Regardless of whether you’re up to speed on Sophos firewall solutions, they’re more than viable for the needs of modern business networking. Considering they have numerous options in their lineup, it’s never a bad idea to look into a few comparisons.
If you’re looking at Sophos XGS 2300 vs Sophos XGS 3100, there are several specs you should compare to make sure you end up aligned with the right choice. Both of these firewall solutions are built with mid-tier companies in mind, from security features to user capacity and more.
While you’re bound to come across a few similarities as well, it’s the differences in specs that’ll guide most of your decision-making. This article breaks into the firewall comparison on multiple fronts, making your path clear to the right option for your growing operation.
The Impressive Sophos XGS Series
Before we break down the differences between these two firewall models, it’s helpful to understand what makes the XGS series so impressive. Whether your business is just starting out or you’re deep into enterprise-level operations, Sophos has a secure firewall with your name on it.
This can be seen in the multi-faceted approach to its features, as well as specifications that’ll likely be more than you’ll need on a daily basis. A detail that stands out is their Xstream Flow processor, which easily boosts traffic for trusted and verified traffic and applications. You’ll also benefit from an SFP interface on every model, with redundant power support, and expandable features like 3G, 4G, and 5G models, if needed.
The manufacturer has taken a global view to network firewall protection with many recognizable features and newer technologies ready to defend against the future’s most persistent cyber threats. With the XGS 2300 or XGS 3100, you’re set with years of support, as no end-of-life dates have been announced so far. Choosing which is best for your long-term network demands comes down to the fine print in the specifications.
What is the Sophos XGS 2300?
Built to support 300 to 500 users on a network, the XGS 2300 is great for medium-sized organizations that require flexibility. No matter how complex the specs seem, its user-friendly interface makes it easy for integration and streamlined administration.
Check out some of the leading specs behind the firewall in the list below:
- Firewall Throughput: 39,000 Mbps
- IPS Throughput: 7,000 Mbps
- Threat Protection Throughput: 5,500 Mbps
- Concurrent Connections: 6,500,000
- IPsec VPN Throughput: 20,500 Mbps
For those who aren’t sure how this translates, comparing these categories to the XGS 3100 can offer some clarity. Sophos network security capabilities are pretty vast, but the numbers might not mean much to your decision-making unless stacked up against other options.
What is the Sophos XGS 3100?
This is another firewall that caters to medium-sized organizations, but that doesn’t mean the specs are always comparable. With this firewall, you’re getting support for up to 750 users, and it leans a little harder into the companies that are on their way to enterprise-level growth.
Here’s how those same spec categories compare on the surface:
- Firewall Throughput: 47,000 Mbps
- IPS Throughput: 10,500 Mbps
- Threat Protection Throughput: 7,400 Mbps
- Concurrent Connections: 12,260,000
- IPsec VPN Throughput: 25,000 Mbps
It isn’t hard to see how the XGS 3100 comes out a little stronger in these quick comparisons. However, you don’t want to bite off more than you need here just for the sake of it. Bigger isn’t always better for your situation, which is why having a thorough understanding of your current and future network security demands is so important.
Comparing Sophos XGS 2300 vs Sophos XGS 3100
There’s no doubt that Sophos is a network security company that knows a thing or two about network demands. Choosing the right model comes with a blend of considerations, but it never hurts to put the specs side by side for a clear look at the reality.
By knowing your own security and operational needs, you can align yourself with the right firewall solution at the end of the day. The table below offers a simplified comparison of each model across several important categories to help make your decision a little bit easier.
| Category | XGS 2300 | XGS 3100 |
|---|---|---|
| Firewall Throughput (Mbps) | 39,000 | 47,000 |
| Firewall IMIX (Mbps) | 20,000 | 23,500 |
| IPS Throughput (Mbps) | 7,000 | 10,500 |
| Threat Protection Throughput (Mbps) | 5,500 | 7,400 |
| NGFW (Mbps) | 6,300 | 9,000 |
| Concurrent Connections | 6,500,000 | 12,260,000 |
| New Connections per Second | 148,000 | 186,500 |
| IPsec VPN Throughput (Mbps) | 20,500 | 25,000 |
| Xstream SSL/TLS Inspection (Mbps) | 1,450 | 2,470 |
| Interface | 8 x GE copper 2 x SFP fiber 1 x RJ45 MGMT 1 x COM RJ45 1 x Micro-USB 2 x USB 3.0 1 x USB 2.0 | 8 x GE copper 2 x SFP fiber 2 x SFP+ 10 GE fiber 1 x RJ45 MGMT 1 x COM RJ45 1 x Micro-USB 2 x USB 3.0 1 x USB 2.0 |
It’s pretty clear that the XGS 3100 stands tall in this comparison, but that doesn’t automatically make it the best choice for you. There’s nothing wrong with aiming high if your business is on track for growth, but alignment is an equally important consideration.
Choosing a firewall that aligns best with what your needs are is the logical option, even if you plan on upgrading down the road. On top of that, this way of thinking is pretty normal considering firewall models eventually phase out in every generation anyway.
Let’s Wrap Up
Sophos won’t be going anywhere any time soon, so you’ll always have multiple tiers of firewall hardware to choose from. It’s always about what your network demands are now and in the future, which is why a little hindsight can help a lot here.
Focusing solely on the specs mentioned between Sophos XGS 2300 vs Sophos XGS 3100, the 3100 is the stronger device, but that doesn’t make it the best choice by default. If you’d like a little more guidance on the topic, speak with our team members for an expert’s guidance on which of these Sophos firewalls is best for you overall.
