Allied Telesis AT-XEM2-8XSTM – Multi-Rate 10G SFP+ and RJ-45 Expansion Module

Product Overview

The Allied Telesis XEM2 multi-rate expansion module adds 8 x 1G/10G SFP+ fiber ports and 8 x 1G/2.5G/5G/10G RJ-45 copper ports to compatible Allied Telesis chassis switches, enabling flexible multi-speed connectivity from a single expansion card. Designed for network engineers upgrading enterprise wiring closets or data center switches without replacing the host chassis, the AT-XEM2-8XSTM supports legacy 1G devices alongside modern multi-gigabit endpoints including Wi-Fi 6 access points and high-speed servers. It is the ideal multi-rate network expansion module for organizations extending their 10G infrastructure investment.

Product Description

The AT-XEM2-8XSTM is a dual-media expansion module designed for Allied Telesis modular chassis switches. It provides 8 x 1G/10G SFP/SFP+ ports for long-distance fiber connectivity alongside 8 x 1G/2.5G/5G/10G RJ-45 copper ports that automatically negotiate multi-rate speeds — making it a natural fit for connecting Wi-Fi 6 access points that generate 2.5G or 5G traffic over existing cabling. The module's 10GBase-T and 10GBase-X support covers both copper and fiber physical layers, allowing network engineers to deploy a single expansion card across mixed-media environments. The SFP+ ports accept a wide range of Allied Telesis and industry-standard 1G SFP and 10G SFP+ transceivers, supporting single-mode and multimode fiber across various distances. Twisted pair and optical fiber media types are both supported, maximizing infrastructure reuse. Installation into a compatible Allied Telesis chassis expands the host switch's port count without requiring a full switch replacement, protecting existing capital investments. Available from Creation Networks with expert configuration support.

Key Features

• 8 x 1G/10G SFP/SFP+ Ports — Accept 1G SFP and 10G SFP+ transceivers for fiber connectivity at varying distances.
• 8 x 1G/2.5G/5G/10G RJ-45 Copper Ports — Multi-rate auto-negotiation supports legacy 1G as well as 2.5G, 5G, and 10G endpoints over existing copper cabling.
• 10GBase-T and 10GBase-X Support — Covers both copper and fiber 10G physical layer standards.
• Wi-Fi 6 Ready — 2.5G and 5G multi-rate copper ports directly support Wi-Fi 6 access point uplinks without mid-span equipment.
• Chassis Expansion — Installs into compatible Allied Telesis modular switches to extend port capacity without chassis replacement.
• Optical Fiber and Twisted Pair Media — Broad media support for deployment in mixed cabling environments.
• Data Networking and Optical Network Applications — Suitable for both standard data switching and optical network integration.
• Allied Telesis Ecosystem Compatible — Fully supported within the Allied Telesis AMF management framework on compatible host switches.

Typical Applications

• Chassis switch expansion for enterprise wiring closets requiring additional 10G fiber and multi-rate copper ports
• Wi-Fi 6 access point aggregation via 2.5G/5G RJ-45 multi-rate connections
• Server and storage connectivity upgrade using SFP+ fiber or 10GBase-T copper
• Mixed-media port expansion in data center or campus distribution switches
• Network capacity extension without replacing the existing host switch chassis

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which Allied Telesis switches are compatible with the AT-XEM2-8XSTM?

The AT-XEM2-8XSTM is designed for compatible Allied Telesis modular chassis switches that accept XEM2-series expansion modules. Contact Creation Networks or consult the Allied Telesis compatibility matrix to confirm compatibility with your specific host switch model.

Q: Can the RJ-45 ports auto-negotiate between 1G, 2.5G, 5G, and 10G?

Yes. The 8 RJ-45 ports are multi-rate and automatically negotiate the highest mutually supported speed between 1G, 2.5G, 5G, and 10G, allowing you to connect legacy 1G devices alongside modern 2.5G/5G Wi-Fi 6 access points and 10G servers on the same module.

Q: What cabling is required for 10G operation on the RJ-45 ports?

10G operation over RJ-45 (10GBase-T) requires Cat6A cabling up to 55 meters at full 10Gbps, or Cat7 up to 100 meters. Lower speeds (5G, 2.5G, 1G) are achievable over Cat5e or Cat6 at standard distances.

Q: What SFP+ transceivers are supported in the fiber slots?

The SFP+ slots accept Allied Telesis and compatible industry-standard 1G SFP and 10G SFP+ transceivers, including short-range (SR), long-range (LR), and extended-range (ER) modules for single-mode and multimode fiber.

Q: Is this module managed through the host switch's management interface?

Yes. The AT-XEM2-8XSTM is managed entirely through the host chassis switch's management interface, including AMF centralized management when the host switch is part of an AMF network.

Q: Does the module support Wi-Fi 6 access point uplinks?

Yes. The multi-rate RJ-45 ports support 2.5G and 5G speeds that match the uplink requirements of Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) access points, eliminating the need for separate multi-gigabit switches in the access layer.

Q: Where can I purchase the AT-XEM2-8XSTM?

The AT-XEM2-8XSTM is available from Creation Networks at creationnetworks.net. Our team can advise on host switch compatibility and transceiver selection.