CS101-8FP

Description

Sophos CS101-8FP Gigabit PoE Switch

Cloud-managed 8-port Gigabit PoE switch with dual SFP uplinks and a 110 W power budget. Compact, fanless, and designed for small-scale deployments that require both connectivity and Power over Ethernet within the Sophos ecosystem.

Connectivity and Power

Eight auto-negotiating Gigabit copper PoE ports serve and power end devices. Two 1G SFP ports provide flexible uplinks to core switches, firewalls, or fiber infrastructure.

Performance and Features

20 Gbps switching capacity, 8K MAC table, and support for up to 256 VLANs deliver solid Layer 2 performance for small networks while supplying reliable PoE power.

Management

Sophos Central provides zero-touch or guided onboarding, configuration, monitoring, and firmware management in the same console used for Sophos security products.

Deployment Flexibility

Desktop placement or wall mounting with included hardware. External power adapter simplifies installation in locations without rack space.

Why Choose CS101-8FP?

A practical, quiet, and centrally managed Gigabit PoE switch for environments that need to power access points or other devices. Ideal entry point into the Sophos Switch portfolio when PoE is required.

Configuration Guide

Step 1 – Physical Installation

Place on a desktop or mount to the wall using the included screws. Ensure adequate ventilation around the unit.

Step 2 – Power Connection

Connect the supplied external AC/DC power adapter and power on the switch.

Step 3 – Network Connection

Connect uplink cables to the SFP ports (or a copper port) and attach end devices or PoE-powered devices to the Gigabit RJ45 ports.

Step 4 – Sophos Central Onboarding

Register or claim the switch in Sophos Central. Follow the guided setup for network settings and management.

Step 5 – VLAN and Port Configuration

Create VLANs, assign ports, and configure any required access control or QoS policies via Central.

Step 6 – PoE Settings

Monitor PoE power budget, enable or disable PoE per port, and set priority if needed.

Step 7 – Uplink and Redundancy

Configure SFP uplinks, link aggregation if needed, and spanning-tree settings.

Step 8 – Security Settings

Apply 802.1X, MAC authentication, ACLs, and other security features as required.

Step 9 – Monitoring and Firmware

Enable monitoring, set up alerts (including PoE status), and schedule firmware updates through Sophos Central.

Step 10 – Testing

Verify connectivity, PoE power delivery, VLAN isolation, uplink performance, and management status.

CS101-8FP Mounting Options

Desktop Placement

Place on a flat, stable surface with sufficient clearance for airflow and cable management.

Wall Mount

Use the included screws and wall anchors. Mount in a vertical or horizontal orientation according to the installation guide.

The compact size and fanless design make the CS101-8FP suitable for a wide range of non-rack environments.

Installation Best Practices

Manufacturer Guidelines

Operate within 0–40 °C. Use the supplied power adapter. Provide adequate ventilation even though the unit is fanless. Do not exceed the 110 W PoE budget.

General Best Practices

Use quality Cat5e or better cabling. Plan VLAN structure and PoE power allocation before deployment. Keep firmware current via Sophos Central. Label ports clearly. Avoid placing the switch in enclosed spaces with restricted airflow. Calculate total PoE draw of connected devices to stay within budget.

Benefits for IT Teams

Centralized management reduces on-site configuration effort. PoE simplifies cabling for access points and phones. Silent operation improves user experience. Compact size simplifies deployment in space-constrained locations. Consistent Sophos ecosystem visibility for security and networking teams.

Main Features

8× Gigabit PoE Ports + 2× SFP Uplinks

Eight copper Gigabit PoE ports and two 1G SFP slots.

Benefit: Power devices and provide flexible copper access with fiber or copper uplink options.

110 W PoE Budget

Supports 802.3af and 802.3at with a total 110 W budget.

Benefit: Power multiple access points, phones, or cameras from a single compact switch.

Fanless Silent Operation

Completely fanless design.

Benefit: Ideal for offices, meeting rooms, and noise-sensitive environments.

Sophos Central Management

Cloud management through Sophos Central.

Benefit: Unified visibility and control with firewalls and access points.

Compact Desktop / Wall-Mount Design

Small form factor with included wall-mount hardware.

Benefit: Easy placement on desks, shelves, or walls.

Layer 2 Enterprise Features

VLANs, ACLs, spanning tree, link aggregation, and more.

Benefit: Secure segmentation and reliable switching for small networks.

Product Deployment Scenarios

1. Small Offices with Wireless

Power Sophos AP6 access points while providing Gigabit connectivity for workstations and printers.

2. Branch Locations

Compact PoE switch at remote sites managed centrally via Sophos Central.

3. Retail and Point-of-Sale

Silent operation and PoE for cameras, phones, and access points in customer-facing areas.

4. Meeting Rooms and Shared Spaces

Fanless design keeps the environment quiet while powering VoIP phones or wireless APs.

5. IP Phone and Camera Deployments

Directly power 802.3af/at devices without separate injectors.

6. Sophos Ecosystem Deployments

Pairs with Sophos firewalls and AP6 access points under a single Central console.

Who Should Buy CS101-8FP?

Small offices, branch sites, retail locations, and any environment that needs a reliable, quiet 8-port Gigabit PoE switch. Ideal for organizations already using or planning to use Sophos Central and Sophos access points. Choose the non-PoE CS101-8 if Power over Ethernet is not required, or a higher-port or multi-gig model for larger deployments.

CS101-8FP Product Comparison

Analysis

Choose the CS101-8FP when PoE is required for access points, phones, or cameras in a compact form factor. Use the CS101-8 if PoE is not needed. Move to the CS210-8FP when multi-gigabit ports and a higher PoE budget (including 802.3bt) are required.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Sophos CS101-8FP?

An 8-port Gigabit PoE managed switch with two 1G SFP uplinks, 110 W PoE budget, fanless design, and Sophos Central management.

Does the CS101-8FP support PoE?

Yes. It supports IEEE 802.3af and 802.3at with a total power budget of 110 W.

How many devices can it power?

Up to seven devices at 15.4 W or three devices at 30 W, depending on the power draw of each device.

How is it managed?

Primarily through Sophos Central for cloud-based configuration and monitoring.

Can it be wall-mounted?

Yes. Wall-mount screws are included.

Is the switch fanless?

Yes. The CS101-8FP has no fans and operates silently.

What is the switching capacity?

20 Gbps.

How many SFP ports does it have?

Two 1G SFP uplink ports.

Is it suitable for powering Sophos access points?

Yes. It is well suited for powering multiple Sophos AP6 models that require 802.3at PoE+.

What is the difference versus CS101-8?

The CS101-8FP adds a 110 W PoE budget supporting 802.3af/at on the eight copper ports. The CS101-8 has no PoE.