Sophos AP 55C802.11ac Dual Band Wireless Access Point

Key Benefits

• 802.11ac Wave 1 dual-band performance: 867 Mbps on 5GHz and 300 Mbps on 2.4GHz — two simultaneous radios, not time-shared
• 2x2 MIMO across both radios: Handles multiple concurrent clients efficiently without dropping legacy 2.4GHz devices off your 5GHz band
• PoE+ powered (IEEE 802.3at): 13W max via a single Gigabit Ethernet cable — no power outlet required at the ceiling mount point
• 16 SSIDs (8 per radio): Segment staff, guest, IoT, and point-of-sale networks on a single AP without extra hardware
• Professional ceiling-mount design: 200mm diameter plenum-rated (UL2043) enclosure with T-rail and solid-ceiling mounting hardware included
• Centrally managed via Sophos UTM: Automatic firmware and config push from your existing Sophos UTM firewall — no separate controller appliance needed

Performance in Use

In a typical small office of 20–30 users, the AP 55C handles everyday workloads — email, cloud apps, video calls, and web browsing — comfortably across both bands. The dual-radio architecture is the key advantage here: legacy devices on 2.4GHz don't slow down modern 5GHz clients the way they would on a single-radio access point that time-shares between bands.

The AP 55C excels in environments where simplicity and cost matter: retail locations needing separate guest and POS SSIDs, small training rooms, or offices extending an existing Sophos UTM deployment without adding a separate wireless controller. The 13W power draw is also notably efficient compared to higher-spec APs — relevant when deploying multiple units.

Real-world throughput typically runs 150–250 Mbps under normal office conditions — well below the 1.17 Gbps theoretical maximum but sufficient for standard business applications. For high-density environments with 40+ simultaneous users or heavy video streaming requirements, newer Wi-Fi 6 hardware would be more appropriate.

Tech Specs

Is It Right for You?

Condition Grades

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the AP 55C work without a Sophos UTM firewall?

No. The AP 55C must be connected to and managed by a Sophos UTM firewall running version 9.308 or later. It cannot operate in standalone mode. If you don't have Sophos UTM infrastructure in place, this access point is not suitable for your environment.

What PoE switch or injector do I need?

You need a PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at) capable switch or a standalone PoE+ injector. Standard 802.3af PoE may not provide sufficient power — check that your switch supports 802.3at before purchase.

How many users can this access point handle?

The AP 55C handles 20–30 concurrent users comfortably for typical office workloads. Performance may degrade under heavy simultaneous video streaming or large file transfers with more than 30 clients.

Does it include mounting hardware?

Yes. The AP 55C comes with T-rail mounting hardware for drop-ceiling installation. A solid-ceiling mount option is also supported. A power adapter is not required — it powers over the Ethernet cable.

Is this compatible with the Sophos Central cloud?

The AP 55C is designed for on-premise Sophos UTM management, not Sophos Central cloud management. Check Sophos compatibility documentation if you use Sophos Central.

What warranty is included?

A 12-month Reboot IT warranty is included, covering hardware defects and failures. Our Melbourne team handles all warranty claims directly.

How is it shipped?

Free standard AU shipping is included. The unit is packaged securely for transit.