Allied Telesis 16-Port 1g/10g Sfp+ Stackable Switch with 2 QSFP Ports

Meet a high-performance, enterprise-grade networking solution designed to scale with growing data demands: the Allied Telesis x550-18XSQ Stackable Switch. This 16-port, 1G/10G SFP+ switch is engineered to deliver flexible fiber connectivity, rapid uplink capacity, and resilient Layer 3 routing in a compact, stackable form factor. With two 40G QSFP uplinks and the proven reliability of AlliedWare Plus OS, this switch is ideal for data centers, campus cores, and distribution layers that require robust performance, intelligent management, and fault-tolerant networking. It’s built to simplify deployment, streamline operations, and future-proof your network as you scale.

• Exceptional performance for today and tomorrow: Designed to handle demanding traffic patterns, the x550-18XSQ combines high-speed switching with efficient routing features. Its architecture supports non-blocking forwarding for multiple 1G/10G sessions while enabling seamless expansion through stacking and uplink aggregation.
• Flexible port configuration with 16 SFP+/1G/10G slots: Each of the 16 SFP+ ports supports a broad range of fiber transceivers, delivering the versatility you need to connect access, distribution, and edge devices. This flexible port mix helps optimize cabling, reduce costs, and simplify changes as your network evolves.
• Two 40G QSFP uplinks for scalable connectivity: Pair two high-capacity QSFP ports for rapid uplink to core routers, data centers, or aggregation switches. The 40G uplinks provide ample headroom for high-traffic backbones, heavy virtualization workloads, and future expansion without bottlenecks.
• Stackable for high availability and simplified growth: Integrate the x550-18XSQ with other compatible Allied Telesis switches to create resilient, scalable stacks. Stacking enables centralized management, simplified fault isolation, and seamless policy propagation across all members of the stack.
• Enterprise-grade AlliedWare Plus OS with EPSRing protection: The switch runs AlliedWare Plus, a feature-rich operating system designed for reliability and security. EPSRing Ethernet Protection Switched Ring delivers fast, deterministic failover to maintain uptime in the event of a link or device failure.

Technical Details of Allied Telesis 16-Port 1G/10G SFP+ Stackable Switch with 2 QSFP Ports

• Ports: 16 x 1G/10G SFP+ slots for flexible fiber connectivity
• Uplink: 2 x 40G QSFP uplinks for high-bandwidth connections to core or aggregation devices
• Operating System: AlliedWare Plus, Enterprise-class network OS with rich QoS, VLAN, and routing features
• Protection and availability: EPSRing Ethernet Protection Switched Ring for rapid failover and network resiliency
• Routing: Layer 3 capabilities to support static and dynamic routing in small to mid-size deployments
• Management: Web GUI, Command-Line Interface (CLI), SNMP for centralized monitoring and control
• Stacking: Stackable with compatible Allied Telesis switches to simplify management and scale out
• Physical form factor: 1U rack-mountable chassis designed for data centers and enterprise wiring closets
• Power and cooling: Standard AC power with internal cooling designed for continuous operation
• Standards supported: IEEE 802.3, 802.1Q VLAN tagging, QoS, ACLs, and IPv4/IPv6 routing features
• Security: Access control and management security features aligned with enterprise network policies

How to Install Allied Telesis 16-Port 1G/10G SFP+ Stackable Switch with 2 QSFP Ports

Installing the x550-18XSQ is straightforward and designed to minimize downtime. Follow these guidelines to deploy quickly and safely, while ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

• Unpack and inspect: Verify the rack-mount hardware, mounting brackets, and power cords. Check for any shipping damage and ensure you have the correct SFP/SFP+ and QSFP transceivers for your network fabric.
• Prepare the rack: Install the switch in a standard 19-inch rack. Ensure proper ventilation and clear airflow around the unit. Leave sufficient space for cable management and two QSFP uplink cables.
• Connect power: Attach the power cord and power-on the switch. If you have a redundant power setup, connect the second power supply as per your data center’s power policy.
• Install transceivers and cables: Insert SFP/SFP+ modules into the 16 ports and connect fiber optic or copper-cable links as required. Run the two 40G QSFP uplinks to your core or aggregation devices with appropriate breakout or direct-attach cables, based on your topology.
• Initial access and firmware: Connect a management workstation to the switch via Ethernet or console cable. Access the AlliedWare Plus CLI or web GUI. Check the firmware version and apply any recommended updates to ensure you have the latest security and performance improvements.
• Basic configuration: Configure management interfaces, set up IP addresses, and secure administrative access. Enable essential features such as VLANs, QoS policies, and basic ACLs to begin segmentation and traffic control.
• Stack configuration: If you’re building a stack, connect stacking cables between compatible units according to the vendor’s guidelines. Define a stack master and enable stack-wide policies for consistent behavior across all members.
• Routing and services: Activate Layer 3 routing as needed (static or dynamic), configure dynamic routing protocols if required, and set up VRFs or routing tables to support multi-tenant environments. Implement QoS and security policies aligned with your organization’s requirements.
• Verification: Validate connectivity by testing inter-VLAN routing, uplink stability, and traffic flow across the stack. Monitor system logs and performance metrics to confirm healthy operation and to identify any configuration refinements needed.

Note: For specific cabling configurations, transceiver compatibility, and stacking details, refer to Allied Telesis documentation or your authorized reseller guidance. Always verify cable lengths and fiber types to maintain signal integrity across links.

Frequently asked questions

What makes the Allied Telesis x550-18XSQ a good choice for data centers?
The x550-18XSQ provides a balance of flexible port options, high-speed uplinks, and enterprise-grade features in a stackable form factor. Its 16 SFP+/1G/10G ports allow diverse fiber deployments, while two 40G uplinks give you headroom for core or aggregation connections. With AlliedWare Plus and EPSRing protection, you gain reliable uptime and robust management capabilities that are well-suited for mid-size data centers and campus networks.

What is EPSRing and how does it benefit network reliability?
EPSRing is AlliedTelesis’s Ethernet Protection Switched Ring technology. It rapidly detects faults and reconfigures the network to maintain traffic flow, minimizing downtime in the event of link or switch failures. This protection is especially valuable in stacked configurations where shared uplinks and multi-switch paths exist.

Can this switch be stacked with other Allied Telesis devices?
Yes. The x550-18XSQ is designed to be stackable with compatible Allied Telesis switches, enabling centralized management, consistent policies, and improved fault tolerance across multiple stack members. Stacking simplifies growth and reduces the complexity of large-scale deployments.

What management options are available for configuration and monitoring?
You can manage the switch via a web-based GUI, a CLI, or SNMP, depending on your network operations preferences. AlliedWare Plus offers a comprehensive feature set for VLANs, QoS, ACLs, routing, and security, along with monitoring tools to track performance, health, and security events.

What should I consider when choosing transceivers for the SFP+ ports?
Select transceivers based on your distance and link requirements (SR, LR, or other types). For fiber links, choose modules compatible with SFP+ ports. If you plan to use QSFP uplinks with breakout configurations, ensure you have compliant breakout cables and the corresponding switch configurations to support the intended topology.