Sophos XGS Firewall Overview

2Sophos XGS firewalls are powered by Xstream Architecture, which integrates:

• Xstream Flow Processors for high-speed packet processing.
• TLS 1.3 Inspection offloading for optimized encrypted traffic scanning.
• Dedicated Xstream DPI Engine for deep packet inspection (IPS, AV, and application control) without requiring a proxy.

These features deliver superior performance while maintaining advanced security.

The Sophos XGS Firewall series is a next-generation firewall (NGFW) solution offering a range of models designed for small businesses to large enterprises. It provides advanced security, application control, and threat protection with robust networking capabilities. Below is a detailed breakdown of the Sophos XGS Firewall, focusing on its features, performance, and capabilities.

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Sophos XGS Firewall Overview

Sophos XGS firewalls are powered by Xstream Architecture, which integrates:

• Xstream Flow Processors for high-speed packet processing.
• TLS 1.3 Inspection offloading for optimized encrypted traffic scanning.
• Dedicated Xstream DPI Engine for deep packet inspection (IPS, AV, and application control) without requiring a proxy.

These features deliver superior performance while maintaining advanced security.

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Popular Models and Ideal Use Cases

1. XGS 87/87w:
   • Small offices and remote locations.
   • Supports up to 30-50 users.
2. XGS 116/116w:
   • Small to medium businesses.
   • Supports 50-100 users.
3. XGS 2100/2300:
   • Medium-sized enterprises and branch offices.
   • Supports up to 300 users depending on traffic and features.
4. XGS 4500 and above:
   • Large enterprises and data centers.
   • Supports 1000+ users with scalable configurations.

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Key Features

1. Performance and Throughput

1. Firewall Throughput:
   • Entry-level models (e.g., XGS 87): Up to 7 Gbps.
   • High-end models (e.g., XGS 4500): Up to 94 Gbps.
2. Threat Protection Throughput:
   • Entry-level: Up to 150 Mbps.
   • High-end: Up to 5 Gbps, depending on security features enabled.
3. IPS Throughput:
   • Entry-level: Up to 400 Mbps.
   • High-end: Up to 10 Gbps.
4. TLS Inspection:
   • Optimized for encrypted traffic (TLS 1.3) with minimal performance impact.

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2. Networking and Connectivity

1. Interfaces and Expandability:
   • Models feature a mix of RJ45, SFP, and SFP+ ports.
   • Entry-level: 4-8 ports.
   • High-end: 8-40 ports (customizable with Flexi Port modules).
2. SD-WAN Capabilities:
   • Ensures efficient routing of traffic across multiple WAN connections.
   • Provides improved performance for SaaS applications and VoIP.
3. Wireless Integration (w Models):
   • Built-in Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz dual-band) for seamless wireless networking.
4. VLAN and DHCP Support:
   • Supports up to 256 VLANs.
   • DHCP server with dynamic and static IP management.
5. VPN Capabilities:
   • SSL VPN and IPsec VPN: Secure remote access for users and sites.
   • SD-RED for simplified site-to-site VPN connectivity.
   • Remote user VPN throughput: Up to 500 Mbps (depending on the model).

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3. Security Features

Sophos XGS Firewalls offer advanced protection through multiple layers of defense:

1. Deep Packet Inspection (DPI):
   • Protects against malware, ransomware, and exploits without requiring a proxy.
   • Real-time DPI engine ensures minimal latency.
2. Zero-Day Threat Protection:
   • Integrated with SophosLabs for AI-powered threat intelligence.
   • Sandstorm sandboxing to detect and isolate unknown threats.
3. Web and Application Control:
   • Extensive URL filtering with category-based policies.
   • Controls for thousands of apps, including evasive and encrypted ones.
4. Synchronized Security:
   • Works with Sophos endpoints to share real-time threat intelligence.
   • Security Heartbeat feature automatically isolates compromised devices.
5. Advanced Malware Detection:
   • Signature-based and heuristic detection with behavioral analysis.
6. Ransomware Protection:
   • Defends against advanced ransomware attacks using Intercept X technology.

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4. Management and Reporting

1. Sophos Central Integration:
   • Centralized management of firewalls, endpoints, and other Sophos devices.
   • Unified dashboard for monitoring and policy configuration.
2. Real-Time Monitoring:
   • Detailed insights into network activity, threats, and performance.
   • Generates compliance reports for HIPAA, PCI DSS, and GDPR.
3. Customizable Alerts:
   • Real-time notifications for critical events or suspicious activities.

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5. Cloud and Hybrid Deployments

• Public Cloud Integration:
  • Easily integrates with AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
  • Protects hybrid or multi-cloud environments.
• Secure Web Gateway (SWG):
  • Offers secure internet access for branch offices and remote users.

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Environmental and Physical Specs

1. Power Efficiency:
   • Designed for low power consumption (10-120W depending on the model).
2. Form Factor:
   • Desktop models: Compact and fanless (silent operation).
   • Rack-mounted models: 1U or 2U designs with flexible port configurations.
3. Operating Environment:
   • Temperature: 0–40°C.
   • Humidity: 10–90% non-condensing.

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Comparing Sophos XGS with Fortinet FortiGate-80F

Feature	Sophos XGS 116	FortiGate-80F
Firewall Throughput	Up to 7 Gbps	Up to 4 Gbps
Threat Protection	Up to 1.5 Gbps	Up to 900 Mbps
TLS Inspection	Yes (Optimized for TLS 1.3)	Yes
Concurrent Sessions	Up to 2.5 million	Up to 2.5 million
VPN Performance	Up to 500 Mbps SSL	Up to 700 Mbps SSL
Integration	Synchronized Security with endpoints	Fortinet Security Fabric
Management	Sophos Central Cloud-based Console	FortiManager

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Deployment Scenarios

Sophos XGS firewalls are ideal for:

• Small and medium-sized businesses.
• Branch offices requiring SD-WAN capabilities.
• Hybrid cloud or multi-cloud environments.
• Organizations with a focus on endpoint integration and visibility.

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Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into specific models or comparisons! For consulting, consult [email protected] and for implementation & designing, [email protected]