Sophos XGS 108w

Description

Sophos XGS 108w

The Sophos XGS 108w is a second-generation desktop next-generation firewall built for SMB and branch-office deployments. It combines Sophos Firewall security capabilities with integrated Wi-Fi 6, six 2.5GbE copper ports, and a GE SFP fiber interface.

With up to 12.5 Gbps firewall throughput, 2.5 Gbps IPS throughput, and 2.5 Gbps threat-protection throughput, the XGS 108w provides the performance required for modern business networks. Sophos also rates the appliance for up to 8.25 Gbps IPsec VPN throughput, making it suitable for secure connectivity between distributed sites.

Wireless Connectivity

The XGS 108w adds integrated Wi-Fi 6 to the XGS 108 platform. It uses two external antennas and 2×2:2 MIMO with concurrent 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz operation. This allows organizations to combine wired firewall connectivity with integrated wireless networking in one appliance.

Wired Connectivity

Six 2.5GbE copper ports provide multi-gigabit connectivity for LAN devices and network infrastructure. The appliance also includes one GE SFP fiber interface, with compatible SFP transceivers available separately.

Performance and Security

The XGS 108w supports firewall, IPS, threat protection, NGFW, IPsec VPN, and SSL/TLS inspection workloads. Sophos specifies 800 Mbps Xstream SSL/TLS inspection throughput and up to 12,288 concurrent Xstream SSL/TLS connections.

Physical Design

The XGS 108w measures 260 × 44 × 180 mm and weighs approximately 1.8 kg unpacked, with the wireless model slightly heavier. It uses an external 60W AC-DC power supply and operates with a fanless design rated at 0 dBA average noise.

A rackmount kit is available separately, making it possible to integrate the desktop appliance into a standard rack environment when required.

Selection Guide

For Wireless-Integrated Firewall Deployment

Choose the XGS 108w when integrated Wi-Fi 6 is required alongside next-generation firewall protection.

For Multi-Gigabit Networks

The six 2.5GbE copper interfaces make the XGS 108w appropriate for networks using 2.5GbE switches, wireless access points, servers, and other multi-gigabit equipment.

For Fiber Connectivity

Use the built-in GE SFP interface with a compatible Sophos-listed transceiver when fiber connectivity is required. Transceivers are sold separately.

For Rack Installation

The XGS 108w can be installed in a rack using the appropriate rackmount solution. The RM-SR-T15 is specifically listed for Sophos XGS 108 rack mounting and provides front-facing connectivity for the appliance.

For Power Resilience

Where additional power redundancy is required, select the optional second redundant power supply supported by the XGS 108w.

Always Verify

Confirm the exact XGS 108w hardware generation, accessories, transceiver requirements, licensing, and current Sophos compatibility documentation before purchasing.

Installation Notes

The XGS 108w is designed as a desktop appliance and can be positioned in an appropriate office, branch, or network equipment environment. For rack deployments, use a compatible rackmount kit rather than a generic shelf. Sophos lists rackmount kits as available separately for the appliance.

Connect the required 2.5GbE network interfaces, SFP connection where required, power supply, and external Wi-Fi antennas before configuring the appliance.

The XGS 108w has two external wireless antennas for its integrated Wi-Fi 6 interface.

When installing SFP transceivers, ensure that the transceiver and connected fiber infrastructure match the required speed, fiber type, and distance.

For a redundant power configuration, install the optional second power supply according to Sophos installation guidance.

Best Practices

• Use the XGS 108w in environments that match its intended SMB and branch-office positioning. 
• Use compatible 2.5GbE cabling and network equipment to take advantage of its multi-gigabit interfaces. 
• Use supported or tested SFP transceivers for fiber connectivity. 
• Position the external Wi-Fi antennas correctly for the intended wireless coverage. 
• Maintain adequate ventilation around the appliance even though it uses a fanless design. 
• Document WAN, LAN, SFP, and wireless interface assignments. 
• Keep firewall firmware and security definitions up to date. 
• Use the appropriate rackmount solution for rack installations. 
• Verify accessory and transceiver compatibility before procurement. 
• Consider the optional redundant power supply for deployments where power resilience is important. 

Benefits for IT Teams

The Sophos XGS 108w gives IT teams a compact platform for combining firewall security, multi-gigabit wired connectivity, fiber connectivity, and Wi-Fi 6.

Its six 2.5GbE ports simplify deployment in modern high-speed networks, while the integrated Wi-Fi 6 interface can reduce the need for additional wireless hardware in suitable environments. The fanless design also supports quieter installations, and the optional rackmount and redundant power accessories provide additional deployment flexibility.

For distributed organizations, the appliance’s VPN capabilities and Sophos Firewall ecosystem provide a platform for securing branch-office and remote connectivity.

Main Benefits

Integrated Wireless Security

The XGS 108w combines firewall security and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity in one appliance.

Benefit: Reduce hardware requirements for SMB and branch-office networks.

Multi-Gigabit Connectivity

Six 2.5GbE interfaces provide higher-speed wired connectivity than traditional Gigabit Ethernet.

Benefit: Better accommodate modern switches, access points, servers, and high-bandwidth clients.

High Firewall Performance

With up to 12.5 Gbps firewall throughput and 2.5 Gbps IPS throughput, the appliance provides substantial performance for its desktop form factor.

Benefit: Support security inspection without designing around low-throughput firewall hardware.

Secure Remote Connectivity

Up to 8.25 Gbps IPsec VPN throughput supports secure site-to-site and remote network connectivity.

Benefit: Connect branch offices, remote users, and distributed networks securely.

Quiet Deployment

The fanless XGS 108w operates at an average noise level of 0 dBA.

Benefit: Suitable for offices and other environments where equipment noise matters.

Flexible Deployment

The appliance can operate as a desktop firewall and can also be installed using an available rackmount kit.

Benefit: Adapt the XGS 108w to office, branch, cabinet, and rack-based deployment requirements.

Typical Use Cases

1. SMB Network Security

Deploy the XGS 108w as the central firewall for small and medium-sized business networks requiring wired and wireless connectivity.

2. Branch Office Firewall

Use the compact appliance to secure branch offices while providing local Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and high-speed Ethernet.

3. Wireless-Integrated Firewall

The built-in Wi-Fi 6 radio makes the XGS 108w suitable for deployments that want firewall and wireless functionality in a single platform.

4. Multi-Gigabit Office Networks

Use the six 2.5GbE interfaces to connect modern switches, access points, servers, and other high-speed network equipment.

5. Secure Site-to-Site Connectivity

Use IPsec VPN capabilities to establish secure connections between offices, data centers, cloud environments, and remote networks.

6. Noise-Sensitive Environments

The fanless design makes the XGS 108w suitable for offices, retail locations, classrooms, and other environments where low equipment noise is desirable.

Who Should Buy Sophos XGS 108w?

The Sophos XGS 108w is suitable for:

• Small and medium-sized businesses 
• Branch offices 
• Retail locations 
• Education environments 
• Professional offices 
• Distributed organizations 
• Businesses upgrading to 2.5GbE networking 
• Organizations requiring integrated Wi-Fi 6 and firewall functionality 
• Networks requiring secure site-to-site VPN connectivity 
• Deployments that need a compact and quiet firewall appliance 

It is particularly appropriate when a business wants to combine next-generation firewall security with multi-gigabit Ethernet and integrated Wi-Fi 6 in a single desktop platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Sophos XGS 108w?

The Sophos XGS 108w is a second-generation desktop next-generation firewall with integrated Wi-Fi 6. It is designed primarily for SMB and branch-office environments and includes six 2.5GbE copper ports and one GE SFP fiber interface.

What is the firewall throughput of the XGS 108w?

Sophos specifies up to 12.5 Gbps firewall throughput and 8.1 Gbps Firewall IMIX performance for the XGS 108/108w platform.

Does the Sophos XGS 108w support Wi-Fi 6?

Yes. The XGS 108w includes Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), 2×2:2 MIMO, two external antennas, and concurrent 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless operation.

How many Ethernet ports does the XGS 108w have?

The XGS 108w provides 6× 2.5GbE copper ports and 1× GE SFP fiber interface.

Does the XGS 108w have an expansion slot?

No. Sophos specifies zero expansion slots for the XGS 108/108w. SFP transceivers are supported as optional connectivity, but the appliance does not provide a Flexi Port expansion slot.

What is the IPsec VPN throughput of the XGS 108w?

Sophos specifies up to 8.25 Gbps IPsec VPN throughput. The platform supports up to 1,000 concurrent IPsec VPN tunnels and 1,000 concurrent SSL VPN tunnels.

Is the Sophos XGS 108w fanless?

Yes. The XGS 108w uses a fanless design and has an average noise level of 0 dBA according to Sophos’ technical specifications.

Can the XGS 108w be rack mounted?

Yes. Sophos lists a rackmount kit as available separately. The RM-SR-T15 is a rackmount solution specifically listed for the Sophos XGS 108.

Does the XGS 108w support redundant power?

Yes. An optional second redundant power supply is supported for the XGS 108/108w.

How much storage does the XGS 108w have?

The XGS 108w includes 64 GB UFS 2.1 storage for local quarantine and logs.

What is the difference between XGS 108 and XGS 108w?

The XGS 108w adds integrated Wi-Fi 6 functionality to the XGS 108 platform. The wireless model has two external antennas and supports concurrent 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz operation with 2×2:2 MIMO.