Allied Telesis AT-XEM2-12XTM – 12-Port Multi-Rate 10G RJ45 Expansion Module

Product Overview

The Allied Telesis XEM2-12XTM multi-rate expansion module delivers 12 ports of flexible 1G/2.5G/5G/10G RJ45 connectivity for the SwitchBlade x908 Generation 2 (SBX908 GEN2) modular chassis. Designed for enterprise core and aggregation deployments requiring high-density copper 10G access, this module supports NBASE-T multi-rate autonegotiation, making it an ideal SBX908 GEN2 10G RJ45 expansion module for organizations migrating from legacy Gigabit infrastructure without replacing end-device NICs. The AT-XEM2-12XTM is hot-swappable, enabling non-disruptive insertion and removal within the SBX908 GEN2 chassis to maintain continuous network availability.

Product Description

The AT-XEM2-12XTM is a second-generation expansion module purpose-built for the Allied Telesis SwitchBlade x908 GEN2 high-capacity modular chassis. Each of its 12 RJ45 ports autonegoiates across 1G, 2.5G, 5G, and 10G speeds, allowing network engineers to connect servers, workstations, or downstream switches at the speed each endpoint supports — without provisioning per-port optics or SFP modules. This multi-rate copper 10G expansion module for SBX908 GEN2 is particularly valuable in data center access or enterprise campus core tiers where server NICs operate at mixed speeds. The module slots into any available line-card bay in the SBX908 GEN2, inheriting the chassis's centralized management via AlliedWare Plus and integration with Allied Telesis Autonomous Management Framework Plus (AMF+). Hot-swap support means maintenance windows are not required for module replacement, preserving uptime SLAs. Power budgeting is managed at the chassis level, and the module draws only the power it requires based on active port link rates. The AT-XEM2-12XTM is compatible exclusively with the SBX908 GEN2 chassis and is not compatible with the original SBX908 or the SBX8100 series. Network teams planning a high-density 10G copper uplink expansion for SwitchBlade x908 GEN2 will find this module provides the most cost-effective path to copper 10G density at the aggregation tier.

Key Features

• 12x Multi-Rate RJ45 Ports — Each port autonegoiates at 1G, 2.5G, 5G, or 10G, eliminating the need for fixed-speed modules or media converters.
• NBASE-T (IEEE 802.3bz) Support — Enables 2.5G and 5G operation over existing Cat5e/Cat6 cabling infrastructure, protecting cable plant investments.
• Hot-Swap Capable — Insert or remove the module while the SBX908 GEN2 chassis remains powered, ensuring zero unplanned downtime during upgrades.
• SBX908 GEN2 Chassis Compatibility — Designed exclusively for the SwitchBlade x908 Generation 2, integrating fully with its backplane, power, and management systems.
• AlliedWare Plus Management — Managed through the same CLI, GUI, and SNMP interfaces as all other SBX908 GEN2 line cards, with no additional management overhead.
• AMF+ Integration — Participates in Allied Telesis Autonomous Management Framework Plus for zero-touch provisioning and centralized configuration backup.
• Centralized Power Management — Power draw is governed by the chassis power subsystem, with per-port power scaling based on active link speed.
• High-Density Copper Aggregation — 12 ports per slot delivers the highest copper 10G port density available for the SBX908 GEN2 platform.

Typical Applications

• Expanding copper 10G server connectivity in enterprise data center access tiers using existing SBX908 GEN2 chassis investments.
• Campus core aggregation where downstream switches or servers require mixed 1G/2.5G/5G/10G copper uplinks.
• Modular chassis refresh cycles where additional line-card density is needed without replacing the chassis or existing cabling.
• Environments migrating from 1GbE to multi-rate copper without replacing Cat5e/Cat6 horizontal cabling runs.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which chassis is the AT-XEM2-12XTM compatible with?

The AT-XEM2-12XTM is designed exclusively for the Allied Telesis SwitchBlade x908 Generation 2 (SBX908 GEN2) chassis. It is not compatible with the original SBX908 or the SBX8100 chassis series.

Q: What cable types are required for 10G operation?

10GBase-T operation requires Cat6a cabling for runs up to 100 meters. Cat6 supports 10G up to approximately 55 meters. For 2.5G and 5G speeds, Cat5e is sufficient for runs up to 100 meters.

Q: Can the module be inserted while the SBX908 GEN2 is running?

Yes. The AT-XEM2-12XTM supports hot-swap insertion and removal, allowing the module to be installed or replaced without powering down the chassis or interrupting other line cards.

Q: How many AT-XEM2-12XTM modules can be installed in one SBX908 GEN2 chassis?

The number of modules is limited by the available expansion slots in the SBX908 GEN2 chassis. Consult the SBX908 GEN2 chassis documentation for slot count and power budget constraints.

Q: Does this module support PoE or PoE+?

No. The AT-XEM2-12XTM is a data-only expansion module and does not provide Power over Ethernet functionality.

Q: How is the module managed?

The module is managed through the SBX908 GEN2 chassis management interfaces using AlliedWare Plus, including CLI, web-based GUI, and SNMP. No separate management configuration is required.

Q: Where can I purchase the AT-XEM2-12XTM?

The Allied Telesis AT-XEM2-12XTM is available through Creation Networks at creationnetworks.net. Contact our team for volume pricing and compatibility guidance.