Built for indoor and outdoor use, depending on the model you’re looking at, the AP6 series access points from Sophos are more than versatile. When it comes to Sophos wireless AP 420 vs 840, you get variations in power efficiency, throughput, and more.
Regardless of the model, this series of Sophos APs supports general Wi-Fi and throughput capability suitable for medium to high-density environments. It’s also helpful to note that these APs are managed through Sophos Central, and not their physical firewalls.
Then again, Sophos Central unifies Wi-Fi management with firewalls, switches, endpoint security, and many other surrounding services. As you go through this Sophos review, you’ll learn about several key differences between the Sophos wireless AP 420 vs 840 to learn where they fit into your network security stack.
A Closer Look at the Sophos AP6 Series
With improved data rates, WPA3 security standard compliance, and a user-friendly interface, these APs are pretty impressive. Not only that, but they’re created with future network demands in mind.
From dedicated IT teams to novice users, the hardware is simple enough to use. The interface also guides you through the setup process from registration to configuration to guarantee easy deployment. You have several options to choose from. While the AP 420 and 840 share a few similarities, we’re here to focus on what makes them stand on their own.
What is the Sophos AP 420?
Easily a top-rated wireless access point for the AP6 lineup, the AP 420 is best for low to medium-density work environments. Another example of a target market for this piece of hardware would be retail businesses and small to medium-sized offices.
Taking a look at the specs, here are a few details that stand out:
- Radio Setup: 2×2:2 dual radio with DFS support
- Max Data Rates: Up to 2,975 Mbps
- Antennas: 4 internal omnidirectional
- Power: 17.5 W and supports PoE+ (802.3at)
A compact and lightweight design, this wireless internet access point is perfect for placement on the wall, desktop, or ceiling. Compared to the AP 840, it’s more than suitable for a broad range of organizations, but it still comes with a limit to its capability.
What is the Sophos AP 840?
Designed for medium to high-density environments, the Sophos AP 840 packs a bit more of a punch in several spec categories. It’s well placed in organizations like higher education, larger offices, and any other device-heavy environment.
Check out how the same spec categories compare to the AP 420:
- Radio Setup: 4×4:4 dual radio with DFS support
- Max Data Rates: Up to 3,550 Mbps
- Antennas: 4 internal omnidirectional dual-band
- Power: 30 W and supports PoE+ (802.3at)
This device is also a bit larger compared to the AP 420, but it isn’t anything drastic that’ll get in the way. Placement is just as easy, and you get the same setup guidance through the interface here as well. While these specs are definitely comparable, both of these Sophos APs come with more information that’s relevant when you put them side by side.
Comparing the Sophos Wireless AP 420 vs 840
When you get into any datasheet, you’re always going to be flooded with specs and technical jargon that can make a clear comparison kind of tough. Review the table below for a more streamlined look at the differences between these two access points.
| Specifications | Sophos AP 420 | Sophos AP 840 |
|---|---|---|
| Usage | General-purpose and low to medium-density businesses | Medium to high-density environments |
| Radio | 2x2:2 dual radio | 4x4:4 dual radio |
| Max Data Rates (Mbps) | Total = 2,975 - 575 (2.4 GHz) - 2,400 (5 GHZ) | Total = 3,550 - 1,150 (2.4 GHz) - 2,400 (5 GHz) |
| Antennas | 4 internal omnidirectional - 2 x 2.4 GHz - 2 x 5 GHz | 4 internal omnidirectional - 4 x dual band (2.⅘ GHz) |
| Power | 17.5 W | 30 W |
| Interface | 1 x Gb Ethernet (802.3at PoE+) Micro-USB console | 1 x 2.5G Multigigabit Ethernet (802.3at PoE+) Micro-USB console |
The short version is that the AP 840 delivers higher capacity, but it’s also meant for larger environments. For those working with smaller operations, the AP 420 would likely be the better option. Even if that’s the case for you now, this still makes way for a seamless upgrade to the AP 840 when the time is right.
Let’s Summarize
Both models share many qualities that are more than effective for a wide range of business operations. It’s the fine print that’ll guide your decision-making for what’s best for your current network demands.
If you’re looking to buy wireless access points that are relevant to your current network architecture, it doesn’t hurt to speak with the experts. Make sure to reach out to the Firewalls team, and we can guarantee you end up with the right piece of hardware that’ll offer years of AP support.
