Allied Telesis AT-XEM2-4QS-B05 – 4-Port 40G QSFP+ Expansion Module with 5-Year NCP

Overview

The Allied Telesis AT-XEM2-4QS-B05 is a hot-swappable 4-port 40GbE QSFP+ expansion module designed for the SwitchBlade x908 GEN2 (SBx908GEN2) and x950 series chassis switches. It provides high-density 40 Gigabit Ethernet uplink and stacking connectivity within these modular chassis platforms, enabling network architects to scale 40GbE capacity without replacing the entire chassis. The -B05 suffix indicates inclusion of a 5-Year Allied Telesis Network Coverage Program (NCP) support bundle, providing long-term software, support, and hardware replacement coverage for mission-critical deployments. Each QSFP+ port supports both SR4 and LR4 optics as well as QSFP+ direct-attach copper (DAC) cables for flexible interconnect options.

Description

The AT-XEM2-4QS is part of Allied Telesis' XEM2 (Expansion Module Gen 2) line, which slots into the SBx908GEN2 and x950 series chassis switches. These chassis are purpose-built for enterprise core and data center distribution roles, and the AT-XEM2-4QS allows operators to add 40GbE capacity on demand as traffic demands grow — without purchasing a new chassis or disrupting existing line cards.

Each of the four QSFP+ ports operates at 40 Gigabit Ethernet, supporting both uplink and inter-chassis stacking roles depending on configuration. This flexibility allows the module to serve as either a high-speed uplink to a data center core or as a stacking interconnect between multiple chassis switches in a virtual chassis configuration, consolidating management and increasing aggregate bandwidth between switches.

Hot-swap capability means the module can be installed or replaced while the chassis is running, minimizing planned downtime and supporting maintenance windows in environments where network availability is a priority. The QSFP+ interface is compatible with a wide range of Allied Telesis and industry-standard optics and DAC cables.

The B05 bundle includes five years of Allied Telesis NCP coverage — a significant value component for organizations that require multi-year support contracts for budget planning and maintenance SLA compliance. This makes the AT-XEM2-4QS-B05 a practical long-term investment for infrastructure teams managing SBx908GEN2 or x950 chassis deployments. For chassis compatibility questions or optics recommendations, contact Creation Networks.

Key Features

• 4x 40GbE QSFP+ Ports: Provides four 40 Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-density uplink or inter-chassis stacking in SBx908GEN2 and x950 chassis.
• Hot-Swappable Design: Module can be installed or replaced without powering down the chassis, supporting maintenance without planned outage windows.
• SBx908GEN2 and x950 Compatible: Designed specifically for Allied Telesis modular chassis platforms used in enterprise core and data center distribution roles.
• Uplink and Stacking Flexibility: QSFP+ ports can serve as high-speed upstream links to data center core switches or as stacking interconnects between chassis units.
• QSFP+ Optics Compatibility: Supports SR4, LR4, and other QSFP+ optics as well as QSFP+ DAC cables for short-reach high-density interconnects.
• XEM2 Gen 2 Platform: Second-generation expansion module design with improved density and throughput compared to first-generation XEM modules.
• 5-Year NCP Bundle (-B05): Includes five years of Allied Telesis Network Coverage Program — software updates, technical support, and hardware replacement coverage.

Typical Applications

• Enterprise core network deployments using SBx908GEN2 chassis that require 40GbE uplinks to data center or campus core switching infrastructure.
• Data center distribution layers where x950 series chassis need 40GbE connectivity to top-of-rack or spine switches.
• Virtual chassis stacking between multiple SBx908GEN2 or x950 units using 40GbE QSFP+ as inter-chassis stacking links.
• Capacity expansion projects adding 40GbE modules to existing chassis deployments as traffic demands increase, without chassis replacement.
• Service provider edge and aggregation environments requiring modular, hot-swappable 40GbE line cards with long-term support contracts.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions