, and I am using them to power some VoIP/SIP phones of various brands and vintages (Nortel, Mitel, LG-Nortel). The setup is easiest, no special training/knowledge is required. You can manage internal as well as guest networks using the app.

Incentivized

Fortinet itself is a well know name in managing the firewall and security. With FortiExtender they gave an excellent solution for increasing the connectivity within the organization and helps to manage it with the cloud-based system. The implementation helped to achieve lower latency and higher efficiency for the users in the organization.

Incentivized

• Good Switch
• Perfect for SMB
• Perfect for VOIP scenarios

Incentivized

• It has provided us ease of integrating it with other devices most specifically Forti devices
• It is quite stable and is much secure.
• It provides us with comprehensive support in backup connectivity.
• It has excellent coverage and it is something most essential for us.

Incentivized

• Not all ports are PoE
• Reset Button is delicate, sometimes too delicate.
• Mounting brackets could be designed better.

Incentivized

• When there is a problem, the errors provided in the GUI are unhelpful. In order to have a chance of solving most issues I've come across, you need to be comfortable with the CLI.
• Most products in the FortiGate product line do not offer POE power support. The Extender requires POE and has no internal battery. This requires a switch or injector between the extender and the firewall. In the event of a power outage, you lose the extender if you don't have it plugged into an adequate battery. As it's installation can be in a different location then the Fortigate, this can be a hassle.

Incentivized

I think both are great products but HPE OfficeConnect has been more reliable and suits our budget. As HPE claims, it's one of their simplest products and if you're an SMB, this is the best option.

Incentivized

Both the Fortinet FortiExtender and the Fortinet FortiGate products are great because they provide the agency with secure technology and allow for good network speed and security. Fortinet FortiExtender and Fortinet FortiGate are both costly and a better lower cost solution would be better suited if the budget restrictions of your agency are very important for you.

Incentivized

• The network latency has dropped by 50%.
• The cost has been reduced little bit.

Incentivized

• We no longer fear if the fiber cable network gets collapsed as it is a great backup for us.
• The critical processes of our company work without any pause.
• The kind of secure network we are enjoying has paid us off.

Incentivized