Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

FortiGate SD-WAN VS Cisco SD-WAN

Compare FortiGate SD-WAN VS Cisco SD-WAN and see what are their differences

FortiGate SD-WAN logo FortiGate SD-WAN

SD-WAN

Cisco SD-WAN logo Cisco SD-WAN

SD-WAN is a software-defined approach to managing the wide-area network, or WAN.
  • FortiGate SD-WAN Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-08-15
  • Cisco SD-WAN Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-11-04

FortiGate SD-WAN features and specs

  • Integrated Security
    FortiGate SD-WAN combines security and networking capabilities in a single device, enhancing protection while streamlining operations.
  • Traffic Optimization
    The solution offers intelligent path control and traffic steering for optimal application performance and user experience.
  • Centralized Management
    FortiGate SD-WAN allows for centralized control and management, facilitating easier configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
  • Scalability
    The platform supports expansion and integration with existing infrastructure, enabling businesses to scale their networks efficiently.
  • Cost Efficiency
    By optimizing internet connections and reducing dependency on costly MPLS, organizations can lower their overall WAN costs.

Possible disadvantages of FortiGate SD-WAN

  • Complexity
    Integrating SD-WAN with existing network infrastructure may be complex and require significant planning and expertise.
  • Initial Investment
    The initial setup and deployment of FortiGate SD-WAN may involve significant costs in terms of hardware and training.
  • Learning Curve
    Organizations may need to invest time and resources for staff training and to develop expertise in managing and optimizing SD-WAN solutions.
  • Vendor Dependence
    Relying on a single vendor for both security and networking solutions may lead to potential risks in terms of vendor lock-in.
  • Potential Downtime
    Any misconfiguration or faults in the central management system might lead to network downtimes, affecting multiple sites simultaneously.

Cisco SD-WAN features and specs

  • Enhanced Network Performance
    Cisco SD-WAN optimizes the network performance by intelligently directing traffic over the most efficient path.
  • Cost Savings
    Utilizes cheaper internet links instead of costly MPLS circuits while maintaining a high level of performance.
  • Improved Security
    Incorporates strong security measures such as end-to-end encryption and segmented network access.
  • Simplified Management
    Provides a centralized management interface for easier configuration and monitoring.
  • Scalability
    Easily scales with business growth without necessitating major investments in new infrastructure.

Possible disadvantages of Cisco SD-WAN

  • Initial Setup Complexity
    The initial deployment of Cisco SD-WAN may require a significant amount of effort and expertise.
  • Cost
    While Cisco SD-WAN may reduce long-term costs, the initial investment in hardware and software can be high.
  • Vendor Lock-In
    Using Cisco’s products may result in a situation where transitioning to other vendors' solutions becomes more complex and costly.
  • Learning Curve
    IT staff may require training to effectively manage and optimize the Cisco SD-WAN solution.
  • Reliance on Internet Connectivity
    The performance and reliability of SD-WAN can be affected by the quality and stability of the internet connections it utilizes.

FortiGate SD-WAN videos

Fortinet Secure SD-WAN 7.2 Demo | SD-WAN

Cisco SD-WAN videos

Cisco SD-WAN Explained

More videos:

  • Review - Review of Cisco SD WAN Controller Bringup | Cisco SD-WAN | Learnedze Networks

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to FortiGate SD-WAN and Cisco SD-WAN)
Monitoring Tools
46 46%
54% 54
Managed Security Services
Security & Privacy
42 42%
58% 58
Cloud Storage
42 42%
58% 58

User comments

Share your experience with using FortiGate SD-WAN and Cisco SD-WAN. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

What are some alternatives?

When comparing FortiGate SD-WAN and Cisco SD-WAN, you can also consider the following products

Cisco Meraki SD-WAN - What is SD-WAN?

Barracuda CloudGen Firewall - Barracuda's cloud-ready firewalls improve site-to-site connectivity and provide enterprises with uninterrupted access to applications hosted in the cloud.

VeloCloud - SD-WAN

SteelConnect - SteelConnect is a revolutionary SD-WAN solution that provides you with a simplified approach to designing, deploying & managing hybrid networks. Learn More.

Aryaka Networks - The only SD-WAN for global enterprises that combines a purpose-built private network, optimization and acceleration techniques, connectivity to cloud platforms, and network visibility in a single solution that is delivered as-a-service.

Versa Cloud IP Platform - Versa provides Network Function Virtualization Security (NFV) based SD-WAN & SD-Security products with full multitenancy and flexible microservices capable architecture.