Fortinet FortiSwitch 248D FortiCare Essential Support for FortiSwitch, 1-Year (FC-10-W248D-314-02-12)

When your FortiSwitch 248D support window approaches expiry, a 1-year FortiCare Essential renewal keeps the switch covered without locking in a long commitment. This annual term suits environments where budgets are approved year-by-year or where network plans may change and you want the option to reassess at each renewal cycle. FC-10-W248D-314-02-12 delivers the baseline Fortinet support tier: portal-based case management, firmware access, and return-and-replace RMA for your 48-port FS-248D access switch.

What it covers

FortiCare Essential for the FortiSwitch 248D provides next-business-day response for critical issues submitted through the Fortinet Support portal, return-and-replace hardware RMA, access to firmware updates, and use of Fortinet’s online tools and asset management portal. Telephone support, advance hardware replacement, and the Priority RMA add-on are not included in the Essential tier. The comparison below shows how Essential positions against Premium and Elite.

Who needs it

This renewal is suited to IT teams running the FS-248D in access-layer deployments where a next-business-day SLA is acceptable and where phone support is not a requirement. Small and mid-sized environments with managed spares, or branches where temporary downtime is tolerable while a replacement ships, are typical fits. Organizations needing sub-hour response times or advance replacement should evaluate FortiCare Premium instead.

Activation & delivery

After purchase, Fortinet issues an electronic license key to the email address on the order. No physical shipment is involved. Log in to support.fortinet.com, register the key against your FS-248D serial number, and the 1-year term activates immediately. Delivery is available worldwide, with no geographic restriction on electronic licenses.

One service vs the bundle

FC-10-W248D-314-02-12 is a standalone support contract, not a bundle with hardware. Fortinet requires this SKU to be purchased as a renewal after the switch is already in service; it cannot be added at the time of the initial hardware order. If you are buying a new FS-248D, the hardware typically ships with a short factory warranty period; this renewal extends coverage once that window closes.

Buying from DataCenter360.ca

DataCenter360.ca is an authorized Fortinet Select Partner. A 1-year term is the most flexible option if your organization runs annual budget cycles or if you want to evaluate support tier needs before committing to a longer period. You can order online and receive the license key by email, or contact us for a quote if you are renewing coverage across multiple FortiSwitch units at once.

Frequently asked questions