HPE FlexNetwork MSR958 1GbE & Combo 2GbE WAN 8GbE LAN PoE Router

The HPE FlexNetwork MSR958 is the quintessential small-branch powerhouse, engineered to consolidate critical networking functions into a single, cost-optimized chassis. Designed for distributed enterprises and branch offices, this router delivers high performance without the burden of extra licensing fees. With integrated routing, switching, wireless, security, and voice, the MSR958 simplifies deployment and management of the corporate WAN while expanding capabilities at the edge. Its compact form factor makes it ideal for space-constrained environments, yet its robust feature set scales to meet the demands of modern networks—delivering reliable connectivity, efficient service delivery, and streamlined administration in one versatile device. Whether you’re supporting remote sites, multi-branch deployments, or small-to-medium business networks, the MSR958 is built to optimize performance, security, and total cost of ownership through an all-in-one platform that reduces hardware sprawl and operational complexity.

• All-in-one networking appliance: The MSR958 fuses essential networking layers into a single chassis—routing, switching, wireless, security, and voice—so you gain a cohesive platform that minimizes management overhead. This integrated approach eliminates the need to stitch together multiple devices, reduces licensing hassles, and delivers a straightforward, reliable WAN experience for branch offices and distributed sites. By centralizing core services, IT teams can deploy faster, configure policies once, and extend consistent security and QoS across locations, ensuring a uniform user experience and simpler ongoing maintenance.

  In addition to fundamental routing and switching, the device supports wireless features and voice capabilities that enable local connectivity for IP phones and wireless access points, helping you consolidate voice and data services onto a single, manageable platform. This consolidation translates into lower capital expenditure, fewer vendor touchpoints, and a simplified network operations model that resonates with organizations seeking lean, efficient branch networking.

• Flexible WAN options for resilient connectivity: The MSR958 is equipped with one dedicated 1 GbE WAN port and a combo 2 GbE WAN port, offering flexible configurations for primary and backup connections. This design enables seamless failover, diversified paths, or dual-WAN scenarios to preserve uptime for critical applications. With a single chassis handling multiple WAN interfaces, you can implement robust security policies, load balancing, and intelligent routing to optimize throughput and reliability across your remote offices and satellite sites.

  Organizations can tailor WAN behavior to business needs—from straightforward primary-link operation to more sophisticated multi-path routing that prioritizes latency-sensitive traffic such as voice and video. The hardware-level integration ensures low latency and predictable performance, which is crucial for real-time communications, remote services, and cloud-based applications that branch offices rely on every day.

• Powerful LAN with PoE to power edge devices: The MSR958 provides 8 GbE LAN ports with Power over Ethernet (PoE), enabling you to deploy IP phones, wireless access points, cameras, and other PoE-enabled devices directly from the router. This feature reduces the need for extra PoE injectors or switches at the edge, simplifying cabling and lowering hardware costs. PoE support helps speed up site deployments and provides centralized power management, which simplifies device maintenance and increases the reliability of critical edge services.

  Edge devices can be powered through the same network fabric that carries data, improving efficiency and reducing clutter. With integrated PoE, IT teams can implement scalable edge strategies, push out security policies to connected devices, and maintain tighter control over device onboarding. This is particularly advantageous in smaller offices or retail locations where space and management resources are at a premium.

• No additional licensing required: The MSR958 comes with built-in capabilities that don’t require separate licensing fees. This advantage translates into a lower total cost of ownership, faster time-to-value, and a more predictable financial model for network operations. By eliminating recurring license charges for essential features, organizations can allocate budgets to other important initiatives while still enjoying enterprise-grade performance, security, and management functionalities.

  For IT teams, this means less administrative overhead and fewer variables to track during deployments or expansions. The lack of hidden costs also supports easier budgeting and procurement cycles, especially for multi-site rollouts where licensing complexity can otherwise slow progress. The MSR958’s license-free approach aligns with organizations seeking straightforward, scalable networking that grows with their business without licensing obstacles.

• Compact, budget-conscious design for branch networks: As a high-performance, all-in-one router, the MSR958 is purpose-built for small branches and distributed enterprises that demand reliability without oversizing the footprint. Its compact chassis fits in tight spaces, while the robust hardware and software features deliver enterprise-grade performance for WAN, LAN, and edge services. The cost-optimized form factor reduces capex and power consumption, making it an attractive choice for multi-site networks that require consistent performance across locations without a sprawling hardware footprint.

  Beyond size and cost, the design emphasizes ease of management. Centralized configuration, unified policy enforcement, and straightforward administration mean your IT team spends less time on router maintenance and more on strategic initiatives. The MSR958’s balance of capability, efficiency, and price point makes it a compelling option for organizations seeking dependable, scalable networking at the edge.

Technical Details of HPE FlexNetwork MSR958

• Get this information from the "specifications" section of the product from https://ec.synnex.com/ using product "UPC" or "SKU" as reference

How to install HPE FlexNetwork MSR958

• Unbox and inspect the MSR958 and accessories. Verify that you have the correct power supply, cabling, and any required mounting hardware. Place the router in a secure, ventilated area with adequate clearance for cooling. Ensure the location has access to the network edge where you will connect the WAN and LAN cables, keeping cable runs tidy and labeled to simplify future maintenance.

• Power up the device and connect the WAN link. Use the dedicated 1 GbE WAN port for your primary internet connection, and connect the secondary WAN link to the combo 2 GbE WAN port if you plan to implement a backup or multi-path configuration. Verify that the ISP service is up and providing a valid IP address before proceeding with initial configuration.

• Access the device management interface. Open a web browser and navigate to the MSR958's default management IP address (documented in the user guide). Log in with the default administrator credentials, then immediately set a strong admin password and update the firmware if a newer version is available. This initial step establishes a secure baseline for all subsequent network configurations.

• Configure core network settings. Define the basic WAN/LAN IP addressing, set up routing policies, enable security features such as firewall rules, and configure QoS for critical applications. If you plan to deploy PoE devices, enable PoE control on the appropriate LAN ports and schedule power budgets to optimize energy usage and device reliability. Apply necessary security hardening, including management access restrictions, SSH or HTTPS governance, and logging to a centralized server if desired.

• Test connectivity and monitor performance. Validate that devices connected to the LAN ports can reach the internet and that failover between WAN links works as intended. Verify voice and - if applicable - wireless services function as expected. Review system logs, monitor throughput, and adjust QoS and firewall rules to balance latency-sensitive traffic with bulk data transfers. Schedule regular firmware checks and security audits to maintain a resilient edge network.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the HPE FlexNetwork MSR958? The MSR958 is a compact, all-in-one router designed for small branches and distributed enterprises. It combines routing, switching, wireless, security, and voice capabilities in a single device, with no additional licensing required. It is intended to simplify WAN deployment, reduce hardware sprawl, and streamline management while delivering robust performance at the network edge.

• How many WAN ports does it have? It features one dedicated 1 GbE WAN port and a combo 2 GbE WAN port, offering flexible configuration options for primary and backup connections or multi-path setups that enhance reliability and uptime for your corporate WAN.

• How many LAN ports and is PoE supported? The MSR958 provides 8 GbE LAN ports with Power over Ethernet (PoE), enabling you to power edge devices such as IP phones, cameras, and wireless access points directly from the router, reducing cabling complexity and equipment costs.

• Is there a licensing requirement? No. The MSR958 includes built-in capabilities with no additional licensing fees, helping to lower total cost of ownership and simplify procurement and deployment across multiple sites.

• Who should consider the MSR958? Small-to-medium branch offices, remote sites, retail locations, and distributed enterprises seeking an integrated, cost-effective edge router that consolidates routing, switching, wireless, security, and voice while delivering reliable WAN access and ease of management.