Description

Sophos XGS 2100

The Sophos XGS 2100 is a 1U rackmount next-generation firewall designed for mid-sized and distributed organizations that require high-performance network protection and flexible connectivity.

The appliance combines firewall, IPS, threat protection, VPN, TLS inspection, application control, and SD-WAN capabilities within a single platform. Its Xstream Architecture uses dedicated acceleration to improve processing efficiency for selected traffic flows and security operations.

With up to 30 Gbps firewall throughput, 5 Gbps threat protection, and 17 Gbps IPsec VPN throughput, the XGS 2100 provides capacity for demanding enterprise and distributed-network deployments.

Security and Protection

The XGS 2100 supports Sophos Firewall security technologies including streaming deep packet inspection, IPS, web protection, application control, TLS inspection, and zero-day protection capabilities available through the appropriate subscriptions.

Sophos’ Xstream Protection bundle includes technologies such as TLS 1.3 inspection, streaming DPI, machine-learning analysis, cloud sandboxing, and threat intelligence reporting.

Connectivity and Expansion

The firewall includes eight Gigabit Ethernet copper ports and two SFP fiber ports. One copper pair provides bypass functionality, while the single Flexi Port slot enables additional connectivity options.

Available Flexi Port configurations include 8-port Gigabit copper, 8-port Gigabit SFP, 4-port 10GbE SFP+, copper bypass, PoE, and 10GbE NBASE-T plus SFP+ configurations.

The maximum total port density is 18 ports when using an appropriate expansion module.

VPN and Secure Connectivity

The Sophos XGS 2100 supports IPsec and SSL VPN connectivity for distributed organizations and remote access requirements.

It provides up to 17 Gbps IPsec VPN throughput and supports up to 5,000 concurrent IPsec VPN tunnels. SSL VPN capacity is specified at up to 2,500 concurrent tunnels.

Rackmount Deployment

The XGS 2100 uses a compact 1U rackmount chassis measuring 438 × 44 × 405 mm. Rackmount ears are included, while Sophos lists optional sliding rails for the model. An optional external redundant power supply is also available.

This makes the XGS 2100 suitable for organizations that want to integrate firewall security directly into their existing rack infrastructure.

Why Choose Sophos XGS 2100?

The XGS 2100 combines high firewall throughput, advanced security inspection, VPN capacity, modular connectivity, and a rack-ready design. Its Flexi Port architecture provides additional flexibility when network requirements extend beyond the built-in copper and fiber interfaces.

For organizations planning a new deployment, replacing an existing firewall, or expanding a distributed network, the appropriate configuration should be selected according to expected traffic, security services, VPN requirements, interface requirements, and licensing.

Selection Guide

For High-Throughput Firewall Requirements

Review expected network traffic and security services before selecting the appliance. The XGS 2100 provides up to 30 Gbps firewall throughput, while actual performance varies according to traffic conditions and enabled services.

For Threat Protection

Use the published 5 Gbps Threat Protection figure as a sizing reference rather than assuming the maximum firewall throughput will apply when multiple security services are enabled.

Sophos measures Threat Protection with firewall, IPS, application control, and malware prevention enabled using an Enterprise Traffic Mix.

For Fiber Connectivity

The appliance includes two SFP fiber interfaces. Select compatible SFP/SFP+ transceivers based on the required fiber type, speed, and link distance. Sophos notes that transceivers are sold separately.

For 10GbE Expansion

Select the appropriate Flexi Port module when 10GbE connectivity is required. The XGS 2100 supports a 4-port 10GbE SFP+ module and a newer module combining two 10GbE NBASE-T copper ports with two 10GbE SFP+ fiber ports.

For PoE

Select the compatible PoE Flexi Port configuration when the firewall needs to provide PoE connectivity. Sophos specifies a maximum of four PoE ports and 60 W maximum through the Flexi Port module.

For High Availability

For Sophos Firewall HA, the primary and auxiliary appliances must use the same XGS firewall model. If Flexi Port modules are installed, the number of Flexi Ports must also match between the devices.

Always Verify

Confirm current Sophos hardware documentation, Flexi Port compatibility, transceiver compatibility, licensing requirements, and the specific network design before purchasing.

Installation Notes

The Sophos XGS 2100 is designed for 1U rack installation. Rackmount ears are included, while optional sliding rails are listed for the model.

Connect the required copper or fiber interfaces according to the network design. SFP interfaces require compatible transceivers, which are sold separately.

If installing a Flexi Port module, follow the appropriate Sophos hardware installation instructions and verify the exact module compatibility before installation.

For redundant deployments, configure the same XGS model and matching Flexi Port configuration on the HA devices where applicable.

Best Practices

• Size the appliance according to real traffic and enabled security services rather than headline firewall throughput alone.
• Verify SFP/SFP+ transceiver compatibility before ordering.
• Select the Flexi Port module according to required port type and speed.
• Keep adequate airflow around the rack-mounted appliance.
• Document WAN, LAN, bypass, and expansion interfaces.
• Use compatible and supported accessories for production deployments.
• Match Flexi Port configurations when deploying XGS 2100 appliances in HA.
• Maintain current Sophos Firewall firmware and required support subscriptions.
• Review TLS inspection requirements when handling large volumes of encrypted traffic.
• Plan redundant power where continuous availability is important.

Benefits for IT Teams

The Sophos XGS 2100 provides a centralized platform for network security, VPN connectivity, traffic inspection, and SD-WAN capabilities.

Its 1U form factor simplifies rack deployment, while the Flexi Port architecture allows IT teams to adapt connectivity as network requirements change.

The combination of fixed copper and fiber interfaces, optional expansion modules, and external redundant power options can also help standardize firewall deployments across distributed environments.

Main Benefits

High-Speed Network Security

The XGS 2100 delivers up to 30 Gbps firewall throughput and 6 Gbps IPS throughput.

Benefit: Handle demanding network traffic while maintaining integrated security inspection.

Advanced Threat Protection

Threat Protection throughput reaches up to 5 Gbps under Sophos’ published testing methodology.

Benefit: Inspect network traffic using multiple security technologies without relying on a separate security appliance.

Flexible Interface Expansion

The XGS 2100 provides one Flexi Port expansion slot supporting multiple optional connectivity modules.

Benefit: Adapt the firewall’s interface configuration as network requirements change.

High-Capacity VPN

The appliance provides up to 17 Gbps IPsec VPN throughput and supports up to 5,000 concurrent IPsec VPN tunnels.

Benefit: Support secure site-to-site and remote connectivity across distributed networks.

Rack-Ready Deployment

The 1U chassis is designed for standard rack installation and includes rackmount ears.

Benefit: Integrate the firewall into server rooms, network racks, and data-center edge environments.

Scalable Connectivity

The XGS 2100 supports copper and fiber interfaces, while optional modules can add 10GbE, PoE, bypass, or multi-gigabit connectivity.

Benefit: Build a connectivity configuration around the organization’s current and future network requirements.

Typical Use Cases

1. Mid-Sized Enterprise Networks

Deploy the XGS 2100 as the central security gateway for organizations requiring high-throughput firewall, IPS, application control, and VPN capabilities.

2. Distributed Organizations

Use the appliance to secure branch offices and distributed locations with centralized security and SD-WAN capabilities.

3. Data-Center Edge

The 1U rackmount design and optional high-speed Flexi Port modules make the XGS 2100 suitable for network security at the edge of rack-based infrastructure.

4. High-Speed VPN Connectivity

Use its IPsec VPN capabilities for site-to-site connectivity between offices, branches, and other network locations.

5. Fiber Network Uplinks

The two built-in SFP ports can support fiber connectivity using compatible transceivers. Sophos lists SFP/SFP+ transceivers as separately sold accessories.

6. Expandable Network Deployments

Install an appropriate Flexi Port module when additional copper, fiber, 10GbE, PoE, bypass, or multi-gigabit interfaces are required.

Who Should Buy Sophos XGS 2100?

The Sophos XGS 2100 is suited to organizations looking for a 1U rackmount firewall with high firewall throughput, advanced security inspection, VPN capabilities, and expandable network connectivity.

It can be considered for:

• Mid-sized businesses
• Distributed organizations
• Enterprise branch offices
• Data-center edge deployments
• Organizations with multiple VPN connections
• Networks requiring fiber connectivity
• Businesses planning 10GbE expansion
• IT environments requiring modular firewall interfaces
• Organizations standardizing on Sophos Firewall

The appropriate configuration should be selected according to traffic volume, enabled security services, interface requirements, VPN usage, and licensing.

Related Categories

Explore related products and categories:

• Sophos Firewalls – Sophos network security appliances
• Sophos XGS Series – XGS firewall product range
• Sophos Flexi Port Modules – Connectivity expansion modules
• Sophos SFP/SFP+ Transceivers – Fiber and copper connectivity options
• Sophos Rackmount Accessories – Rack installation accessories
• Sophos Firewall Licenses – Security, support, and protection subscriptions

Your reference document also recommends linking individual product pages to broader firewall, rackmount, modules, and transceiver categories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sophos XGS 2100?

Sophos XGS 2100 is a 1U rackmount next-generation firewall designed for mid-sized and distributed organizations. It provides firewall, IPS, threat protection, VPN, TLS inspection, SD-WAN, and expandable network connectivity.

How much firewall throughput does Sophos XGS 2100 provide?

The Sophos XGS 2100 provides up to 30 Gbps firewall throughput under Sophos’ published test methodology.

What is the Sophos XGS 2100 threat protection throughput?

Sophos lists 5 Gbps Threat Protection throughput for the XGS 2100. The measurement uses firewall, IPS, application control, and malware prevention with an Enterprise Traffic Mix.

How many ports does Sophos XGS 2100 have?

The XGS 2100 has 8 Gigabit Ethernet copper ports and 2 SFP fiber ports, plus one Flexi Port expansion slot. With a compatible expansion module, maximum port density reaches 18 ports.

Does Sophos XGS 2100 support 10GbE?

Yes. The XGS 2100 supports optional Flexi Port modules that can provide 10GbE SFP+ connectivity. Sophos also lists a module combining two 10GbE NBASE-T copper ports with two 10GbE SFP+ fiber ports.

Does Sophos XGS 2100 support VPN?

Yes. It supports IPsec and SSL VPN. Sophos specifies up to 17 Gbps IPsec VPN throughput, 5,000 concurrent IPsec VPN tunnels, and 2,500 concurrent SSL VPN tunnels.

Does Sophos XGS 2100 support high availability?

Yes. Sophos supports HA using the same XGS firewall model for the primary and auxiliary devices. When Flexi Port modules are installed, the number of Flexi Ports must match between the devices.

Does Sophos XGS 2100 support redundant power?

Yes. The XGS 2100 has an internal power supply and supports an optional external redundant power supply.

Is Sophos XGS 2100 rackmountable?

Yes. It is a 1U rackmount firewall, and Sophos includes two rackmount ears with the appliance. Optional sliding rails are also listed for the XGS 2100.

Does Sophos XGS 2100 include SFP transceivers?

The XGS 2100 includes two SFP fiber ports, but Sophos specifies that transceivers are sold separately. Choose compatible transceivers according to the required fiber or copper connection.

What is the Sophos XGS 2100 SSL/TLS inspection throughput?

Sophos lists 1.1 Gbps Xstream SSL/TLS inspection throughput and up to 18,432 concurrent SSL/TLS inspection connections.

What storage does the Sophos XGS 2100 have?

The XGS 2100 includes a minimum 120 GB SATA-III SSD for local quarantine and logs.