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Fortinet and Ubiquiti are leading LAN providers that serve the modern enterprise. However, even though they both offer great performance, each provider has their own approach to wireless LAN for enterprise networks, as Fortinet focuses on leveraging secure networking while Ubiquiti prioritizes performance and flexibility.
- Fortinet LAN Edge: Best for integrated network security features and advanced threat protection.
- Ubiquiti UniFi LAN: Best for variety and flexibility of wireless networking solutions.
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Fortinet vs Ubiquiti LAN at a glance
When comparing Fortinet and Ubiquiti, several key factors come into play. These include price, core features, ease of implementation, and security, among others.
| Firewall | Yes (NGFW) | Yes |
| VPN | Yes | Yes |
| Antivirus | Yes | No |
| Wireless controller | Yes | Yes |
| Ability to understand LAN requests | Yes | Yes |
| Ease of deployment | Yes | Yes |
Best for pricing: Ubiquiti
When it comes to pricing, Ubiquiti generally offers more affordable solutions. Ubiquiti products are well-known for their performance and value for money.
Any enterprise looking to scale its LANs without a significant cost implication should consider Ubiquiti as its affordability does not compromise its performance. This may be particularly attractive to small to medium sized businesses.
Additionally, Ubiquiti’s UniFi Access Point’s prices are listed publicly, starting at $99 for the U6 Lite to $1499 for the WiFi BaseStation XG.
Fortinet lacks transparent pricing, but invites prospective customers to demo their products and reach out to them for pricing. Its advanced security features may justify its prices, especially for enterprises with complex security needs.
Best for core features: Fortinet
Fortinet’s core features are based on its integrated network security solution, the FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW), which offers capabilities like intrusion prevention, web filtering, anti-malware protection, and application control.
Fortinet’s products are also scalable since they can handle varying network sizes and complexities. It also offers a centralized management platform for the configuration, monitoring, and management of an entire network from a single interface.
On the other hand, Ubiquiti’s features center on scalability and flexibility to allow organizations to expand their networks as needed without serious infrastructure changes. Their products are suitable for various deployment scenarios whether indoor and outdoor.
Ultimately, Fortinet’s combination of security and scalability makes it better overall.
Best for ease of implementation and use: Ubiquiti
With its user-friendly interface and straightforward setup process, Ubiquiti stands out for its ease of implementation and use. Its deployment is quick and easy. Plus, there are no licenses to manage, making it a plug-and-play solution.
As for Fortinet’s products, particularly the FortiGate firewall, the initial setup may be more complex compared to Ubiquiti. Even though Fortinet has made significant efforts to simplify the implementation process, Ubiquiti’s simplicity and ease of use edge Fortinet.
Best for security: Fortinet
In terms of security, Fortinet carries the day through its security-heavy approach and impressive threat protection. It provides a security-driven networking solution that gives enterprises the ability to secure their LAN edge.
As it uses Fortinet’s Secure Networking, it has features like the FortiGate NGFW, which converge networking and security to secure Ethernet switches and WLANs without complex licensing. Fortinet also features simple, zero-touch deployment, automation, and wireless presence analytics.
Ubiquiti also incorporates security features into its products, including authentication, encryption, and firewall features. However, while Ubiquiti’s products are generally considered secure, you should not expect the same level of advanced security features as Fortinet’s products.
Why shouldn’t you use Ubiquiti or Fortinet LANs?
While both Ubiquiti and Fortinet offer impressive LAN solutions, they will not meet the needs of every enterprise as each product has its strengths and shortcomings while each business has its own unique needs.
Who shouldn’t use Ubiquiti LANs
As mentioned before, Ubiquiti’s LAN solutions are known for their affordability, reliability, and scalability. They offer a range of wireless networking solutions that are easy not only to set up but also to manage.
Despite that, if you are searching for advanced security features and extensive threat protection, Ubiquiti may not be your best choice.
Even though it offers generally secure products, it may not provide the level of security that some businesses require. Its user support and troubleshooting could also be improved, which may also be a deterrent if you seek a more hands-on provider.
Who shouldn’t use Fortinet LANs
If you prioritize ease of use and simplicity over advanced features, Fortinet may not be for you. Compared to Ubiquiti and some more options, it is more complex to set up and manage. Some users have reported that the network configuration, particularly the interface configuration, can be challenging to understand.
Additionally, if you are working with a tight budget, you may be better off considering alternatives as Fortinet’s products may come at a higher price point.
On the other hand, where Fortinet particularly excels in in security, and their LAN solutions integrate into their full enterprise security stack.
Top Fortinet and Ubiquiti alternatives
While Fortinet and Ubiquiti are top choices for enterprise LAN solutions, standout alternatives include Cisco, Juniper Networks, and Arista Networks.
Cisco
Cisco is an industry-leading player in the networking industry, with a wide range of enterprise LAN solutions. Cisco guarantees robustness, reliability, and advanced features — plus its LAN solutions are highly scalable and target businesses of all sizes.
The provider also offers excellent customer support alongside a vast ecosystem of partners and integrators. If you have complex networking needs, Cisco may be worth considering.
Juniper Networks
Juniper is another strong alternative, especially for enterprises prioritizing high-performance networking solutions.
Juniper’s LAN solutions are designed to be simple, reliable, and secure. They offer features like zero-touch deployment, AI-driven automation, and advanced threat prevention. Enterprises that prioritize ease of use and security may be intrigued by Juniper.
Arista Networks
Arista is known for its software-driven cloud networking solutions for campus and large data center environments. Arista’s LAN solutions offer high performance, scalability, and a range of features designed to support the needs of the modern enterprise.
Its focus on automation is a strong differentiator, plus it offers integrations with a variety of third-party systems. This makes iit a great choice for businesses looking to leverage the power of automation in their networks.
How we evaluated Fortinet vs. Ubiquiti LANs
We evaluated Fortinet and Ubiquiti based on key factors like the price, core features, ease of implementation, and use cases. We used their product pages and official documentation to understand the similarities and differences between the two products.
Finally, we compared the listed features of each product to collated reviews from verified users to understand how users respond to these providers and strengthen our evaluation.
Bottom line: Choosing between Fortinet and Ubiquiti for enterprise LAN
Ultimately, while both companies offer excellent LAN, Fortinet is best for advanced and extensive security features, while Ubiquiti is a solid choice for those prioritizing a flexible, easy-to-use, and cost-effective solution. Choosing which one to go with will ultimately depend your enterprise’s particular use case.
In addition, you’ll need to consider your budget and technical capabilities before making a choice. You can also take advantage of product demos where provided as part of your due diligence to make sure you select the provider that’s best for your enterprise.
Still not sure? Explore our list of the best enterprise LAN providers to find the solution that’s just right for your organization.
