Calix broadband equipment runs the fiber and copper access networks of many regional ISPs, telcos and cooperatives. Some of those networks are brand new XGS-PON builds. Others still depend on shelves that went in years ago, so spare parts matter as much as new gear.
This guide covers the main Calix product lines and how to choose between GPON and XGS-PON. It also explains how to keep legacy shelves running, when used parts make sense and what to do with retired gear. Silverback supplies new and used Calix parts, tested before they ship.
Who Calix is
Calix, Inc. was founded in 1999 and has its headquarters in San Jose, California. The company trades on the NYSE under the ticker CALX. Today it sells software platforms, systems and services that help internet service providers deliver broadband.
Calix also grew through acquisitions. It bought Occam Networks in 2011 and then Ericsson's fiber access assets in 2012. As a result, many operators now run a mix of Calix platforms from different eras. You can see the current range on the official Calix website.
Its current access systems are the AXOS E9-2, E7-2 and E3-2. The E9-2 scales to 16 PON line cards and supports GPON, XGS-PON and NG-PON2. In addition, Calix sells cloud software such as Calix Cloud and SmartLife managed services.
The main Calix broadband equipment lines
Most buyers of Calix broadband equipment deal with five groups of hardware. Each group plays a different role, from the central office shelf to the router in a subscriber's home.
E7 access platforms
The E7-2 and E7-20 are Ethernet service access platforms that act as the OLT in many fiber networks. They take line cards such as the E7-2 GPON-8 card, 100-03006, and the AXOS GPON-8 r2 card, 100-04665. The E7-20 also needs control cards like the SCP2-10GE, 100-03856. Our guide to E7 line cards and chassis modules covers every part in detail.
C7 multiservice access platform
The C7 is the older multiservice shelf that still carries copper and TDM services in many networks. However, most of its parts are long past end of sale. Common spares include the RAP2 card, 100-00517, and the C7 fan tray, 100-00009. See the C7 legacy cards and spares guide for the full list.
GigaPoint and GigaPro ONTs
GigaPoint is the Calix ONT and ONU line for GPON, XGS-PON and Active Ethernet. For example, the GP1101X ONU has a 10GE port and one voice line, and it is sold as both 100-05857 and 100-05638. Meanwhile, the GigaPro GPR8802x, 100-05774, combines an XGS-PON ONT, an L2 switch and voice service for business sites. Compare every model in our GigaPoint, GigaPro and legacy ONT guide.
GigaSpire and GigaHub residential systems
GigaSpire is the subscriber Wi-Fi line, sold as Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 systems. Models range from the BLAST u4 router, 100-05493, to the u6txg, 100-05930, which has a built-in XGS-PON WAN. Older homes may still use a GigaHub 812G-1 gateway such as 100-04257. Our GigaSpire and GigaHub guide decodes each model name.
PON optics
Finally, PON optics connect the OLT and the subscriber gear to the fiber. They include GPON Class B+ OLT SFPs such as 100-05148, as well as XGS-PON SFP+ and dual channel SFP-DD optics. ONT sticks like 100-05610 also slot into GigaSpire and GigaPro units. Our guide to OLT and ONT optics matches each part to its reach and platform.
How to choose Calix broadband equipment
Choosing the right Calix broadband equipment starts at the OLT port, not the subscriber router. So begin with two questions: which PON standard you run and how far your fiber reaches.
GPON or XGS-PON
GPON delivers 2.5 Gbps downstream and 1.25 Gbps upstream, shared across each PON. XGS-PON delivers 10 Gbps in both directions. Because the two use different wavelengths, they can share the same fiber. That means you can add XGS-PON subscribers without rebuilding the outside plant.
A GPON-only port cannot serve an XGS-PON ONT, though. On the other hand, a Multi-PON optic such as 100-05674 runs both standards on one port. Match the ONT to the port first, and then check that the home router can use the speed.
OLT optic class and reach
OLT optics come in classes that set how far a PON can reach. For instance, Class N1 XGS-PON optics like 100-05642 are rated for 20 km. Class N2 optics like 100-05643 reach 40 km. Therefore, long rural runs often need the higher class, while dense town builds may not.
Also check the form factor. An SFP+ optic serves one PON, while an SFP-DD optic such as 100-05729 carries two. The line card has to accept the format you order.
Keeping legacy Calix broadband equipment running
Many operators still run C7 and early E7 shelves because they work and the subscribers on them still pay. Still, Calix has ended sale and support on much of this gear. For example, its notice for the E7-2 10GE-4 card, 100-01771, lists end of support in 2018.
When the vendor stops shipping parts, a spares plan keeps you ahead of failures. Keep at least one spare control card and fan tray for each shelf type. Then record card revisions and software releases, since some cards need a minimum release. The C7 EGW card, 100-01827, for example, needs C7 release 7.0 or higher.
Meanwhile, plan the move to newer platforms. Most operators migrate subscribers in stages, while the legacy shelves keep serving copper lines until the last customer moves.
New vs used Calix broadband equipment
New Calix broadband equipment makes sense for fresh builds, current GigaSpire models and anything that needs vendor support. However, used parts are often the only option for end of sale cards. They also cost less, which matters when a shelf has only a few years left.
The real risk with used gear is untested hardware. That is why Silverback tests every part before it ships, and you can ask for new or used condition on each line. For a deeper look, read our comparison of refurbished vs new enterprise hardware.
Buyback and ITAD for retired Calix broadband equipment
Every upgrade leaves retired Calix broadband equipment behind, from cards and ONTs to Wi-Fi units. Instead of storing them, you can sell them back. Silverback buys back retired gear and prices it on model, condition and quantity. Our guide to IT buyback value explains what drives the offer.
Subscriber devices can also hold customer settings and Wi-Fi passwords. So Silverback offers certified data destruction backed by R2v3, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001. You get records for every unit, which helps when an auditor asks.
Why buy Calix broadband equipment from Silverback
Silverback supplies new and used Calix broadband equipment, tested before it ships. That way, a spare works the moment you slot it in. Send us the part number and get pricing and lead time within one business day.
We also work across other access vendors. For example, Silverback is a certified Zhone Business Partner, which gives you another broadband option. Browse the full equipment inventory, or request a quote for your whole part list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Silverback test used Calix parts?
Yes. Silverback tests every part before it ships, and you can ask for new or used condition on each line.
Can GPON and XGS-PON run on the same fiber?
Yes. They use different wavelengths, so both can share one PON. A Multi-PON optic such as 100-05674 can even run both from a single OLT port.
Do you supply parts for end of sale C7 and E7 shelves?
Yes. Silverback supplies C7 and E7 spares such as RAP2 cards, GPON-8 cards and fan trays, tested before they ship. Ask for new or used condition.
What will Silverback pay for retired Calix gear?
It depends on model, condition and quantity. Send a list and we quote it, with certified data destruction for any device that held customer data.
How fast can I get pricing?
Send the part number and get pricing and lead time within one business day.
Get a quote for Calix broadband equipment
Send us your part numbers, quantities and preferred condition. We reply with pricing and lead time within one business day.
Call (888) 391-5211 or send your part list online. We also quote buyback on the gear you retire.
