FS-448E-POE Fortinet 48 ports Managed Rack-mountable Switch

Fortinet FS-448E-POE Managed Switch

The Fortinet FS-448E-POE is a high-performance, rack-mountable managed switch designed to deliver reliable connectivity, advanced features, and scalability for enterprise networks.

General Specifications

• Brand Name: Fortinet
• Model Number: FS-448E-POE
• Device Type: Rack-mountable Managed Switch

Technical Information

Media & Performance

Network Technology

• 1000BASE-T
• 10GBASE-X

Ethernet Standards

• Gigabit Ethernet
• 10 Gigabit Ethernet

Supported Media Types

• Twisted Pair Cabling
• Optical Fiber

I/O Expansions

Expansion Slots

• Slot Type: SFP+
• Total Expansion Slots: 4
• Number of SFP+ Slots: 4

Interfaces & Ports

Connectivity Options

• Modular Design: Yes
• Total Network Ports: 48
• Port Details:
• 48 x Gigabit Ethernet PoE+ ports
• 4 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet expansion slots

Power Specifications

Energy Consumption

The switch consumes 923.60 W, optimized for high-performance workloads with Power over Ethernet (PoE+) support.

Fortinet FS-448E-POE 48-Port Rack-Mountable Switch Overview

The Fortinet FS-448E-POE 48 ports managed Layer 3 supported rack-mountable switch is designed to deliver high-performance connectivity, advanced routing intelligence, and reliable Power over Ethernet capabilities for modern enterprise infrastructures. As organizations increasingly rely on bandwidth-intensive applications, cloud services, IP telephony, wireless access points, and surveillance systems, a robust switching foundation becomes critical. This 48-port twisted pair switch provides scalable Gigabit Ethernet connectivity while supporting advanced Layer 3 functions, making it suitable for campus networks, branch offices, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and data-driven enterprises.

Enterprise-Grade 48-Port Gigabit Ethernet Connectivity

The FS-448E-POE switch is equipped with 48 twisted pair Ethernet ports that provide high-speed data transmission for connected devices. Each port supports consistent Gigabit performance, enabling seamless file transfers, video conferencing, VoIP communications, and access to cloud-based platforms. With 48 dedicated ports, network administrators can connect a wide range of devices including desktop workstations, IP cameras, wireless access points, printers, and network-attached storage systems without requiring additional expansion modules.

High-Density Access Layer Deployment

In enterprise access layer deployments, density and reliability are key factors. A 48-port managed switch like the FS-448E-POE allows IT teams to consolidate connectivity within a single rack-mounted unit. This reduces cable complexity, improves airflow management in network cabinets, and simplifies troubleshooting. The twisted pair configuration ensures compatibility with standard Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a cabling infrastructures, making upgrades straightforward without extensive rewiring.

Optimized for Structured Cabling Environments

The rack-mountable design integrates seamlessly into structured cabling systems commonly used in data centers and enterprise wiring closets. By aligning with industry-standard rack dimensions, the switch supports organized patch panel connections, proper labeling, and efficient cable routing. This structured approach enhances maintainability and long-term scalability.

Advanced Layer 3 Routing Capabilities

Unlike basic Layer 2 switches, the Fortinet FS-448E-POE supports Layer 3 functionality, enabling inter-VLAN routing and intelligent traffic management. This capability reduces reliance on external routers for internal routing tasks, decreasing latency and improving network efficiency. By handling routing functions at the switch level, organizations benefit from faster packet forwarding and optimized bandwidth utilization.

Inter-VLAN Routing for Segmented Networks

Modern enterprise networks often segment traffic into multiple VLANs to isolate departments, user groups, IoT devices, and security-sensitive systems. With built-in Layer 3 support, the FS-448E-POE facilitates communication between VLANs without external routing hardware. This enhances security by enforcing segmentation policies while maintaining seamless internal communication.

Dynamic and Static Routing Support

The switch supports both static routing configurations and dynamic routing protocols, allowing network administrators to tailor routing strategies based on organizational requirements. Static routes provide predictable and controlled traffic paths, while dynamic routing adapts to network topology changes, ensuring high availability and resilience.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) Capability with 923.60W Power Budget

One of the defining features of the FS-448E-POE switch is its substantial PoE power budget of 923.60 watts. This enables the switch to power multiple PoE-enabled devices directly through Ethernet cables, eliminating the need for separate power supplies and reducing infrastructure costs.

Support for IP Telephony and Unified Communications

Businesses deploying VoIP systems require consistent power delivery and reliable connectivity. The PoE functionality supports IP phones, ensuring uninterrupted voice communication even during network reconfigurations. Centralized power management simplifies maintenance and allows integration with uninterruptible power supply systems for enhanced uptime.

Wireless Access Point Deployment

Wireless networks form the backbone of modern mobility strategies. By supplying power and data through a single cable, the FS-448E-POE switch simplifies the deployment of ceiling-mounted access points. This reduces installation complexity and ensures optimal placement for maximum coverage.

IP Surveillance and Security Systems

Surveillance cameras often require both data connectivity and reliable power sources. The 923.60W power capacity supports multiple high-definition IP cameras simultaneously, making the switch suitable for large-scale security installations in corporate campuses, retail stores, and industrial facilities.

Comprehensive Network Management Features

As a managed switch, the FS-448E-POE provides extensive configuration and monitoring capabilities. Network administrators can leverage command-line interfaces, web-based management consoles, and centralized management platforms to configure VLANs, monitor traffic, and enforce security policies.

Quality of Service (QoS) for Traffic Prioritization

Quality of Service mechanisms enable prioritization of latency-sensitive traffic such as voice and video streams. By assigning traffic classes and bandwidth limits, administrators ensure critical applications receive the resources they require, preventing congestion from impacting performance.

SNMP and Remote Monitoring

Support for Simple Network Management Protocol facilitates remote monitoring and integration with enterprise management systems. IT teams can analyze performance metrics, detect anomalies, and receive alerts for potential issues before they escalate.

Robust Security and Access Control

Security is a fundamental requirement in enterprise networking. The Fortinet FS-448E-POE integrates multiple layers of protection to safeguard data integrity and prevent unauthorized access.

Access Control Lists and Port Security

Access Control Lists allow administrators to define granular rules for traffic filtering based on IP addresses, protocols, and ports. Port security features restrict unauthorized devices from connecting to the network, reducing risks associated with rogue endpoints.

802.1X Authentication

IEEE 802.1X authentication ensures that only verified users and devices gain network access. This authentication mechanism enhances compliance with corporate security policies and regulatory standards.

Scalability and Future-Ready Architecture

Growing organizations require network solutions that scale alongside expanding user bases and increasing data demands. The 48-port configuration combined with Layer 3 routing ensures the switch can accommodate departmental growth and new application deployments.

High Switching Capacity and Throughput

The internal architecture of the FS-448E-POE is engineered to deliver consistent packet forwarding rates across all ports simultaneously. This prevents bottlenecks during peak traffic periods and supports bandwidth-intensive workloads such as large data transfers and virtualization environments.

Energy-Efficient Operation

Despite a maximum power consumption of 923.60W, the switch incorporates energy-efficient technologies to optimize power usage based on connected device requirements. Intelligent PoE allocation ensures power is distributed efficiently, reducing unnecessary energy waste.

Rack-Mountable Form Factor for Data Center Integration

The rack-mountable chassis is designed for deployment in standard 19-inch server racks. This facilitates organized installation within data centers, server rooms, and network closets.

Durable Build Quality

Constructed with enterprise-grade materials, the switch ensures durability and consistent performance under continuous operation. Enhanced ventilation and cooling mechanisms help maintain optimal operating temperatures, contributing to long-term reliability.

Efficient Cable Management

The front-facing port layout simplifies cable organization, enabling clear labeling and streamlined maintenance procedures. Organized cabling reduces the risk of accidental disconnections and improves airflow within racks.

Ideal Use Cases Across Industries

The Fortinet FS-448E-POE switch is suitable for a wide range of industries and deployment scenarios. Educational institutions can connect classroom devices and campus access points, while healthcare facilities benefit from secure segmentation of medical devices and administrative systems. Retail environments can integrate point-of-sale terminals, surveillance cameras, and wireless networks into a unified infrastructure. Corporate offices gain a scalable backbone for daily operations and collaborative technologies.

Support for Hybrid Work Environments

As businesses adopt hybrid and remote work models, on-site network infrastructure must support secure VPN endpoints, collaboration platforms, and high-definition video conferencing. The switch’s Layer 3 routing and QoS features ensure reliable connectivity for these mission-critical applications.

IoT and Smart Device Integration

With the proliferation of IoT devices in smart buildings and industrial automation, PoE-enabled switches provide a centralized method of powering and managing endpoints. The FS-448E-POE supports this evolution by delivering both data connectivity and sufficient power capacity for diverse IoT ecosystems.

Network Reliability and High Availability

Reliability is essential in enterprise networking. The switch incorporates redundancy mechanisms and robust firmware architecture to minimize downtime. Link aggregation allows multiple physical connections to be combined into a single logical link, increasing bandwidth and providing failover protection.

Spanning Tree Protocol Support

Spanning Tree Protocol prevents network loops and ensures a stable topology in complex switching environments. Rapid convergence mechanisms minimize disruption during topology changes, preserving connectivity across the network.

Integration with Fortinet Security Ecosystem

Designed to complement broader network security frameworks, the FS-448E-POE integrates effectively within Fortinet-based infrastructures. Centralized management and policy enforcement align switching operations with firewall and security appliance configurations, creating a unified and secure networking environment.

Centralized Policy Enforcement

By aligning with security policies defined across the network, the switch contributes to consistent enforcement of access rules and segmentation strategies. This unified approach simplifies compliance management and enhances visibility.

Enhanced Threat Containment

When integrated into a secure network architecture, managed switches can assist in isolating compromised devices through VLAN segmentation and access controls, limiting potential damage from security incidents.

Key Optimization for Data-Intensive Applications

Data analytics platforms, virtualization clusters, and content delivery systems require stable and high-throughput networking infrastructure. The FS-448E-POE supports these demanding workloads through advanced packet buffering, efficient traffic handling, and optimized switching performance. By maintaining low latency and consistent bandwidth allocation, the switch ensures critical applications operate without interruption.

Virtualization and Cloud Connectivity

Enterprises leveraging virtualization technologies depend on reliable network performance between servers and storage systems. The Layer 3 support facilitates efficient routing between subnets hosting virtual machines, while QoS ensures predictable application performance.

High-Bandwidth Media and Collaboration Platforms

Video conferencing, streaming, and collaborative tools generate substantial network traffic. The switch’s traffic management features prioritize these workloads, delivering smooth and uninterrupted user experiences across distributed teams.