Sophos XGS 8500

Description

Sophos XGS 8500

The Sophos XGS 8500 is a 2U enterprise firewall appliance designed for high-performance network security at enterprise and campus edges. It combines high-speed connectivity, hardware-accelerated security processing, modular expansion, and redundant hardware components in a rackmount platform.

With up to 190 Gbps firewall throughput, 93 Gbps IPS throughput, 92.5 Gbps threat protection throughput, and 141 Gbps IPsec VPN throughput, the XGS 8500 is designed for demanding network environments.

Connectivity

The appliance includes eight GE copper ports, twelve 10GbE SFP+ fiber ports, and two QSFP28 interfaces supporting speeds up to 100 Gbps.

The QSFP28 interfaces provide high-speed connectivity for supported network architectures. Sophos also supports breakout configurations on the XGS 8500 for supported interface modes.

Flexi Port Expansion

The XGS 8500 provides two standard Flexi Port bays plus two high-density module bays. Available module options include copper, fiber, 10GbE SFP+, 40GbE QSFP+, bypass, and high-density copper configurations.

This modular approach allows organizations to select connectivity based on their infrastructure rather than relying only on fixed interfaces.

Security Performance

The XGS 8500 supports Sophos Firewall security technologies, including IPS, threat protection, application control, TLS inspection, VPN, and other network security capabilities depending on the selected software configuration and subscriptions.

Its Xstream architecture uses hardware acceleration for qualifying traffic and security processing, helping maintain performance while applying security inspection.

Reliability and Rack Integration

The appliance includes two hot-swappable internal power supplies and two NVMe SSDs. It is designed for 2U rack installation, with sliding rails included.

The XGS 8500 measures 438 × 88 × 645 mm and weighs approximately 18 kg when unpacked.

Selection Guide

For High-Bandwidth Networks

Consider the XGS 8500 when the deployment requires high firewall throughput, high-speed uplinks, and substantial security inspection capacity.

For 10GbE Connectivity

Use the twelve integrated SFP+ ports for supported 1GbE and 10GbE fiber connectivity with compatible transceivers.

For 100Gbps Connectivity

Use the two QSFP28 interfaces when the network requires supported high-speed connections of up to 100 Gbps.

For Additional Ports

Select the appropriate Flexi Port module based on the required interface type, speed, fiber or copper medium, and network topology.

For High Availability Requirements

The XGS 8500 includes dual hot-swappable power supplies and dual NVMe SSDs. Review the complete Sophos HA architecture and licensing requirements when designing a redundant firewall deployment.

Always Verify

Confirm the exact Sophos Firewall version, hardware revision, supported transceiver, Flexi Port module, and network configuration before purchasing or installing additional components.

Installation Notes

The XGS 8500 is designed for installation in a standard 2U rack environment using the included sliding rails.

Before installation, provide adequate rack space, power connections, network cabling, and airflow around the appliance. Connect the management interface and required network interfaces according to the planned topology.

SFP, SFP+, and QSFP transceivers should be selected according to the supported Sophos compatibility information and the requirements of the connected network equipment.

Flexi Port modules are not hot-swappable. Follow the applicable Sophos hardware installation instructions when installing or replacing modules.

Best Practices

Use the XGS 8500 with compatible Sophos transceivers and Flexi Port modules.

Plan rack placement to maintain sufficient airflow around the appliance.

Use appropriate fiber or copper cabling for the selected transceiver and interface speed.

Document port assignments, transceiver types, Flexi Port modules, and connected network equipment.

Use redundant power connections where the deployment requires power resilience.

Review Sophos performance sizing guidance before selecting the appliance for a specific traffic profile.

Keep Sophos Firewall software and supported security services maintained according to the organization’s update and support requirements.

Benefits for IT Teams

The Sophos XGS 8500 provides a high-capacity platform for enterprise firewall deployments with integrated 10GbE and high-speed QSFP28 connectivity.

Its modular Flexi Port architecture can simplify connectivity planning by allowing additional interfaces to be added according to infrastructure requirements.

Redundant power supplies, dual NVMe SSDs, rackmount rails, and enterprise-oriented management features can also simplify deployment and ongoing infrastructure management.

Main Benefits

High Firewall Capacity

The XGS 8500 provides up to 190 Gbps firewall throughput.

Benefit: Supports high-volume enterprise and campus network traffic.

High-Speed Uplinks

Two QSFP28 interfaces support speeds of up to 100 Gbps, while twelve SFP+ ports provide 10GbE connectivity.

Benefit: Connect high-capacity network infrastructure directly to the firewall.

Advanced Threat Protection

The appliance delivers up to 93 Gbps IPS throughput and 92.5 Gbps threat protection throughput.

Benefit: Apply multiple network security controls to high-volume traffic.

Flexible Expansion

Four Flexi Port bays support optional connectivity modules, including standard and high-density options.

Benefit: Adapt port density and interface types as network requirements change.

Hardware Redundancy

Dual NVMe SSDs and two hot-swappable power supplies are built into the platform.

Benefit: Support greater hardware resilience in production environments.

Enterprise Rack Integration

The 2U appliance includes sliding rails and a rack-oriented design.

Benefit: Integrate the firewall into standard enterprise and data-center rack infrastructure.

Typical Use Cases

1. Enterprise Network Security

Deploy the XGS 8500 at the edge of large enterprise networks where high firewall and threat protection capacity is required.

2. Campus Edge Security

Use the appliance to secure high-bandwidth campus networks connecting users, applications, servers, and network infrastructure.

3. High-Speed Internet Edge

The combination of 10GbE SFP+ and up to 100Gbps QSFP28 connectivity makes the XGS 8500 suitable for high-capacity network edge deployments.

4. Data Center Connectivity

Connect high-speed data-center switching infrastructure using the firewall’s SFP+ and QSFP28 interfaces.

5. High-Availability Security Infrastructure

Use the redundant power supplies and dual NVMe storage architecture as part of an enterprise security infrastructure where hardware resilience is important.

6. Large Distributed Networks

Deploy Sophos Firewall capabilities across large network environments and manage firewall infrastructure through Sophos Central where the appropriate licensing and services are available.

Who Should Buy Sophos XGS 8500?

The Sophos XGS 8500 is designed for organizations that require a high-performance enterprise firewall with high-speed network connectivity and modular expansion.

It can be considered for:

• Large enterprises
• Campus networks
• High-bandwidth data-center environments
• Distributed enterprise networks
• Organizations requiring 10GbE and 100Gbps connectivity
• Networks requiring extensive security inspection
• IT teams that need modular firewall connectivity
• Environments where redundant power and storage are important

The final appliance selection should be based on expected traffic, enabled security services, connection requirements, VPN usage, and network architecture.

Related Categories

Explore related Sophos products and categories, including:

• Sophos Firewalls
• Sophos XGS Series
• Sophos XGS 7500
• Sophos XGS 6500
• Sophos Flexi Port Modules
• Sophos SFP/SFP+ Transceivers
• Sophos Firewall Accessories
• Sophos Rackmount Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Sophos XGS 8500?

The Sophos XGS 8500 is a 2U enterprise firewall appliance designed for high-performance network security, enterprise connectivity, and campus edge deployments.

How fast is the Sophos XGS 8500?

The XGS 8500 provides up to 190 Gbps firewall throughput, 93 Gbps IPS throughput, 92.5 Gbps threat protection throughput, and 141 Gbps IPsec VPN throughput under Sophos’s stated test conditions.

How many ports does the Sophos XGS 8500 have?

The XGS 8500 has eight fixed GE copper ports, twelve 10GbE SFP+ ports, and two QSFP28 ports supporting speeds of up to 100 Gbps. Optional modules can increase total port density to up to 70 ports.

Does the XGS 8500 support 100Gbps?

Yes. The two QSFP28 interfaces on the XGS 8500 support speeds of up to 100 Gbps under supported configurations.

Does Sophos XGS 8500 support Flexi Port modules?

Yes. The XGS 8500 has two standard Flexi Port bays and two additional bays for high-density Flexi Port modules.

Does the XGS 8500 have redundant power supplies?

Yes. The XGS 8500 includes two hot-swappable internal power supplies.

What storage does the Sophos XGS 8500 use?

The XGS 8500 includes two NVMe SSDs with a minimum listed capacity of 960 GB each, with hardware RAID built into the CPU.

Is the Sophos XGS 8500 rackmountable?

Yes. The XGS 8500 is a 2U rackmount appliance and includes 2U sliding rails.

Can the XGS 8500 use SFP+ transceivers?

Yes. The appliance includes twelve 10GbE SFP+ interfaces, and compatible transceivers are sold separately.

Does the XGS 8500 support breakout interfaces?

Yes. Sophos documents breakout support for the XGS 8500’s 100Gbps fixed interfaces, subject to supported configurations.

What is the maximum port density of the XGS 8500?

The maximum total port density is 70 ports when supported optional modules are included.

Where can I verify XGS 8500 compatibility?

Check the latest Sophos product documentation, hardware documentation, compatibility information, and the relevant transceiver or Flexi Port module specifications before purchasing.