It’s pretty normal for businesses to look into new firewall products every three to five years or so. Between adapting to newer cybersecurity trends and navigating outdated technologies, firewall upgrades are a part of the process. Looking at Sophos XGS 108 vs XGS 107, there’s more than just surface-level specs to consider here.
Differences aside, both of these firewalls are known for being ideal solutions for small businesses and growing branch offices. However, this article compares several details to highlight why an upgrade is important and what businesses should look for when choosing a new firewall solution.
Upgrading Through the Sophos XGS Series
Whether you’re just getting started with firewall tools or looking to make an upgrade from your current XGS model, it’s the fine print that matters most. In today’s cybersecurity landscape, a next-gen firewall is crucial, but choosing the right one is an even more important focal point.
The Sophos XGS series is great for navigating a clear-cut upgrade path, one that promises high-performance throughput and advanced threat protection features. When it comes to Sophos XGS 108 vs XGS 107, both are powered by Xstream architecture, but they vary a bit in capability. At the very least, it’s about making sure the specs align with your expected network security demands over the next few years.
What is the Sophos Firewall XGS 108?
Offering decent firewall throughput and IPS capability, the XGS 108 promises advanced security and optimized network performance. An excellent, long-term security solution for small, but growing businesses, the specs are more than enough to offer years of protection.
Here’s a quick look at a few defining specs of the XGS 108:
- Firewall Throughput: 12,500 Mbps
- IPS Throughput: 2,500 Mbps
- Threat Protection Throughput: 2,500 Mbps
- NGFW Throughput: 2,600 Mbps
- Concurrent Connections: 4,190,000
This is easily more than enough for many businesses out there. In the same vein, comparing these details to previous generations helps provide a clearer scope of the upgrades and similarities.
What is the Sophos XGS Firewall 107?
Certified across several global security standards, the XGS 107 is more than sufficient in its own right. It also promises a compact design that’s combined with advanced security and more than versatile connectivity.
The list below offers a quick comparison to the specs mentioned above:
- Firewall Throughput: 7,000 Mbps
- IPS Throughput: 1,355 Mbps
- Threat Protection Throughput: 330 Mbps
- IPsec VPN Throughput: 900 Mbps
- Concurrent Connections: 1,600,000
From the jump, you can see how the XGS 108 is a bit stronger when it comes to these specifications. Another angle to consider here is that the XGS 107 has already met its end of sale (EOS). However, the firewall model’s end of life (EOL) doesn’t come around until 2030. Although you’ll have a hard time finding new 107s on the market, existing users still have some years to go before it’s completely outdated.
Comparing the Sophos XGS 108 vs XGS 107
Whether you’re currently working with the 107 or looking to make an upgrade, stacking up the specs and features is how you end up with the right choice. The table below streamlines several key areas in the datasheets for both of these Sophos XGS firewall models.
| Specifications | XGS 108 | XGS 107 |
|---|---|---|
| Firewall Throughput (Mbps) | 12,500 | 7,000 |
| IPS Throughput (Mbps) | 2,500 | 1,355 |
| Threat Protection Throughput (Mbps) | 2,500 | 330 |
| IPsec VPN Throughput (Mbps) | 8,250 | 900 |
| Xstream SSL/TLS Inspection (Mbps) | 800 | 420 |
| Concurrent Connections | 4,190,000 | 1,600,000 |
| New Connections per Second | 53,000 | 44,400 |
| Ethernet Interfaces | 6 x 2.5 GE copper 1 x SFP fiber | 8 x GbE copper 1 x SFP fiber |
Like most new firewall models, they’re bound to come with a few upgrades compared to previous generations. The table above offers exactly what new and existing Sophos users need to make an upgrade when the time is right.
The Bottom Line
Upgrading firewalls is a crucial component of any growing business. In the context of Sophos XGS 108 vs XGS 107, it’s no secret that the 108 outperforms across several categories. Although the XGS 107 will still be in operation for several years, it’s the XGS 108 that offers future-ready performance.
If you’re still on the fence about the best course of action with Sophos firewall products, we’re always here to walk you through it. Get in touch with our team for the support and guidance you need to end up with the right Sophos firewall for your growing operation.
FAQ
What are the Main Differences Between the Sophos XGS 108 and XGS 107?
The XGS 108 offers higher firewall throughput, IPS, and threat protection speeds. Overall, it’s better suited for growing networks and evolving network security demands.
Is the XGS 107 Still a Viable Firewall for Small Businesses?
Yes, the XGS 1007 is a more than capable firewall for small businesses. This can be seen in its throughput capabilities, security features, and the fact that its EOL isn’t coming until 2030.
What Advantages Does the XGS 108 Offer Over the 107?
This is primarily found in the XGS 108’s improved throughput, VPN performance, and overall higher connection capacity.
Do Both Firewalls Support Wireless Connectivity?
Both the XGS 107w and XGS 108w models are built with wireless capability in mind.
How Do I Know When It’s Time to Upgrade My Sophos Firewall?
It helps to consider upgrading when your current firewall struggles to handle your network traffic demands or is nearing its EOL date.
