Adtran telecom equipment runs in many fiber, copper and business voice networks, from central offices to customer sites. So when a card fails or a site needs to grow, buyers usually need the exact Adtran part, not a full redesign.
This guide explains who Adtran is, what its main product lines do and how to choose between them. It also covers how to keep older platforms running, when used gear makes sense and what to do with retired units.
Who Adtran is
Adtran is an American networking company based in Huntsville, Alabama. Mark C. Smith, Lonnie S. McMillian and Larry Owen started the business in 1985. Since then, it has built access gear for service providers, utilities and enterprises.
On August 30, 2021, Adtran and ADVA Optical Networking announced their merger. The combined business kept the Adtran name, and ADTRAN Holding now trades on Nasdaq as ADTN. As a result, many networks hold both Adtran and ADVA products. For current product news, visit Adtran's official site.
Main Adtran telecom equipment product lines
Adtran sells several platform families, and each one solves a different access problem. Here are the lines that our buyers ask about most often.
Total Access 5000 fiber access
The Total Access 5000, or TA5000, is Adtran's chassis fiber access platform with a pure Ethernet core. In fact, the ANSI version supports 20,000 subscribers and more than seven fiber access technologies. It also offers 10GbE, 40GbE and 100GbE aggregation. For example, the 1187518F1 10G Combo PON OLT can run GPON, XGS-PON or both on each port.
Total Access 900 and 900e gateways
The TA 900 and 900e units are IP business gateways. They combine a router and a VoIP gateway in one box, with analog FXS ports for phones and fax. For instance, the 4243924F1 Total Access 924e (3rd Gen) offers 24 FXS ports, while the 4243908F1 908e offers 8.
Total Access 1100 and 1148 DSL access
The Total Access 1100 and 1148 series bring DSL service closer to the subscriber. Many of these units sit in sealed outside plant cabinets. For example, the TA 1148 VXP model (1148VXP) is a sealed 48-port vectored VDSL2 node with built-in POTS.
NetVanta, ONTs and other lines
NetVanta covers Adtran's routers, switches and network termination units for business sites. Meanwhile, the 400 series ONTs end the fiber at homes and small businesses. The 1287835F1 424 ONT, for example, has 2 POTS and 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports. Adtran also built the OPTI-6100 optical multiplexer and the MX408e pseudowire gateway, which still carry TDM traffic in some networks.
How to choose Adtran telecom equipment
Start with the platform you already run. Adtran cards only work in the shelf they were built for, so a TA5000 module will not fit a TA 1148 cabinet. Then check the generation, because older and newer cards can share a slot but not a feature set.
After that, match the job to the right product line. For example, a TA5000 shelf with GPON or Combo PON cards suits fiber to many subscribers. A TA 900e gateway suits business voice, while TA 1100 and 1148 units suit copper broadband in the field. Finally, an ONT or NetVanta unit handles the hand-off at the customer site.
Also, read the full part number, including the suffix. For instance, the 4243908F1 and 4243908F2 look alike, but the F2 adds a Lifeline FXO port. So a quick check of the label saves a wrong order and a second shipment.
Keeping legacy Adtran telecom equipment running
Many carriers still run TA5000 shelves, TA 900 gateways and DSL nodes that left Adtran's catalog years ago. For example, the second generation TA5000 System Controller Module (1187010G2) left the catalog in May 2018. Still, plenty of shelves depend on it today.
Replacing a whole platform costs far more than a spare card. So most operators keep spares for fans, controllers and line modules instead. That way, a single failed part does not force an early upgrade.
Keep a short spares list for each site. Include the part number, the generation and the shelf it fits. Then, when a unit fails, you can order the right part in minutes instead of hours.
New vs used Adtran telecom equipment
New gear makes sense for fresh builds, such as an XGS-PON rollout on a TA5000 shelf. However, used Adtran telecom equipment often fits better for spares and expansions. It matches what you already run, and it usually costs much less than new.
Testing matters more than the condition label. That is why Silverback supplies new and used Adtran gear, tested before it ships. Ask for new or used condition on each line of your quote. For a deeper look at the trade-offs, read our guide to refurbished vs new enterprise hardware.
Buyback and ITAD for retired Adtran telecom equipment
Network upgrades leave old shelves, gateways and ONTs behind. Instead of scrapping them, you can sell them back. Silverback buys back retired Adtran gear and pays fair value for working units.
We also handle certified ITAD under R2v3, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001. Because routers and gateways store configs and passwords, we offer certified data destruction before resale or recycling. Learn more in how IT buyback value works.
Why buy Adtran telecom equipment from Silverback
Silverback is an independent supplier of Adtran hardware. As a result, we focus on the parts you need, including models that Adtran no longer sells. You get one source for current and legacy gear, and we test every unit before it ships.
Send us the part number and get pricing and lead time within one business day. You can also browse our inventory or send a parts list for a quote.
Explore our Adtran product guides
Each guide below lists the part numbers we supply, with notes on fit and compatibility. If you run a TA5000 shelf, start with our guide to TA5000 OLT, PON optic and switch modules. For shelves, controllers and fans, see TA5000 chassis parts and legacy line cards.
Voice buyers should read our TA 900 and 900e gateway guide. In addition, we cover ONTs and NetVanta CPE as well as outside plant DSL spares.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Silverback supply discontinued Adtran parts?
Yes. Silverback supplies legacy TA5000, TA 900 and DSL parts as well as current models. Send the part number and get pricing and lead time within one business day.
Who owns Adtran today?
ADTRAN Holding is the listed parent and trades on Nasdaq as ADTN. Adtran and ADVA announced their merger on August 30, 2021, and the combined business uses the Adtran name.
Can I sell my old Adtran gear?
Yes. Silverback buys back retired Adtran equipment and offers certified data destruction, so stored configs never leave with the hardware.
How do I get a quote?
Send your part numbers, quantities and preferred condition through our quote form, or call (888) 391-5211.
Get a quote for Adtran telecom equipment
Send us your Adtran part numbers, quantities and preferred condition. We reply with pricing and lead time within one business day.
Prefer to talk it through? Call (888) 391-5211 or request a quote online.
