HPE FlexNetwork MSR958 1GbE and Combo 2GbE WAN 8GbE LAN Router

The HPE FlexNetwork MSR958 is a high‑performance, compact router crafted for small branches and distributed enterprises. This all‑in‑one appliance delivers integrated routing, switching, wireless, security, and voice without the burden of extra licensing, enabling faster service delivery and easier WAN management. With a flexible WAN footprint that includes 1 x 1 GbE WAN and a Combo 2 GbE WAN option, paired with eight Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, the MSR958 consolidates critical functions into a single, cost‑optimized device. It’s designed to reduce hardware sprawl, simplify administration, and strengthen the reliability of your corporate WAN at remote sites.

• All‑in‑one design for small branches: The MSR958 combines core networking capabilities into one compact appliance, eliminating the need for multiple devices at remote locations. You gain dependable routing, switching, wireless, security, and voice—delivered through a single pane of management. This consolidation reduces cabling complexity, minimizes rack space requirements, and lowers maintenance overhead, making it ideal for branch offices, clinics, hospitality venues, and small businesses seeking efficiency and simplicity.
• Flexible WAN options for resilient connectivity: The dual WAN configuration—1 x 1 GbE WAN plus a Combo 2 GbE WAN—provides versatile uplink choices to support primary and backup connections. It enables straightforward implementation of WAN failover, traffic prioritization, and reliable connectivity across diverse environments such as fiber, DSL, or VPN–based links. With these capabilities, you can tailor your network to meet reliability and performance demands without adding complexity.
• Eight Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports for robust edge connectivity: Eight LAN ports give you ample capacity to connect workstations, IP phones, printers, servers, and access points. This generous port count reduces the need for additional switches at smaller sites and supports efficient device placement and cabling. Each port provides dependable 1 GbE performance, ensuring smooth everyday tasks, collaboration tools, and media sharing across your local network.
• No additional licensing required: Core features come ready to use with no extra per‑user or per‑service licensing. The MSR958 delivers routing, switching, security, and voice capabilities without ongoing licensing fees, simplifying budgeting and accelerating ROI. This makes it an attractive choice for organizations that want enterprise‑grade functionality without licensing hurdles or surprises.
• Secure, manageable, and scalable for growing networks: Built with security and manageability in mind, the MSR958 includes integrated protections, VPN capabilities, and centralized management options to help safeguard data and maintain uptime across sites. Its all‑in‑one design supports straightforward configuration, policy enforcement, and monitoring as your network expands, enabling efficient growth without migrating to new hardware.

Technical Details of HPE FlexNetwork MSR958

• WAN ports: 1 x 1 GbE WAN and 1 x Combo 2 GbE WAN
• LAN ports: 8 x Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports
• Integrated features: Routing, switching, wireless, security, and voice capabilities on a single platform
• Licensing: No additional licensing required for core features
• Form factor: Compact desktop router designed for small branches and remote sites

How to install HPE FlexNetwork MSR958

• Step 1 — Prepare the site: Choose a stable, ventilated location and ensure power and network cabling are accessible. Position the MSR958 so its ports are easy to reach for connections to the 1 GbE WAN, the Combo 2 GbE WAN, and the eight LAN ports. Have the primary and backup WAN sources ready for configuration.
• Step 2 — Connect the network: Connect the primary WAN link to the 1 GbE WAN port and connect the secondary or alternative WAN link to the Combo 2 GbE WAN port. Tie the eight LAN ports to your local devices or to an additional switch if needed to extend the network edge.
• Step 3 — Access the management interface: Power on the device and access its management interface from a computer on the network. Use the default access method described in the user guide (web UI or console) and authenticate with the initial administrator credentials.
• Step 4 — Run the setup wizard: Initiate the built‑in setup wizard to configure WAN interfaces, LAN addressing, DHCP ranges, and security policies. The wizard guides you through essential steps to establish connectivity, set routing preferences, and enable core security features as needed for your environment.
• Step 5 — Configure security and policy settings: Define firewall rules, VPN settings (site‑to‑site or remote access), QoS priorities, and access controls. Verify that critical services—voice, data, and any wireless functions—are functioning correctly, and adjust policies to balance performance and protection according to your organization's requirements.
• Step 6 — Save, monitor, and maintain: Save the configuration and monitor system health via the management interface. Regularly check interface statistics, uptime, and event logs to ensure continuous performance. For larger deployments, consider centralized management to simplify oversight across multiple sites.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: Is the MSR958 suitable for small offices or branch locations?

  A: Yes. The MSR958 is designed to deliver enterprise‑grade routing, switching, wireless, security, and voice in a single, compact appliance, making it ideal for small branches and distributed sites seeking reliable performance without extraneous complexity.

• Q: Does this router require any additional licensing for features?

  A: No. Core features are included with no extra per‑user or per‑service licenses, helping to simplify budgeting and avoid surprise costs.

• Q: Does the MSR958 support wireless connectivity?

  A: Yes. The MSR958 integrates wireless functionality as part of its all‑in‑one design, enabling wireless access alongside wired networking in a single device.

• Q: How many LAN ports does it provide?

  A: It offers eight Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, providing ample edge connectivity for desktops, IP phones, printers, and other devices at the network perimeter.

• Q: What security features are included?

  A: The MSR958 includes built‑in security options such as firewall capabilities, VPN support, and threat protection features to help safeguard the WAN and protect data across branches.