Sophos SD RED: Revolutionizing Secure Network Expansion
BY MARYAM AHTASHAM
Businesses are constantly seeking innovative solutions to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of their data. Sophos, a renowned name in the CSaaS, has introduced the SD-RED (Software-Defined Remote Ethernet Device), a cutting-edge technology designed to simplify and secure network extension to remote locations.
How it Works?
The beauty of Sophos SD RED lies in its plug-and-protect deployment, making network extension to remote locations a seamless process. Technical skills at the remote site become a non-issue; all that is required is to input the device ID into the Sophos firewall appliance and ship the device. Upon plugging in and connecting to the internet at the remote location, the device automatically contacts the firewall, establishing a secure dedicated VPN tunnel. This simplicity ensures a hassle-free integration process, minimizing the need for on-site technical expertise.
Furthermore, it offers flexible configuration options. Users can choose to tunnel all traffic from the remote location back to the firewall, exerting control over DHCP and other network elements. Alternatively, the option to route inter-office network traffic via SD-RED while enabling direct internet access at the remote location is also available. This adaptability caters to diverse network setups, providing a tailored approach to meet specific business requirements.
The security aspect is paramount. All data exchanged between the SD-RED device and the Sophos firewall is encrypted using robust AES-256 levels, ensuring a tamper- and hack-proof connection. The centralized management from Sophos XGS and SG Series adds an extra layer of convenience, offering transparency across distributed networks. The security measures can be customized or replicated to suit the unique needs of different businesses.
In addition, when managed through Sophos Firewall OS (SFOS), the Synchronized SD-WAN feature optimizes WAN path selection for critical business applications. This integration with Sophos Intercept X enhances reliability, showcasing the synergy between security and network optimization. For enhanced connectivity options, Sophos SD RED allows the optional addition of Wi-Fi-5 or 3G/4G modules. This provides flexibility for wireless clients or the utilization of 3G/4G internet connections, offering a versatile solution for businesses with varied connectivity needs.
Benefits of Sophos SD RED
The benefits are multifold, encapsulating the essence of simplicity, flexibility, and robust security. The following key advantages highlight the transformative impact of this technology:
Plug-and-Protect Deployment: Simplifies the process of extending secure networks to remote locations, eliminating the need for on-site technical expertise.
Flexible Configuration: Allows users to tailor network configurations based on specific needs, whether it involves routing all traffic through SD-RED or enabling direct internet access at remote locations.
Securely Encrypted, Centrally Managed: Ensures a tamper- and hack-proof connection through AES-256 encryption, with centralized management providing transparency and customization options.
Synchronized SD-WAN: Optimizes WAN path selection through integration with Sophos Firewall OS and Intercept X, enhancing reliability and performance.
Flexible Connectivity Options: The addition of Wi-Fi-5 or 3G/4G modules offers versatility in connectivity, catering to the diverse requirements of businesses.
Sophos SD-RED 20 and Sophos SD-RED 60
Sophos SD-RED 20 and Sophos SD-RED 60 represent two models within the SD-RED series, each designed to address specific business needs.
SD RED 20 | SD RED 60 |
Tailored for smaller deployments, the SD RED 20 is ideal for businesses with fewer remote locations. It maintains the core features of the SD-RED series, providing a secure and efficient solution for extending networks to smaller, distributed sites. | Suited for larger-scale deployments, the SD RED 60 is equipped to handle the network extension requirements of businesses with multiple remote locations. Its enhanced capabilities make it a robust choice for organizations with a more extensive and complex network infrastructure. |
Ending Notes
Sophos SD RED emerges as a game-changer in the realm of secure network expansion. Its plug-and-protect deployment, flexible configuration options, robust security measures, and additional features like Synchronized SD-WAN and flexible connectivity options make it a comprehensive solution for businesses of all sizes. With models like SD RED 20 and SD RED 60 catering to different scales of deployment, Sophos continues to empower organizations to extend their secure networks seamlessly and effectively.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You must have an active Network Protection subscription for either Sophos UTM or Sophos Firewall. If you want to use Wi-Fi with UTM, you'll also need a valid UTM Wireless Protection subscription. These subscriptions are like special packages that give you access to specific features to keep your network secure and enable Wi-Fi capabilities.
The Sophos RED 50 is a strong hardware device designed for high-performance networking. It comes with two Gigabit Ethernet WAN interfaces, which are used to balance and switch between internet connections for better reliability. It's hardware-accelerated encryption significantly increases VPN speeds, making it more than ten times faster than the RED 10 model. Additionally, it includes two USB interfaces, enabling simultaneous use of UMTS (3G/4G) and Wi-Fi connections for enhanced flexibility and connectivity options.
Log in to the WebAdmin of your UTM and go to "RED Management" and then "[Server] Client Management." Choose all the REDs by clicking the checkbox at the top of the first column in the table. Press the "Delete" button, and all the REDs will be removed. Turn off RED services by toggling the switch.
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