Noise level - XGS 107

Hi everyone,

With the introduction of the new XGS Series hardware appliances, we added a dedicated network accelerator to the existing Xstream architecture for application acceleration. This new architecture includes a Network Processing Unit (NPU) in addition to the main CPU on every model and helps to achieve significantly improved performance over the XG/SG models.

Obviously, a platform with two processors requires changes to the thermal management of the appliance and this change is more noticeable of the lower end desktop devices. 

Appliance with Fan vs. Fanless

• As more heat is generated, it is no longer possible to have the fanless models we previously had in the entry-level Desktop units
• A unit with a fan will always have a higher noise level that its fanless equivalent.
• This would represent a noticeable difference for customers who have previously used other Sophos Desktop models – see below:

Reported Issues Addressed During Early Access Program

On the first pre-production Desktop models, we had the occasional report of higher-than-expected noise levels.

This was addressed during the Early Access Program and the improvements made were:

• changing to a better fan curve and effective BIOS configuration

Customers and partners testing the units confirmed that they were satisfied with the improvements made.

This is a normal part of the pre-production hardware testing and evaluation.

Design Considerations

In designing the hardware appliances, we reflected certain considerations to achieve the parameters we need, e.g., for future FIPS certification

• FIPS 140-3 level 2 compliant devices require a specific build that makes the heat distribution more challenging
• Fan selection is very carefully considered based upon quality and expected lifecycle criteria to achieve the required MTBF results for the intended use of the appliances

Best Practices for Desktop Firewall Deployment

When deploying your device in an office, retail or other environment, you should follow these best practices (see XGS 87/107 Operating Instructions for further detail):

• The appliance should be either placed on a stable horizontal surface, can be mounted to a rack or you can hang it on the wall by using the optionally available rackmount kit.
• A product with a metal chassis will be louder if placed on a metal surface which can cause additional vibration and so increase noise levels.
  • Choose a surface which is more sound absorbent.
• Deploy the device with the absorbent rubber feet provided.
• The device should be placed in an area with sufficient ventilation and airflow to ensure optimal cooling, e.g., a ventilated closet.
• Air vents on the appliance should not be obscured by placing them against the side /wall of a closet as that will restrict the airflow and cooling.
• If placed in an area with poor ventilation or in a closed closet, the ambient operating temperature of the environment may be greater than the ambient temperature of the room, leading to an increase in the frequency of fan use.
• It is best not to place the appliance on a desk directly next to employees

Pitch/Noise Quality

The quality of our hardware appliances and customer satisfaction are of the highest importance to us.

Whilst an increase in the noise level is to be expected on the XGS Series appliances vs. previous models, any reports of noise of an unexpected or irritating pitch will be further investigated as this is naturally undesirable, particularly in a Desktop unit.

Thorough answer, thanks. I would add that in my case, this is the first Sophos appliance that I've had, so I'm not comparing it to previous fanless versions, and it is located in a wooden bookcase, near the floor so it gets air that is as cool as possible. I'm using the rubber feet, and have had it directly on wood and have settled on a having it on a wire-mesh box to maximize passive cooling and to allow the addition of foam above and below it without causing an insulation effect that would increase heat.

I've learned to put up with it -- and I have a certain amount of high-frequency hearing loss -- and finally got it to the point where someone in the next room (through an open door) is not annoyed by it.

Thorough answer, thanks. I would add that in my case, this is the first Sophos appliance that I've had, so I'm not comparing it to previous fanless versions, and it is located in a wooden bookcase, near the floor so it gets air that is as cool as possible. I'm using the rubber feet, and have had it directly on wood and have settled on a having it on a wire-mesh box to maximize passive cooling and to allow the addition of foam above and below it without causing an insulation effect that would increase heat.

I've learned to put up with it -- and I have a certain amount of high-frequency hearing loss -- and finally got it to the point where someone in the next room (through an open door) is not annoyed by it.