Description
Sophos SG 105
The Sophos SG 105 is a compact desktop firewall appliance from the Sophos SG Series. It was developed for small businesses, branch offices, remote locations, and other environments that require a dedicated network security appliance in a small physical footprint.
The appliance provides four fixed Gigabit Ethernet copper ports and published performance ratings of 1.5 Gbps firewall throughput, 325 Mbps VPN throughput, 350 Mbps IPS throughput, and 90 Mbps antivirus proxy throughput. It also supports up to 1,000,000 concurrent connections and 15,000 new connections per second.
Connectivity
The SG 105 includes four fixed 1GbE copper interfaces. These ports can be assigned to different network interfaces according to the deployment configuration. The appliance also provides two USB 2.0 ports, an RJ45 COM interface, and VGA connectivity for administration and hardware access.
Compact Hardware
The 225 × 150 × 44 mm chassis gives the SG 105 a compact footprint. Sophos documentation lists an integrated HDD for local quarantine and logs and an external auto-ranging 12V DC power supply. A rackmount kit was available separately for rack-oriented installations.
Security Platform
The SG 105 belongs to the Sophos SG Series built around Sophos UTM security software. Its published specifications include dedicated firewall, VPN, IPS, and antivirus proxy throughput measurements.
Because the SG 105 is an older platform, buyers should verify software compatibility and support status before deployment. Sophos’ migration guidance identifies XGS 108/108w as the equivalent migration path for SG 105/105w, while Sophos’ XG Firewall support information indicates that SG 105/105w Revision 3 did not support XG Firewall v18 and later.
Deployment Considerations
For organizations purchasing a new security platform, the SG 105 should be evaluated alongside its current Sophos migration option rather than considered in isolation. For existing SG 105 environments, verify firmware compatibility, licensing, support coverage, replacement availability, and migration requirements before extending the deployment.
Selection Guide
For Existing Sophos UTM Deployments
Confirm the exact SG 105 hardware revision, current Sophos software version, subscription status, and required security features before purchasing or replacing an appliance.
For Network Throughput
Use the published performance figures as sizing references:
- Firewall: 1.5 Gbps
- VPN: 325 Mbps
- IPS: 350 Mbps
- Antivirus proxy: 90 Mbps
Actual performance depends on configuration, traffic type, enabled security services, and deployment conditions.
For Physical Installation
The SG 105 measures 225 × 150 × 44 mm and can be deployed as a compact desktop appliance. A rackmount kit was listed as an optional accessory.
For New Purchases
Because SG 105 is a legacy platform, confirm whether the required hardware, software, licensing, and support are still available. Sophos identifies XGS 108/108w as the migration equivalent for SG 105/105w.
Always Verify
Before purchasing, verify the exact model/revision, software compatibility, lifecycle status, licensing requirements, warranty/support availability, and current Sophos migration documentation.
Installation Notes
The SG 105 is a compact desktop appliance that can be positioned in an appropriate network location with adequate ventilation. Connect the external 12V power supply and attach the required Ethernet interfaces according to the network design.
The appliance includes four fixed 1GbE copper interfaces. Its rear I/O also includes two USB 2.0 ports, one RJ45 COM port, and one VGA port.
For rack deployments, Sophos documentation lists a rackmount kit as available separately. Ensure sufficient airflow around the appliance and follow the applicable Sophos hardware and software documentation for configuration.
Best Practices
- Verify the exact SG 105 hardware revision before purchasing.
- Confirm the required Sophos software version and licensing.
- Check lifecycle and support status before deploying a used or legacy appliance.
- Use the published throughput figures for initial sizing rather than assuming maximum firewall throughput applies to every security workload.
- Maintain adequate airflow around the compact chassis.
- Document WAN, LAN, DMZ, and other interface assignments.
- Back up applicable Sophos configuration data before hardware replacement or migration.
- For new deployments, evaluate the current Sophos migration path alongside legacy SG hardware.
- Confirm compatibility with the intended Sophos software release before installation.
Benefits for IT Teams
The Sophos SG 105 can provide a compact hardware platform for organizations maintaining compatible Sophos UTM environments. Its four Gigabit Ethernet ports, integrated storage, and small desktop chassis simplify physical deployment in space-constrained locations.
For existing SG Series installations, the appliance can also serve as a reference point when planning hardware refreshes or migrations. However, because SG 105 is an older platform, IT teams should include lifecycle, software compatibility, support availability, and migration requirements in procurement decisions.
Sophos’ current migration guidance maps SG 105/105w to the XGS 108/108w platform.
Main Benefits
Compact Deployment
The small desktop form factor helps fit firewall infrastructure into offices and network cabinets where space is limited.
Benefit: Deploy network security without requiring a full-size 1U rack appliance.
Gigabit Connectivity
Four fixed 1GbE copper interfaces provide physical connectivity for network segmentation and common Ethernet deployments.
Benefit: Connect WAN, LAN, DMZ, or other network segments according to the firewall configuration.
Established UTM Platform
The SG 105 was designed for Sophos UTM and the SG Series security ecosystem.
Benefit: Suitable for organizations maintaining an existing compatible Sophos UTM environment.
Integrated Local Storage
The integrated hard drive provides local storage for quarantine data, logs, and reporting.
Benefit: Supports on-box visibility and locally stored security information.
Multiple Security Performance Ratings
Sophos published separate firewall, VPN, IPS, and antivirus proxy throughput figures for the appliance.
Benefit: Makes it easier to evaluate the appliance against specific workload requirements.
Flexible Physical Installation
The SG 105 has a compact chassis and supports a separately available rackmount kit.
Benefit: Adapt the appliance to desktop or rack-oriented deployment requirements.
Typical Use Cases
1. Small Office Network Security
The SG 105 was designed as a compact desktop firewall for small business environments requiring network security capabilities without a larger rack appliance.
2. Branch Office Deployment
Its desktop form factor and four Gigabit Ethernet ports make it suitable for smaller branch locations where a compact security gateway is required.
3. Remote Office Networks
The compact dimensions can be useful for remote locations where physical infrastructure and rack space are limited.
4. Network Segmentation
The four fixed Ethernet interfaces can be configured for separate network interfaces according to the Sophos UTM deployment design.
5. VPN Connectivity
With the appropriate software capabilities and licensing, the SG 105 can be used in VPN deployment scenarios. Its published VPN throughput rating is 325 Mbps.
6. Existing Sophos SG/UTM Environments
The SG 105 may be relevant to organizations maintaining legacy Sophos UTM infrastructure and looking for compatible replacement or expansion hardware, subject to availability and lifecycle considerations.
Who Should Buy Sophos SG 105?
The Sophos SG 105 is primarily relevant to organizations that:
- Maintain existing Sophos SG/UTM infrastructure
- Need a compact legacy Sophos firewall appliance
- Require four Gigabit Ethernet interfaces
- Need a small desktop-form-factor firewall
- Are replacing or expanding an existing compatible SG deployment
- Understand and accept the lifecycle considerations associated with legacy hardware
For a new Sophos deployment, buyers should also review the current XGS migration option before committing to SG 105 hardware. Sophos identifies XGS 108/108w as the migration equivalent for SG 105/105w.
Related Products and Categories
Explore related Sophos products and categories:
- Sophos Firewalls
- Sophos XGS Firewall
- Sophos XGS 108
- Sophos XGS 108w
- Sophos SG Series
- Sophos Firewall Accessories
- Sophos Rackmounts
- Sophos Firewall Hardware
- Sophos UTM
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sophos SG 105?
The Sophos SG 105 is a compact desktop firewall appliance from the Sophos SG Series. It was designed for small businesses, branch offices, remote locations, and other compact network environments.
What is the firewall throughput of Sophos SG 105?
Sophos published a maximum firewall throughput of 1.5 Gbps for the SG 105.
How many Ethernet ports does the SG 105 have?
The Sophos SG 105 has four fixed 1GbE copper Ethernet ports.
What is the VPN throughput of SG 105?
The published VPN throughput for the SG 105 is 325 Mbps.
What is the IPS throughput of Sophos SG 105?
The SG 105 has a published IPS throughput of 350 Mbps.
Does Sophos SG 105 have built-in storage?
Yes. Sophos documentation lists an integrated HDD for local quarantine and logs.
Can Sophos SG 105 be rack mounted?
Sophos documentation lists a rackmount kit available separately for the SG 105. The appliance itself is a compact desktop-form-factor device.
Is Sophos SG 105 a current-generation firewall?
No. The SG 105 belongs to the older Sophos SG Series. Sophos’ current migration guidance maps SG 105/105w to XGS 108/108w. Buyers should verify current availability, software compatibility, licensing, and support before purchasing.
Does SG 105 support newer Sophos Firewall versions?
Sophos’ published XG Firewall v18 support matrix shows SG 105/105w Revision 3 supported through v17.5.x but not v18 or v18.5+. This makes software-version verification particularly important when considering SG 105 hardware.
What is the alternative to Sophos SG 105?
Sophos identifies the XGS 108/XGS 108w as the migration equivalent for SG 105/105w. The appropriate replacement should be confirmed based on the existing configuration, licensing, performance requirements, and deployment needs.
Where can I verify Sophos SG 105 specifications?
The original Sophos SG Series appliance documentation provides the published hardware, connectivity, dimensions, throughput, and environmental specifications. Current lifecycle and migration information should also be checked before purchasing.
