Fortinet FortiSwitch 1024E 24-Port 10GE Data Center Switch, Hardware Only (FS-1024E)

The FortiSwitch 1024E targets the distribution and aggregation tiers of campus and data center networks. Twenty-four 10GE SFP+/SFP ports connect server racks or access-layer switches at line rate, while two 100GE/40GE QSFP28/QSFP+ uplinks carry aggregated traffic to the core, all within a compact 1U footprint running at roughly 1 microsecond latency. Dual hot-swappable AC power supplies and a front-to-back airflow design make it suitable for standard data center rack deployments where uptime and serviceability matter.

What’s in the Box

The FS-1024E ships hardware only: the switch, rack-mount kit, power cables, and a console cable. No SFP+ or QSFP28 transceivers are included. FortiCare support is sold separately. See FC-10-S1E24-247-02-12 for 1-year Premium coverage.

Hardware Specifications

Where It’s Strong

The 1024E sits at the aggregation layer; a position that demands low latency, consistent throughput, and enough uplink bandwidth to avoid becoming a bottleneck. The two 100GE QSFP28 ports handle north-south traffic to the core without a speed mismatch, while the 24 10GE SFP+ downlinks support server racks or distribution-tier access switches at a density that fits most campus and enterprise data center needs. At just 176 W maximum draw and ~1 µs latency, it delivers data-center-grade switching characteristics in a power-efficient 1U package.

Hardware Only vs. Bundled Support

This is a hardware-only purchase. The FS-1024E operates standalone or as a FortiLink extension of an upstream FortiGate. No separate switch subscription is required for FortiLink; the FortiGate’s active support contract covers that integration. For the switch itself, FC-10-S1E24-247-02-12 (FortiCare Premium, 1-year) provides 24×7 TAC and advance hardware replacement. For 4-hour SLA options, check the FC-10-S1E24-211 and FC-10-S1E24-212 series.

Who Runs It

Network architects building FortiGate-managed campus cores and server room aggregation layers get the clearest benefit. The 1024E plugs into a FortiLink topology as a distribution-tier node, forwarding Security Fabric policies from the FortiGate without requiring per-switch policy management. It also suits standalone environments where a compact, reliable 10GE aggregation switch is needed and the management overhead of a full ASIC data-center platform isn’t justified.

Moving Up

When 25GE server connectivity or higher port density is the next requirement, the FortiSwitch 2048F (FS-2048F) steps up to 48x 25GE SFP28 with 8x 100GE QSFP28 uplinks and 4 Tbps aggregate capacity; roughly 4.5x the throughput of the 1024E in the same rack unit. The FS-1048E (48x 10GE) is the same-generation 48-port variant for environments that need more 10GE density before moving to 25GE.

Buying from DataCenter360.ca

DataCenter360.ca is a Fortinet Select Partner based in Canada. The FS-1024E ships from Canadian stock; brand new and sealed, with free next-business-day delivery in most regions. We carry the full FortiSwitch data center line and can bundle FortiCare contracts at the time of purchase. For multi-unit deployments or formal project quotes, contact us directly.

Frequently Asked Questions