FS-1048E

Description

The Fortinet FortiSwitch 1048E (FS-1048E) is a high-performance, 1U rack-mountable Layer 2/3 managed switch designed for data center aggregation, SD-Branch deployments, and high-density network environments. It offers robust features, scalability, and seamless integration with Fortinet’s Security Fabric.

The Fortinet FortiSwitch 1048E includes 1,760 Gbps switching capacity, up to 1,518 Mpps throughput, IPv4/IPv6, VLAN, SNMP, and QoS support. The Fortinet switch line consists of 8, 12, 16, 24, 32 and 48 port models, some have PoE up to 1,440W, are easy to install, flexible and easily integrate any network infrastructure.

Features

• Port Configuration:
  • 48 × GE/10GE SFP/SFP+ slots for flexible access and aggregation
  • Choice of uplinks: 6 × 40GE QSFP+ or 4 × 100GE QSFP28
• Form Factor: Compact 1RU design suitable for top-of-rack or core deployments
• Performance Metrics:
  • Switching Capacity: Up to 1,760 Gbps (full-duplex)
  • Forwarding Rate: Approximately 1,518 Mpps
  • Latency: Less than 800 ns
  • MAC Address Table: Supports up to 144,000 entries
  • VLAN Support: Up to 4,000 VLANs
• Hardware Specifications:
  • Memory: 8 GB DRAM, 128 MB Flash
  • Packet Buffers: 12 MB
  • Form Factor: 1U rack-mountable
  • Weight: 8.6 kg (18.96 lbs)
• Power & Cooling:
  • Dual hot-swappable AC power supplies
  • Power Consumption: Up to 181.7 W
  • Heat Dissipation: Approximately 620.4 BTU/h
  • Operating Temperature: 0–45°C
  • Humidity: 10–90% non-condensing

Functional & Software / Networking Features

• Layer 2 / Layer 3 Capability
  The FS‑1048E supports both L2 switching and L3 routing (static routing, OSPF, etc.) when in standalone mode (i.e. not managed by a FortiGate). 
  When in FortiLink (controller) mode, many routing responsibilities are handled by the FortiGate in the security fabric.
• Fortinet Security Fabric / FortiLink Integration
  The FS‑1048E can integrate tightly with FortiGate devices via FortiLink, enabling unified management, policy enforcement, and visibility across wired and wireless endpoints.
• High Availability & Redundancy
  • Supports HA via FortiLink clustering, and split LAG (Link Aggregation) for redundancy.
  • Inter‑switch links and MC‑LAG (Multi‑Chassis Link Aggregation) support for redundancy across multiple switches.
• Security / Access Control Features
  • 802.1x authentication, MAC-based authentication (MAB)
  • DHCP snooping, ARP inspection, MAC black/whitelisting
  • Integration with FortiGate policies to extend security enforcement to access ports
• Link Aggregation & Port Channels
  The FS‑1048E supports link aggregation (LACP / static) across multiple ports and can participate in aggregated links in MC‑LAG / split LAG configurations for higher throughput and redundancy.
• Management & Monitoring
  • Management via CLI, web GUI, SNMP (v1/2c/3), SSH, Telnet, etc.
  • Centralized management via FortiGate (in FortiLink mode) for unified control
  • Zero-touch deployment capabilities
• Licensing for Advanced Features
  Some advanced L3 features (e.g. BGP) may require an “Advanced Features” license when running standalone.

Use Cases & Considerations

• This is a high‑end switch intended for data centers, top-of-rack aggregation, or high-capacity backbone deployments.
• Because it uses SFP+ / QSFP / QSFP28 transceivers, you’ll need matching fiber or optical modules (or DAC cables) as appropriate.
• Integration with Fortinet’s security fabric (via FortiLink) is a common use scenario.
• Check for licensing: some of the advanced features (Layer 3 routing, etc.) may require enabling “E” series or special licenses.
• Cooling, power redundancy, and airflow direction matter in rack design—front-to-back airflow is used here.
• Ensure you have the correct uplink modules (40G or 100G) if you plan to connect to aggregation/Core switches.

Stacking Capabilities:

• Supports stacking up to 300 switches per FortiGate, depending on the model.
• Offers wire-speed switching and store-and-forward forwarding mode.