Fortinet FortiSwitch 248E-POE Secure RMA Service, 1-Year (FC-10-WP248-301-02-12)

In regulated environments, sending a failed switch back via standard courier with its memory intact is not acceptable. The Secure RMA Service, 1-Year (FC-10-WP248-301-02-12) for the FS-248E-POE addresses this by replacing the standard hardware return process with an encrypted, chain-of-custody logistics model — ensuring that sensitive network data on the defective device is handled according to security and compliance requirements.

What This Service Covers

Secure RMA replaces the standard advance-replacement return process with a controlled, encrypted logistics workflow. When hardware replacement is approved, Fortinet coordinates secure transport of both the replacement unit and the return of the defective device under a documented chain of custody. The specifics depend on the deployment location and applicable regulatory requirements, but the intent is zero-exposure disposal of the failed unit’s stored data.

This 1-year contract requires FortiCare Premium or FortiCare Elite to be active on the covered FS-248E-POE. It is delivered as a service entitlement — no hardware ships at activation.

Who Needs It

Secure RMA is most relevant in sectors where data handling during hardware disposal is governed by policy or regulation: government agencies handling classified or sensitive data, financial institutions subject to data security requirements, healthcare organizations covered by privacy legislation, and defense contractors with specific chain-of-custody mandates. If your organization has a written policy that prohibits equipment with network memory from leaving a facility via standard freight, Secure RMA is the answer for FortiSwitch hardware replacements.

Activation and Delivery

The entitlement is delivered electronically by DataCenter360.ca within 0–1 business days of purchase. Register it in the Fortinet Support Portal under your FS-248E-POE serial number. Coverage is active immediately upon registration. When a hardware replacement case is opened, Fortinet TAC coordinates the secure logistics process — no pre-scheduling is required on your part. Coverage runs for 1 year from registration.

Where Secure RMA Fits Among FortiCare Tiers

Secure RMA is an add-on to FortiCare Premium or Elite. The table below compares base FortiCare tiers to give context on what this service augments.

Standard Priority RMA (the 210, 211, and 212 service tiers) handles hardware replacement speed. Secure RMA (301) addresses the data security of the return process. The two concepts are separate: if you need both fast replacement and secure handling, discuss options with your Fortinet partner. For comparison, the standard Next Calendar Day RMA (FC-10-WP248-210-02-12) or 4-Hour Hardware RMA (FC-10-WP248-211-02-12) covers replacement speed without the secure-chain logistics.

Buying from DataCenter360.ca

DataCenter360.ca can provide purchase documentation for procurement and audit trail purposes. As a Fortinet Select Partner, we are authorized to supply this service contract and can issue detailed invoices or quotes for compliance-related purchasing workflows. Contact us if your organization needs specific documentation before placing an order, or for questions about how Secure RMA aligns with your data protection policy.

Frequently Asked Questions