With an extensive range of firewall solutions, Sophos has a reputation you can rely on. Regarding the Sophos XGS 3300 appliance vs XGS 4300, you get a range of features suitable for mid-size to larger organizations.
Although both of these firewall models deliver high-performance protection, it’s thae fine print in the specs that separates them. Whether you’re a business owner or leading the IT department, it’s crucial to think about the ins and outs. Performance, connectivity, hardware or software, and many other factors matter here.
Maybe you value feature sets over scalable solutions. No matter the reason that drives you, this article compares the Sophos XGS 3300 vs XGS 4300 so you know which path to take.
Diving Into the Sophos XGS 3300 and XGS 4300
Starting with the 3300 Sophos firewall appliance, it’s a choice that goes above and beyond for mid-sized companies. Being able to support up to 1,000 users, it’s safe to say it’s a scalable option as well.
Compared to the 4300, though, it can seem a bit weaker, as the 4300 can withstand up to 2,500 users. Of course, firewall tech is much more than this. You’ll find varying specs between firewall throughput and Sophos-specific features like Xstream Protection.
What is the Sophos XGS 3300?
Even with the robust nature of this firewall, it’s pretty easy to pick up and integrate. Hardware might require more management, but many businesses will only need a single XGS 3300 to get the job done. You’re getting reliable network protection, to say the least, which you can discover further in the specs mentioned below.
- Firewall Throughput: 40,000 Mbps
- IPS Throughput: 13,440 Mbps
- Threat Protection Throughput: 2,770 Mbps
- Concurrent Connections: 13,700,000
- New Connections per Second: 257,800
Add on Xstream Protection and features to streamline effective network management, and the XGS 3300 does a good job of selling itself. Remember, based on your network demands, there’s still a chance this new generation firewall may not be enough.
What is the Sophos XGS 4300?
Built to handle larger network demands, the XGS 4300 is a business firewall that’s able to withstand 1,000 to 2,500 users. This includes some impressive features and capabilities that can definitely provide long-term network security.
Here’s a quick look at how the Sophos XGS 4300 compares:
- Firewall Throughput: 75,000 Mbps
- IPS Throughput: 25,000 Mbps
- Threat Protection Throughput: 4,800 Mbps
- Concurrent Connections: 16,600,000
- New Connections per Second: 368,000
If you know anything about hardware firewalls, then you know they’re made up of much more information than this alone. This offers a quick comparison to show how they differ and cater to certain types of businesses. However, to truly know which model is right for you, it helps to look a little deeper into the technicalities.
Comparing the Sophos XGS 3300 vs XGS 4300
We all know that firewall hardware can get pretty technical, but that doesn’t mean you have to get lost in pages of documentation. To help guide your decision-making a bit further, take a look at the various spec comparisons in the table below.
| Specifications | Sophos XGS 3300 | Sophos XGS 4300 |
|---|---|---|
| Firewall Throughput (Mbps) | 40,000 | 75,000 |
| IPS Throughput (Mbps) | 13,440 | 25,000 |
| Threat Protection Throughput (Mbps) | 2,770 | 4,800 |
| Concurrent Connections | 13,700,000 | 6,600,000 |
| New Connections per Second | 257,800 | 368,000 |
| Firewall IMIX (Mbps) | 24,500 | 33,000 |
| Xstream SSL/TLS Inspection (Mbps) | 3,130 | 8,000 |
| Storage Capacity | Integrated min. 240 GB SATA-III SSD | 1 x min. 240 GB SATA-III SSD |
| Interface Details | 8 x GE copper 2 x SFP fiber 2 x SFP+ 10 GbE fiber 1 x RJ45 MGMT 1 x COM RJ45 1 x Micro-USB (cable incl.) 2 x USB 3.0 (front) 1 x USB 2.0 (rear) | 4 x GbE copper 4 x 2.5 GbE copper 4 x SFP+ 10 GbE fiber 1 x RJ45 MGMT 1 x COM RJ45 1 x Micro-USB (cable incl.) 2 x USB 3.0 (front) 1 x USB 2.0 (rear) |
| Power Supply | Internal auto-ranging DC 100-240VAC, 3-6A@50-60 Hz | Internal auto-ranging DC 100-240VAC, 3.7-7.4A@50-60 Hz |
Aside from the specs alone, you’ll also need to think about the Sophos firewall price. These can vary greatly, but it’s just another reason why making the right choice is so important.
The Bottom Line
If you’re a medium-to-large-sized organization expecting continuous growth, Sophos has the firewall tech you need. In the context of Sophos XGS 3300 appliance vs XGS 4300, it’s clear that the 4300 is a bit stronger from several angles.
It’s also entirely okay if the Sophos XGS 3300 appliance is more than enough for your current network demands. As always, get in touch with us if you’d like some expert guidance on how to choose the best Sophos firewall for your business.
