Fortinet FortiSwitch 424E 24-Port GE Campus Switch (FS-424E)

Managing dozens of endpoints from a single console sounds straightforward until you’re patching ports, applying NAC policies, and troubleshooting at the same time. The FortiSwitch 424E was built for exactly that scenario: a 24-port GE access switch that slots directly into a FortiGate-managed Security Fabric, letting your firewall handle port-level security policy alongside perimeter defence. For Canadian IT teams running Fortinet infrastructure, it removes the separate switch management overhead without sacrificing port density or uplink capacity.

Hardware Specifications

Where the 424E Works Best

This switch is a natural fit for branch offices, school computer labs, and SMB main floors that have already standardized on FortiGate for security. With 24 GE ports and four 10GE uplinks, it handles both end-user devices and upstream aggregation without requiring a separate rack unit for switching. The sub-1 µs latency keeps real-time traffic like VoIP and video conferencing smooth, and the 4,096-VLAN capacity covers segmentation requirements well beyond typical SMB scale.

Because the 424E connects to a FortiGate over FortiLink, your firewall can apply VLAN profiles, NAC rules, and IoT detection policies directly to individual switch ports. You can quarantine a rogue device from the FortiGate GUI without logging into the switch at all.

FortiLink Mode vs. Standalone Operation

Out of the box the FS-424E supports both FortiLink (managed by a FortiGate) and standalone L2/L3 mode. In FortiLink mode, the FortiGate auto-discovers the switch, provisions firmware, and handles policy. Standalone mode gives you a fully capable L2 switch with LACP, RSTP/MSTP, IGMP snooping, and 802.1X port authentication managed via the switch’s own CLI or HTTPS interface.

Most deployments use FortiLink as soon as a compatible FortiGate is in place, because it consolidates logs, health monitoring, and security policy into one dashboard. Hardware only means you bring the switch without a support subscription; adding a FortiCare contract keeps firmware updates and TAC access current.

Who Buys the FS-424E

IT managers at Canadian companies with 20 to 100 office users typically land here. The 24-port count is enough for a single floor or department without overbuying. Organizations that already own a FortiGate 40F, 60F, 70G, or 80F get immediate Security Fabric integration with zero extra licensing. It also sells frequently as a replacement for aging unmanaged or third-party managed switches where the goal is to consolidate visibility under FortiOS.

Next Step Up

When you outgrow 24 RJ45 ports or need the performance uplift of a newer ASIC, the FortiSwitch 624F (FS-624F) is the logical upgrade: 24 access ports with higher switching throughput and updated hardware. If your environment needs 48 ports, the FS-448E keeps the same E-generation platform but doubles the access density.

Buying from DataCenter360.ca

DataCenter360.ca is a Fortinet Select Partner and MSSP based in Canada, carrying authorized Fortinet hardware with same-country stock. The FS-424E ships free in 0 to 1 business day from our Canadian inventory, brand new and covered by Fortinet’s limited lifetime hardware warranty. Questions about FortiLink compatibility with a specific FortiGate model, or about pairing this switch with a FortiCare support contract? Reach out before or after your order.