Allied Telesis AT-SPEX – 1000BASE-SX SFP 2km Long-Reach Multimode

Overview

The Allied Telesis AT-SPEX is a 1000BASE-SX SFP transceiver that operates at 1310nm over multimode fiber with a reach of up to 2 kilometers, providing extended distance coverage beyond the 550-meter limit of standard 850nm SX optics. It uses an LC duplex connector and is hot-swappable for live installation and replacement. While designated as 1000BASE-SX, the 1310nm wavelength and 2km reach reflect long-reach multimode behavior similar to LX-MMF operation. This is a standard (non-TAA) variant intended for commercial enterprise deployments.

Description

The AT-SPEX fills the gap between short-range 850nm SX optics and single-mode LX transceivers by operating at 1310nm over multimode fiber. Standard 1000BASE-SX modules top out at 550 meters on OM2 fiber, which is insufficient for many inter-building campus links. The AT-SPEX extends that to 2 kilometers on multimode fiber, avoiding the cost and complexity of transitioning to single-mode fiber or deploying media converters. This makes it well suited for campus networks where the existing fiber plant is multimode but the distances between buildings exceed standard SX limits. The 1310nm wavelength allows the use of standard multimode fiber over longer spans, a configuration sometimes referred to as LX-MMF. The LC duplex connector matches standard SFP patch cord and panel infrastructure. Hot-swap capability allows field technicians to replace a transceiver without disrupting the host switch or connected users. As a non-TAA variant, the AT-SPEX is priced for commercial procurement where federal TAA requirements do not apply. Available from Creation Networks for enterprise network builds and expansions.

Key Features

• 2km Reach on Multimode Fiber: Extends GbE coverage to 2 kilometers over existing MMF plant, bridging the gap between standard SX and single-mode LX optics.
• 1310nm Wavelength: Longer wavelength enables extended distance on multimode fiber (LX-MMF operation), without requiring a transition to single-mode infrastructure.
• LC Duplex Connector: Standard interface compatible with existing multimode fiber patch cords and panels.
• Hot-Swappable: Live installation and replacement without powering down the host switch, supporting maintenance on active networks.
• Standard SFP Form Factor: Compatible with Allied Telesis and MSA-compliant third-party equipment with SFP slots.
• Commercial Variant (Non-TAA): Cost-optimized for enterprise procurement where federal TAA compliance is not required.

Technical Specifications