There’s a lot to consider if you’re looking at Sophos XGS 2100 vs XG 210. Aside from the fact the name brand speaks for itself, the range of tech they bring to market for network security is steep. While there are many different Sophos firewall models that you could sort through, this article is going to stack up the XGS 2100 and XG 210 against each other.
Reviewing the fine print in each model’s specs is your best bet in finding which piece of hardware will align with your needs. Considering the Sophos XGS firewall series is hailed for its enhanced security, many people have started to move from older XG models.
The reality is that both come with specs that can meet modern-day needs, but XGS is a more scalable option for future growth. In this article, you’ll get an unbiased look at Sophos XGS 2100 vs XG 210, highlighting their differences and advancements along the way.
Stacking Up Sophos XGS 2100 vs XG 210
Speaking from a surface-level perspective, the XGS 2100 is considered to be a mid-range firewall. Of course, unpacking that term comes with a lot of specifications and ideally supports 200-300 users at any given time.
With the Sophos XG firewall model, you get features that are better suited for small to mid-sized organizations. It’s true that the price-to-performance ratio could look better with the XG series, but it won’t hold up to the long-term needs of today’s growing businesses. This can be seen from multiple angles, but a global transition to XGS will become more of a reality, as the XG 210 end-of-life is coming in March of 2025.
This all might make it seem like the XGS is an obvious choice, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t important to know where Sophos’ advancements stem from. The Sophos XGS firewall series was introduced as an upgrade to what the XG firewalls were able to deliver. Once again, the most transparency you’ll find in this discussion is in the specs of each firewall model.
What is the Sophos XGS 2100?
For mid-sized businesses, the Sophos XGS 2100 would be a smart choice for many reasons that can be seen in its specs. This includes support for hundreds of users, in addition to user-friendly management.
However, there’s one key detail that really separates the XGS from its predecessors, which is the inclusion of Xstream protection. This has enhanced the robust security Sophos can offer to businesses of all sizes.
Other important specifications to know about this XGS firewall include:
- 30,000 Mbps firewall throughput
- 1,100 Mbps VPN throughput
- 5,800 IPS throughput
- 6,500,000 concurrent connections
- 134,700 new connections per second
If you know anything about firewall hardware, you can tell these numbers align pretty well with that mid-range title. The XGS 2100 delivers advanced protection against cyber threats, acting as a newer, more scalable solution compared to the XG 210.
What is the Sophos XG 210?
Operating on a smaller scale, the Sophos XG 210 is built to support 50 to 250 users. It definitely caters more to smaller business owners than to those scaling to a mid-sized company. Whether you’re outgrowing the 210 or facing its near end of life, XG 210 users will have to move on eventually.
Nevertheless, here are a few specifications that’ll offer a bit more transparency:
- 16,000 Mbps firewall throughput
- 1,450 Mbps VPN throughput
- 3,000 Mbps IPS throughput
- 8,200,000 concurrent connections
- 135,000 new connections per second
Interestingly, the Sophos XG 210 goes a bit further with some specifications but lacks in other areas by comparison. This is common with different firewall models but can make it challenging to discern which is truly the better option.
A Side-by-Side of the Sophos XGS 2100 vs XG 210
You could end up in a rabbit hole of comparisons if you were to compare every spec between each firewall model. In reality, you can streamline your understanding and decision-making by looking at the fine print in a clear, side-by-side table.
If you’re choosing between the two, the XG 210’s end-of-life will likely offer all of the sway you need in your decision-making. Then again, it’s less about choosing between the two and more about understanding where the XGS series comes from.
Let's Wrap Up
Regardless of your experience with firewall hardware, the technicalities between Sophos XGS 2100 vs XG 210 can sometimes be a challenge to navigate. That’s why it’s helpful to demystify the reality behind the specs, as well as work with those who are well-versed on the topic. Regardless of the nature of your needs with firewall tech, we’re here to offer the guidance, long-term support, and hardware you need.