Expansion module Sophos XGS 5500/6500 — 12 × 1000Base-T, 4 × 2.5GBase-T (model XSAZTCHC4)

The Expansion module Sophos XGS 5500/6500 — 12 × 1000Base-T, 4 × 2.5GBase-T (model XSAZTCHC4) is an add-on interface card designed to increase wired port capacity for Sophos XGS 5500 and 6500 chassis. It provides a mix of twelve Gigabit copper ports and four multi-gig 2.5G copper ports to support higher-density LAN attachments, uplinks and access connections. The module installs into the compatible appliance chassis to expand available Ethernet interfaces without replacing the main unit, helping adapt deployments in data centers, server rooms and branch environments.

Advantages

This expansion module delivers increased port density with a combination of 1 Gbps and 2.5 Gbps copper interfaces to meet mixed-speed connectivity needs. It enables straightforward hardware expansion by populating an available chassis slot, avoiding downtime associated with chassis replacement. The presence of multi-gig 2.5GBase-T ports allows gradual migration from 1 Gbps to higher access speeds while keeping existing copper cabling. Designed for enterprise firewall appliances, the module maintains compatibility with Sophos XGS 5500 and 6500 platforms and supports typical network topologies for uplinks, aggregation and access layers.

Suitable for

• Expanding LAN port count for Sophos XGS 5500/6500 appliances
• Adding uplinks or aggregation connections in data center racks
• Increasing access ports in server rooms and branch offices
• Enabling multi-gig connectivity for devices that require 2.5 Gbps links

Key specifications

• Port types: 12 × 1000Base-T (Gigabit copper), 4 × 2.5GBase-T (multi-gig copper)
• Connector type: RJ-45 copper ports
• Intended chassis compatibility: expansion slot for Sophos XGS 5500 and XGS 6500 series
• Form factor: modular expansion card for compatible appliance chassis
• Operational use: designed for wired Ethernet uplinks, access and aggregation

How to use

Install the module into an available expansion slot of a compatible Sophos XGS 5500 or 6500 chassis according to the appliance hardware installation guide. After mechanical insertion and securing, proceed with the appliance boot or module recognition procedure so the system firmware can detect the new interfaces. Configure network interfaces, link speeds and port assignments through the appliance management interface or central controller as required for your network design. Use standard Cat5e/Cat6 cables for 1 Gbps links and Cat5e/Cat6 for 2.5 Gbps multi-gig connections depending on distance and environment.

Recommendations

For reliable multi-gig performance, verify cable category and length recommendations for 2.5GBase-T links and update firmware to the latest supported version on the appliance. Map new ports into existing firewall rules, VLANs and routing policies to maintain consistent security and traffic flows. If additional cooling or power considerations are required for populated chassis slots, follow site-specific infrastructure guidelines.