Allied Telesis AT-SBX908GEN2 – Modular Layer 3+ Enterprise Core Switch with 1YR NCP

Product Overview

The Allied Telesis AT-SBX908GEN2 (AT-SBX908GEN2-B01) is a high-availability, modular Layer 3+ core switch designed for enterprise network cores, data center aggregation, and campus backbone deployments. Bundled with a 1-year Network Coverage Program (NCP) support contract, this platform delivers fully non-blocking wire-speed IPv4 and IPv6 forwarding across all ports. With 8 hot-swappable expansion module (XEM) slots, dual redundant internal power supplies, and front-to-back airflow, the SBX908GEN2 is built for environments where uptime and performance are non-negotiable. Support for Allied Telesis VCStack and the Autonomous Management Framework (AMF) makes this switch an ideal modular enterprise core switch for organizations scaling toward converged, automated network infrastructure.

Product Description

The SwitchBlade x908 Gen2 is Allied Telesis's flagship modular chassis switch, purpose-built for the modern enterprise core. The platform ships as a 3U rack-mountable chassis with 8 expansion module slots, allowing network architects to configure the exact port density and media type required — including 10 Gigabit, 40 Gigabit, and 100 Gigabit interfaces via Allied Telesis XEM modules.

Redundancy is built in at every level. Dual internal hot-swappable power supply units eliminate the need for an external redundant power supply (RPS), reclaiming rack space while guaranteeing continuous power delivery. All fan modules are also hot-swappable, and front-to-back airflow is compatible with standard data center cooling architectures.

The SBX908GEN2 supports VCStack virtual chassis stacking, which combines two physical units into a single logical switch using dedicated high-speed stacking links. VCStack enables cross-unit link aggregation (LAG), distributing traffic across both chassis members for fault tolerance and bandwidth aggregation simultaneously. This delivers chassis-level resilience at a significantly lower cost than traditional multi-slot chassis systems.

Network automation is handled by the Allied Telesis Autonomous Management Framework (AMF), which treats the entire network as a single virtual device for centralized configuration, zero-touch recovery, and plug-and-play expansion. AMF Secure Mode adds management-plane encryption, device authorization, and anomaly monitoring — essential for enterprise and government deployments. The AT-SBX908GEN2-B01 bundle includes a 1-year NCP contract, providing access to Allied Telesis technical support, software updates, and advance hardware replacement during the coverage period.

The switch is MEF 9 and MEF 14 certified for Carrier Ethernet services, making it suitable for service provider edge and carrier aggregation roles in addition to enterprise core deployments. Contact Creation Networks for configuration assistance and volume pricing on the AT-SBX908GEN2-B01.

Key Features

• 8 Hot-Swappable XEM Expansion Slots — Configure port type and density with Allied Telesis expansion modules supporting 1G, 10G, 40G, and 100G interfaces.
• Dual Internal Redundant PSUs — Both power supply units are internal and hot-swappable, eliminating the need for an external RPS and saving rack space.
• VCStack Virtual Chassis Stacking — Stack two SBX908GEN2 units into a single logical device with cross-unit LAG support for high availability at reduced cost.
• Allied Telesis AMF (Autonomous Management Framework) — Manage the full network as a single virtual device with zero-touch recovery, plug-and-play expansion, and centralized configuration.
• AMF Secure Mode — Adds management traffic encryption, device authorization, and monitoring for government and enterprise security compliance.
• Non-Blocking Wire-Speed Switching — Full line-rate IPv4 and IPv6 Layer 2 switching and Layer 3 routing across all ports with no oversubscription.
• Front-to-Back Airflow — Optimized for hot-aisle/cold-aisle data center rack configurations.
• EPSRing (Ethernet Protection Switched Ring) — Sub-50ms ring failover for high-availability network topologies.
• MEF 9 and MEF 14 Certified — Validated for Carrier Ethernet service delivery conformance.
• 3U Rack-Mountable Chassis — Standard 19-inch rack form factor at 3U height; 18-inch depth.
• 1-Year NCP Support Contract Included — Bundle includes Allied Telesis Network Coverage Program for technical support and software access.

Typical Applications

• Data center core and aggregation layer
• Campus network distribution and core
• Government network infrastructure
• Service provider carrier aggregation edge
• Enterprise headquarters core switching

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What expansion modules are compatible with the AT-SBX908GEN2?

The SBX908GEN2 accepts Allied Telesis XEM (Expansion Module) line cards across all 8 slots, including modules for 10 Gigabit SFP+, 40G QSFP+, and 100G interfaces. Contact Creation Networks for current XEM availability and compatibility details.

What is included in the AT-SBX908GEN2-B01 bundle?

The B01 bundle includes the AT-SBX908GEN2 chassis and a 1-year Allied Telesis Network Coverage Program (NCP) support contract, which covers technical support access and software updates for 12 months from activation.

Can two SBX908GEN2 units be stacked together?

Yes. VCStack combines two SBX908GEN2 units into a single logical switch with a unified management plane. Cross-unit link aggregation is supported, distributing port channels across both chassis for active-active redundancy.

Does the switch support IPv6 routing at wire speed?

Yes. The SBX908GEN2 performs full Layer 3 routing for both IPv4 and IPv6 at line rate across all ports simultaneously, with no performance penalty for IPv6 traffic.

What is Allied Telesis AMF and how does it benefit my deployment?

The Autonomous Management Framework (AMF) treats an entire Allied Telesis network as a single managed device. It provides zero-touch node recovery (replacement switches self-configure automatically), centralized configuration backup, and plug-and-play expansion without manual CLI work at remote sites.

Is this switch suitable for data center deployments?

Yes. Front-to-back airflow, dual internal PSUs, hot-swappable fans, and non-blocking wire-speed switching make the SBX908GEN2 appropriate for data center top-of-rack aggregation or core roles.

What warranty and support options are available?

The AT-SBX908GEN2-B01 bundle includes a 1-year NCP contract. Extended support and hardware replacement programs are available through Allied Telesis. Contact Creation Networks for renewal and extended coverage options.