FS-348G and FS-348G-FPOE
1GbE and 2.5GbE copper
10GbE SFP+
FortiGate, standalone or cloud options
Non-PoE or full-PoE model
Direct answer for buyers
FortiSwitch 300 Series is a medium-campus Ethernet switching family intended for organisations that need dense edge connectivity, multi-gigabit access and integration with Fortinet network-security operations. Current Fortinet public portfolio material lists the FS-348G and FS-348G-FPOE, both using 24 one-gigabit copper ports, 24 multi-gigabit ports capable of 2.5GbE and four 10GbE SFP+ uplinks; the FPOE variant adds 802.3bt-capable PoE with a high aggregate power budget. A buyer should confirm whether powered devices are involved, how many 2.5GbE endpoints are expected, which optics or uplink media are required, whether the switch will be FortiGate-managed, and whether advanced switching functions or cloud management require additional licensing.
What the 300 Series does
The family sits at the secure campus access layer, where user devices, wireless access points, IP phones, cameras, printers, building systems and other Ethernet endpoints connect to the wider network. Its role is not simply to provide a large number of RJ45 sockets. It is intended to give IT teams a controlled access layer that can be managed as part of a broader Fortinet environment or operated through other supported management modes.
The mixed access-port design is useful when a site has a large installed base of conventional 1GbE endpoints but also needs faster copper access for devices such as newer wireless access points or high-performance workstations. Rather than forcing every port to be multi-gigabit, the family offers a split between standard Gigabit Ethernet and 2.5GbE-capable ports. This can make the model suitable for gradual campus upgrades where only part of the edge currently needs more than 1GbE.
Who should consider it
Consider the FortiSwitch 300 Series when a 48-port campus switch is required and the design benefits from a combination of conventional Gigabit access, 2.5GbE access and 10GbE fibre uplinks. It is particularly relevant when a business already operates FortiGate and wants switching to be visible and controllable through the same operational framework using FortiLink, or when the organisation is standardising on Fortinet wired and wireless infrastructure.
The family can also be considered by organisations that do not require FortiGate management, because FortiSwitch supports standalone and other centralised management approaches. Buyers should not choose the 300 Series merely because it is numerically higher than another FortiSwitch family. Port type, PoE requirements, power availability, uplink bandwidth, redundancy design, support model and software feature requirements matter more than the series number alone.
Business problems the family can help address
Wi-Fi access moving beyond 1GbE
When newer access points can generate more than one gigabit of aggregate traffic, a 1GbE-only edge can become a limiting factor. The 2.5GbE access ports provide a path for selected high-throughput devices while leaving standard endpoints on conventional Gigabit ports.
Too many management silos
In FortiGate-managed environments, FortiLink can bring switch discovery, configuration and access-layer policy into the Fortinet operating model. The practical value is reduced tool switching and better alignment between network segmentation and security policy.
Powering more capable edge devices
The FS-348G-FPOE variant is intended for deployments where attached devices need Ethernet power, including environments with higher-power endpoints. The actual design still requires a device-by-device power calculation rather than assuming every port can draw its maximum simultaneously.
Campus upgrades without a full edge replacement
A mixed-speed access design can help a business upgrade specific users, APs or systems to 2.5GbE while keeping existing 1GbE endpoints in service. This can reduce the pressure to replace every connected device at the same time.
Core capabilities at a glance
Current 300 Series models combine 1GbE and 2.5GbE copper access in a 48-port layout.
Four SFP+ uplinks provide fibre or compatible DAC-based uplink options, subject to supported transceivers and design.
The switch can be integrated with FortiGate for centralised network and access-layer management.
FS-348G is the non-PoE option; FS-348G-FPOE adds full-PoE capability with 802.3bt support.
FortiSwitch can also operate standalone or through supported central management platforms, with licensing depending on the method.
Product-fit matrix
| Requirement | Suitable when | Confirm before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| 48-port campus access | You need a dense access switch for a wiring closet or campus floor. | Actual active-port count, growth allowance and rack position. |
| 2.5GbE endpoints | A portion of APs, workstations or edge devices needs more than 1GbE copper access. | Which devices support 2.5GbE and the cable plant condition. |
| PoE-powered edge | Phones, APs, cameras or other endpoints need power from the switch. | Choose FS-348G-FPOE and calculate total plus per-port power demand. |
| FortiGate-managed LAN | You want the switch integrated with the FortiGate operating model through FortiLink. | FortiGate model, supported switch scale, topology and FortiOS compatibility. |
| Advanced standalone routing | The switch must perform features beyond basic switching in standalone operation. | Whether FS-SW-LIC-300 or other current licensing is required for the intended feature set. |
| Cloud-managed switching | The organisation prefers remote lifecycle management without using FortiGate as the switch controller. | Current FortiEdge Cloud licensing, subscription term and supported functions. |
Verified family information
Because this is a product family page, specifications must stay attached to the correct model. The values below reflect current public Fortinet portfolio and ordering information rather than blending the strongest figures from multiple models.
| Brand | Fortinet |
|---|---|
| Product family | FortiSwitch 300 Series secure campus switching |
| Current models referenced | FS-348G and FS-348G-FPOE |
| Copper access ports | 24 × 1GE RJ45 plus 24 × 2.5GE-capable RJ45 on the current 348G models |
| Uplink interfaces | 4 × 10GE SFP+ |
| PoE | FS-348G: none. FS-348G-FPOE: 802.3bt-capable full-PoE model with maximum aggregate PoE output published up to 1540W. |
| FortiLink | Supported for FortiGate-managed operation. |
| FortiGate management license | Current Fortinet ordering guidance states no separate switch-management license is required when managed by FortiGate. |
| Advanced switching license | FS-SW-LIC-300 is listed for advanced switching features; requirement depends on management mode and intended features. |
| Cloud management | License dependent when FortiEdge Cloud is used to manage the switch. |
| Optics and accessories | Model and distance dependent. Confirm supported SFP/SFP+ transceivers, DACs and power requirements for the intended design. |
| UAE availability | Contact FourTeck for current model, quantity, support and lead-time confirmation. |
Configuration, licensing and compatibility dependencies
A FortiSwitch purchase should be built around the intended operating mode. FortiGate-managed switching can provide centralised configuration through FortiLink, but the FortiGate platform, software version, topology and supported scale still need to be checked. A switch that is technically compatible with FortiLink is not automatically the right match for every FortiGate model or every campus design. The controller must have enough capacity for the number of switches and access points in the target architecture, and the chosen FortiOS and FortiSwitchOS versions should be planned as a supported combination.
Standalone operation changes the design conversation. Some advanced dynamic routing capabilities may depend on an Advanced Switching license. Fortinet’s current ordering guide lists FS-SW-LIC-300 for the 300 Series. If the requirement includes OSPF, BGP, specialised routing behaviour or other advanced functions, the exact feature and management mode should be validated before the bill of materials is finalised. Cloud management is another separate decision: FortiEdge Cloud licensing is an add-on when a switch is managed through that platform rather than by FortiGate.
Hardware compatibility also matters. The 10GbE SFP+ uplinks require the correct transceivers or cables for the fibre type, distance, connector and peer device. Copper endpoints expected to operate at 2.5GbE must actually support that speed and should be connected through cabling that is suitable for the intended rate and distance. For the FPOE variant, the PoE class and draw of each powered device should be checked individually. A high aggregate budget does not remove the need to account for per-port limits, startup draw, redundancy preferences, UPS sizing and rack power availability.
A practical purchase and deployment journey
Map endpoints
Count current and planned wired devices, identify which require 2.5GbE, and separate powered from non-powered endpoints. This determines whether the 48-port layout and the FPOE option fit the real site.
Design uplinks
Define where each switch connects, expected traffic concentration, fibre distance and whether single or multiple 10GbE uplinks are needed. Confirm optics and peer-side interfaces at the same time.
Select management
Choose FortiGate-managed FortiLink, standalone operation or supported cloud/central management. This decision affects configuration workflow, policy control and licensing.
Validate power
For FS-348G-FPOE, calculate endpoint consumption, rack power, UPS capacity and heat. Include growth rather than sizing only for the devices that are powered today.
Confirm licenses and support
Check Advanced Switching requirements, cloud-management licensing if applicable, FortiCare term and any related transceivers or accessories.
Prepare implementation
Plan VLANs, authentication, port profiles, firmware, change window, testing and rollback. A correct hardware order is only one part of a successful campus migration.
Multi-gigabit access where it matters
One of the most practical reasons to evaluate the FortiSwitch 300 Series is the mixed copper-port layout. Many organisations have hundreds of endpoints that remain perfectly well served by 1GbE: printers, phones, ordinary workstations, building controllers and legacy devices often do not need a faster access link. At the same time, newer wireless infrastructure and specialised endpoints may benefit from more than one gigabit. The current FS-348G family addresses this mixed environment with 24 conventional 1GbE RJ45 ports and 24 2.5GbE-capable RJ45 ports.
This architecture can support a staged campus refresh. A business can reserve the 2.5GbE ports for access points, high-throughput desktops, media stations or other devices that can make use of the speed, while connecting standard endpoints to the 1GbE group. The advantage is not that every application automatically becomes faster. The value comes from placing additional access bandwidth where endpoint capability and traffic patterns justify it.
The 10GbE SFP+ uplinks then become an important part of the design. If many 2.5GbE endpoints are active simultaneously, the uplink architecture needs to be sized so the switch does not simply move the bottleneck upstream. Four uplink ports provide design flexibility, but how they are used depends on the topology, link aggregation design, upstream switch or FortiGate interfaces, fibre paths and resiliency requirements. Buyers should therefore evaluate access and uplink capacity together rather than reading port counts in isolation.
FortiLink and operational visibility
For organisations already using FortiGate, FortiLink is often the key architectural reason to consider FortiSwitch. The switch can be discovered and managed through FortiGate, allowing network configuration and access control to be handled within the same operating environment used for security. This can simplify day-to-day administration when the alternative would be maintaining separate switch management, separate access policy and separate device-visibility workflows.
The benefit is strongest when the organisation actually plans to use that integration. VLAN assignment, device identification, authentication, segmentation and port policy should be designed as a coordinated access model. Simply plugging a FortiSwitch into a FortiGate does not remove the need for sound network architecture. IT teams still need clear naming, VLAN plans, IP addressing, DHCP, authentication choices, switch topology and change-control procedures. FortiLink is an operational framework; it is not a substitute for design.
Fortinet also supports standalone and other management options for FortiSwitch, which matters for buyers who do not have FortiGate at the site or who maintain a different management strategy. A procurement team should therefore ask a simple question early: who will operate the switch after installation, and from which console? That answer influences licensing, support, access permissions, monitoring, backup procedures and skills requirements. FourTeck can help map the preferred management approach to the bill of materials rather than assuming one mode fits every customer.
PoE planning for the FS-348G-FPOE
The FPOE model is the appropriate starting point when the access switch must power connected devices. Fortinet publishes 802.3bt capability and a maximum aggregate PoE output up to 1540W for the FS-348G-FPOE. This makes it relevant to environments that may include higher-power wireless access points, PTZ cameras, smart displays, phones and other Ethernet-powered systems. The headline wattage, however, should be treated as a capacity ceiling rather than a design target.
A real PoE design starts with the attached-device list. Record each device model, expected PoE class, normal consumption, maximum draw and quantity. Add a margin for future devices and account for the possibility that a replacement endpoint may require more power than the unit it replaces. If the switch is expected to support critical cameras, phones or wireless access points during a mains interruption, UPS runtime also becomes part of the network design because the switch is effectively serving as the power distribution point for those devices.
If no powered endpoints are required, the FS-348G can be the cleaner choice because purchasing PoE capacity that will never be used adds unnecessary cost, power and thermal considerations. The correct model is therefore based on the endpoint bill of materials, not on the assumption that the FPOE variant is always better. FourTeck can review connected-device requirements and help determine whether full-PoE is necessary for the project.
Ideal business environments and use cases
Enterprise office floors
An office that combines standard user devices with higher-speed wireless access points can use the mixed-port design to keep ordinary endpoints on 1GbE while allocating 2.5GbE where the device can use it. The 48-port density also aligns with typical wiring-closet planning, subject to spare-port targets and patching design.
Education campuses
Schools, universities and training centres often combine high client density, wireless coverage, classroom AV, phones, cameras and administrative systems. The FPOE model can be relevant where access points and cameras need power, while the non-PoE model may fit areas served by separate power arrangements.
Hospitality and mixed-use sites
Hotels and mixed-use properties can have a diverse edge-device population: APs, phones, IPTV-related equipment, staff systems, cameras and building-connected devices. A buyer should separate guest-network, operational and security requirements rather than placing all devices in one flat access design.
Healthcare and clinics
Healthcare environments may require predictable segmentation, device visibility and careful change control. FortiSwitch integration can support a more unified access-policy approach, but medical-device compatibility, maintenance windows and application dependencies must be validated before any network migration.
Retail and distributed enterprise
Larger branches or flagship sites can use secure switching for users, point-of-sale support networks, cameras, APs and operational devices. The model should be chosen against the actual port count and PoE profile; smaller branches may be better served by another FortiSwitch family.
Campus wireless upgrades
When the main project driver is newer Wi-Fi infrastructure, the 2.5GbE ports and PoE option can be valuable. Confirm each AP’s Ethernet rate and power draw, because wireless generation alone does not determine the correct switch model.
Integration and operational considerations
A campus switch rarely operates in isolation. Before ordering, document the upstream firewall or core switch, routing boundary, VLANs, DHCP services, authentication infrastructure, wireless platform, monitoring tools, logging destination and physical cabling. If FortiGate will manage the switch, verify the intended FortiLink topology and controller scale. If the switch will be standalone, confirm who maintains configurations, backups, firmware and user access. If cloud management is preferred, confirm the current subscription and whether all required operational functions are supported in that mode.
Firmware planning deserves attention. Networks often contain a mix of FortiGate, FortiSwitch and FortiAP versions, and upgrades should be tested against supported compatibility rather than performed simply because a newer release exists. A maintenance plan should define the target code train, rollback method, configuration backup, console access and validation checks. For sites that cannot tolerate extended access downtime, consider how changes will be staged and how redundant uplinks or alternate paths are designed where the chosen architecture supports them.
Physical details also matter. Confirm rack depth, rail or mounting requirements, power outlets, UPS capacity, cable management and ventilation. The FPOE model can represent a substantial electrical load when many powered devices are attached, which should be considered in rack and UPS planning. Fibre uplinks require the correct optics at both ends, and structured cabling should be evaluated if the 2.5GbE access ports are a major reason for the purchase.
Operationally, define who owns port changes, endpoint onboarding, VLAN requests, troubleshooting and incident response. In a FortiGate-managed design, the networking and security teams may share visibility that was previously separated. That can improve coordination, but only when roles and change approval are clear. FourTeck can assist with design review and network installation and configuration planning where required.
Buyer questions to resolve before the quotation
A 48-port switch should not be selected without checking spare capacity, patch-panel layout and whether endpoints are concentrated in one closet or spread across floors.
Identify the exact APs, workstations or systems that benefit. This prevents paying for capability that is not used while ensuring high-demand devices receive the right access speed.
The FPOE model should be sized from the connected-device power table, not from endpoint count alone.
Decide whether routing stays at FortiGate/core infrastructure or whether standalone switch routing is required. Licensing may change with the answer.
Define required resilience before choosing uplink count, aggregation, topology and power arrangements.
Confirm FortiCare term, replacement expectations, firmware governance and internal support capability before purchase.
Procurement checklist
How FourTeck can assist
FourTeck can help convert a high-level request such as “FortiSwitch 300 Series” into a purchase-ready requirement. That starts by checking whether the project needs the non-PoE FS-348G or the FS-348G-FPOE, then reviewing active-port count, powered-device requirements, 2.5GbE endpoints and the intended uplink design. If the site uses FortiGate, the management topology and controller capacity should be reviewed at the same time. If the customer prefers standalone or cloud management, licensing and operational responsibilities can be included in the discussion.
A useful quotation should identify hardware, support, required licenses, optics or cables, and any professional services requested. It should also make dependencies visible rather than burying them. FourTeck can support bill-of-material clarification, product-family comparison, quotation coordination, installation planning and configuration scope. Buyers can also review other FourTeck networking and security products or discuss how the switch will integrate with a Fortinet firewall deployment in Dubai.
For an accurate response, share the number of sites, required quantity, existing FortiGate model if any, planned AP and PoE-device count, fibre distances, preferred support term and expected project schedule. This information makes it easier to identify missing components before the order is placed.
UAE availability and support guidance
Contact FourTeck to confirm current UAE availability for the required FortiSwitch 300 Series model, quantity and support combination. Availability may vary according to model, vendor lead time, quantity, support term and regional supply conditions. A family page cannot confirm that every variant is immediately available, and a current quotation should be used as the purchasing reference.
Delivery and project coordination can be discussed after the exact requirement is confirmed. If installation, FortiLink onboarding, VLAN configuration, firmware preparation, switch replacement or testing is required, include that scope in the quotation request so hardware and service planning are aligned. For procurement assistance, use the FourTeck contact page and provide the site, model preference and target deployment window.
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman coverage
Businesses planning FortiSwitch deployments in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman can contact FourTeck for requirement review, quotation coordination and project planning. The most useful starting information is the deployment location, required quantity, preferred 300 Series model, number of powered devices, uplink media, existing FortiGate details and whether installation or configuration support is required. Site conditions can vary considerably between offices, campuses, hospitality properties, clinics, schools and industrial-adjacent facilities, so the same bill of materials should not be assumed for every location. Delivery timing, installation windows and engineering scope should be confirmed after the technical requirement and commercial quotation are agreed. Where a multi-site rollout is involved, a standardised switch template can be discussed while still allowing local differences in VLANs, cabling, power and endpoint counts.
GCC Availability
FourTeck can assist organisations planning FortiSwitch 300 Series projects across GCC markets with requirement review, model selection, quotation coordination, licensing checks, delivery planning and configuration-scope discussions. Projects in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain or Oman may have different procurement routes, lead times, support expectations and site conditions, so regional availability should be confirmed for the exact model and quantity rather than assumed from another country. Buyers should provide the destination country, number of switches, preferred FS-348G or FS-348G-FPOE model, FortiCare term, transceiver requirements, management method and expected deployment date. If professional services are required, describe the number of sites and whether the work includes installation, FortiLink onboarding, VLAN configuration, testing or migration. Product availability, licensing, delivery schedules, service visits and vendor lead times can vary by country and project. FourTeck can coordinate the commercial and technical discussion once the destination and scope are known; for Kuwait-related enquiries, buyers can also review FourTeck Kuwait resources.
Africa Availability
For organisations planning FortiSwitch 300 Series procurement or deployment in Africa, FourTeck can help review the hardware model, support needs, accessories, licensing, management approach and implementation scope before a quotation is prepared. Availability and fulfilment can depend on destination, quantity, vendor lead time, power and regulatory requirements, shipping arrangements and the amount of local project coordination required. Buyers in East Africa and other regions should share the destination country, exact model preference, switch quantity, PoE-device profile, required optics, preferred support term and target schedule. It is also useful to state whether the switches will be FortiGate-managed and whether remote or on-site configuration assistance is expected. These details help avoid a situation where hardware arrives without the correct uplinks, licensing or support. FourTeck does not assume local inventory or guaranteed delivery dates; the current requirement must be checked first. Additional regional information is available through FourTeck Africa, including routes for Kenya and Uganda enquiries where relevant.
Related products, services and suitable alternatives
FS-348G
The non-PoE 300 Series option for projects that need the mixed 1GbE/2.5GbE access layout but do not need the switch to power endpoints.
FS-348G-FPOE
The full-PoE 300 Series option for campuses with powered APs, cameras, phones or other 802.3af/at/bt-compatible devices, subject to per-device design.
FortiSwitch 400 Series
Consider when requirements point to a different campus port mix, fibre access or specific features. A model-by-model comparison is preferable to assuming the next series is automatically more suitable.
FortiSwitch 600 Series
Relevant where the project needs a more performance-oriented multi-gigabit campus platform and different uplink characteristics. Exact sizing should be confirmed.
FortiGate integration
A FortiGate can act as the FortiSwitch controller through FortiLink, making firewall model, software compatibility and managed-device scale part of the LAN design.
Installation and configuration services
Include rack installation, firmware preparation, VLANs, FortiLink onboarding, port profiles, testing and migration in scope where internal teams need deployment assistance.
Why businesses contact FourTeck for this family
The most common difficulty in a switching purchase is not finding a model name; it is turning a network requirement into the correct combination of switch, support, optics, licensing and services. FourTeck can help clarify whether the 300 Series is appropriately sized, whether PoE is necessary, how many 2.5GbE ports are actually needed, and what must be checked for FortiGate-managed operation. This is especially useful when a business is replacing switches from another vendor and wants to avoid carrying old assumptions into the new design.
Procurement teams can also use FourTeck to coordinate the commercial side with the technical bill of materials. The goal is to reduce omissions such as missing optics, an incorrect support term, unplanned cloud-management licensing or insufficient PoE capacity. Where professional services are required, the implementation scope can be defined separately from the hardware so responsibilities remain clear. Learn more about FourTeck’s technology focus or discuss the project directly when the site data is ready.
What buyers usually need to know before shortlisting the 300 Series
A typical buyer researching FortiSwitch 300 Series is rarely looking for a switch in isolation. The actual question is usually whether this family can support a new wireless rollout, replace an ageing 48-port access switch, integrate cleanly with FortiGate, power more demanding edge devices, or provide enough uplink capacity for a growing campus. Those questions are more useful than a simple series comparison because they connect the hardware to the design that will operate for the next several years.
Is 2.5GbE worth paying for?
It is valuable when there are endpoints that can use it. Newer access points are the most common example, but some workstations and specialised systems can also benefit. If the environment is almost entirely printers, phones and standard office desktops, 2.5GbE may not be the deciding factor. The 300 Series is attractive because only half of the copper access ports are multi-gigabit, allowing a mixed deployment. Before buying, list the exact devices that will use those ports and estimate how that list changes over the expected life of the switch.
Does FortiSwitch need a FortiGate?
No. FortiSwitch can operate standalone and through supported central management options. A FortiGate becomes particularly relevant when the organisation wants FortiLink management and tighter integration between switching and security operations. Current Fortinet ordering guidance also distinguishes licensing by management mode: FortiGate-managed switching does not require a separate switch-management license, while cloud management is license dependent. The correct choice should reflect who operates the network and where policy is controlled.
Should every buyer choose the FPOE model?
No. The FPOE model makes sense when the switch must deliver power to Ethernet devices. If powered endpoints are absent or supplied through another design, the non-PoE FS-348G may be more appropriate. Buyers should calculate total PoE demand from device data rather than counting ports. A high-power access point, PTZ camera and desk phone can have very different requirements, and future replacements may draw more power than the current equipment.
How should uplinks be sized?
Start from traffic concentration, not from the number of uplink sockets. The current 348G models provide four 10GbE SFP+ uplinks, but those links must connect to suitable upstream interfaces and optics. A branch with mostly light office traffic may use capacity very differently from a campus floor serving high-density wireless, media production or large local data transfers. Consider expected east-west and north-south traffic, redundancy needs and whether link aggregation is part of the design.
Buyers also frequently ask whether the 300 Series is a Layer 2 or Layer 3 switch. The more useful answer is that the platform supports enterprise switching functions, while advanced routing behaviour can depend on operating mode, software and licensing. If routing protocols are a specific requirement, state them explicitly in the quotation request. Fortinet’s current ordering guide lists an Advanced Switching license for the 300 Series, so a buyer should not assume every routing feature is available in every mode without checking.
Another common decision point is whether this family is better than a smaller FortiSwitch. Port count alone does not answer that. The 300 Series becomes more compelling when a project needs a 48-port footprint, a meaningful number of 2.5GbE access ports, 10GbE uplinks and optional high-power PoE. If the site only needs 24 ports or has no multi-gigabit requirement, a different family may be more economical and operationally simpler. Conversely, if the project needs more extensive multi-gigabit access, faster uplinks or different resiliency characteristics, a 600 Series or another campus model may deserve comparison.
For quotation preparation, provide more than the phrase “FortiSwitch 300 Series price.” The commercial figure depends on the chosen model, support term, required licenses, optics, quantity and project scope. A useful request includes the existing network, required port count, AP and camera models, fibre distances, FortiGate model, deployment country and whether installation is needed. With this information, FourTeck can prepare a requirement-based quotation rather than a hardware-only number that may omit essential components.
Finally, buyers planning a Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 upgrade should confirm the Ethernet and PoE requirements of the exact access-point model rather than selecting the switch by Wi-Fi generation alone. Some APs may be satisfied with 1GbE, while others can benefit from 2.5GbE or require higher PoE classes. The switch should be sized to the actual AP bill of materials and expected client load. This keeps the design technically grounded and prevents over- or under-specification.
Decision questions that change the final configuration
What if we already have a FortiGate?
Then FortiLink should be evaluated as a primary management option because it can centralise switch configuration and access-layer control through FortiGate. The FortiGate model and software version still need to be checked for the required number of managed switches and the chosen topology. If the FortiGate is already near platform limits, the controller design may need adjustment before additional access switches are introduced.
What if only a few devices need 2.5GbE?
That can still be a good match because the current 348G layout is mixed rather than all-multi-gigabit. Place the faster devices on the 2.5GbE ports and preserve the 1GbE ports for ordinary endpoints. Confirm future growth as well: a wireless refresh planned two years from now may use more multi-gigabit ports than the network needs today.
What if we need routing on the switch?
Specify the exact routing protocols and management mode. Do not rely on the general phrase “Layer 3.” Advanced dynamic routing can be license dependent in standalone mode, and Fortinet lists FS-SW-LIC-300 for the 300 Series. A design review should decide whether routing belongs on the access switch, an upstream campus switch or the FortiGate.
What if the project includes many high-power APs?
Choose the FPOE path only after a PoE worksheet is built. Record the maximum draw of each AP, add other powered endpoints and retain headroom. Then check switch power input and UPS capacity. A published aggregate PoE budget does not automatically guarantee the intended runtime or per-port power for every device.
What if our uplinks are fibre over long distances?
Identify the fibre type, connector, distance and upstream port. The SFP+ slots are only one part of the connection; the optics at both ends must be suitable and compatible. Include transceivers in the quotation instead of treating them as a later accessory if the uplink design is already known.
What information gets the most accurate quote?
Provide quantity, site country, PoE or non-PoE preference, endpoint count, 2.5GbE device list, FortiGate model, uplink media, support term and service scope. If the design is not yet final, share the floor plan or logical requirements so FourTeck can help size the switch family before commercial options are confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
Which models are in the current FortiSwitch 300 Series?
Current Fortinet portfolio and ordering material identifies FS-348G and FS-348G-FPOE as 300 Series models. Regional ordering and lifecycle status should still be confirmed at the time of quotation.
What is the difference between FS-348G and FS-348G-FPOE?
Both use the same mixed 48-port access concept with 1GbE and 2.5GbE copper plus 10GbE SFP+ uplinks. FS-348G is non-PoE, while FS-348G-FPOE adds full Power over Ethernet capability including 802.3bt support.
Does the 300 Series require a FortiGate?
No. FortiSwitch can be managed by FortiGate through FortiLink, operated standalone or managed through supported central platforms. The best mode depends on the existing network and operational model.
Is a separate license needed for FortiGate management?
Fortinet’s current ordering guidance states that a separate switch-management license is not required for FortiGate-managed FortiSwitch. Other functions, such as advanced switching in some modes or cloud management, can be license dependent.
How much PoE does FS-348G-FPOE provide?
Fortinet publishes a maximum aggregate PoE output up to 1540W for the FS-348G-FPOE. The real design must still account for each connected device’s PoE class, per-port limits, power supply, UPS and future growth.
Can the 300 Series be used for Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 access points?
It can be suitable where the chosen AP models use 2.5GbE and, for the FPOE variant, compatible PoE classes. Confirm the exact AP Ethernet rate and maximum power draw before finalising the switch quantity and model.
What uplink optics should I order?
That depends on fibre type, link distance, connector, peer equipment and whether you are using optical transceivers or compatible direct-attach cabling. Share the uplink path with FourTeck so the correct components can be quoted.
Is the Advanced Switching license always required?
No. It depends on the intended feature set and management mode. Fortinet lists FS-SW-LIC-300 for advanced switching features on the 300 Series, so specific routing or advanced requirements should be checked before purchase.
How do I request a Dubai or UAE quotation?
Send FourTeck the preferred model, quantity, deployment location, PoE-device list, FortiGate details, uplink requirements, support term and any installation or configuration scope. FourTeck can then confirm current UAE availability and prepare a requirement-based quotation.
Build the right 300 Series bill of materials
Share your site count, required quantity, PoE endpoints, 2.5GbE devices, FortiGate model, fibre uplinks and target schedule. FourTeck can help determine whether FS-348G or FS-348G-FPOE is the better fit, identify licensing and support dependencies, and coordinate a current quotation for Dubai or other UAE projects.