Calix C7 cards still carry copper voice, DSL and TDM services in many access networks. The platform is long past end of sale. Still, plenty of shelves keep running. So when a card fails, the only fast fix is a tested spare.
This guide covers the C7 control, arbitration, combo and Ethernet gateway cards we supply, as well as the fan tray. It also explains how to build a spares plan and when to retire a shelf. Silverback supplies new and used C7 parts, tested before they ship.
What the C7 platform does
The C7 is the Calix multiservice access platform. It came before the E7 and the current AXOS systems, and it was built for a mix of POTS, DSL and TDM services. As a result, many C7 shelves still serve copper subscribers who have not moved to fiber.
Calix has ended sale on most C7 hardware. For example, notice CAB-20-043 lists end of sale for the C7 fan tray in June 2021. It also lists end of support on 31 December 2026, with no direct successor. You can also check current Calix platforms on the official Calix site.
Calix C7 cards for control and arbitration
These Calix C7 cards run the shelf. Therefore, they are the first spares most operators keep on hand.
RAP2-OC3/12/48 (100-00517)
The Resource and Arbitration Processor 2, or RAP2, handles shelf control and includes OC3/12/48 optics at 1310 nm. Calix notice CAB-16-018 lists end of sale in September 2016, as well as end of support in December 2021.
RSCE arbitration cards (100-00014 and 100-00180)
Both 100-00014 and 100-00180 appear in the market as C7 RSCE arbitration cards. The 100-00014 carries HECI code SN2PBB0AAD. However, how the two builds differ is not clear, so match the part number on your existing card instead of the name.
Calix C7 cards for subscriber and Ethernet services
Service Calix C7 cards connect subscribers and uplinks. When one fails, every line on that card goes down.
COMBO2 24-port ADSL2/POTS card (100-00574)
The COMBO2 card serves 24 subscriber lines, each with ADSL2 or ADSL2+ broadband plus POTS. Its HECI code is SOUIAL0GAB. Because it bundles voice and data, one card swap restores both services on a failed slot.
EGW Ethernet Gateway card (100-01827)
The EGW card adds Ethernet gateway functions to the C7. It needs C7 release 7.0 or higher, so check your shelf software before you install it. Calix also covers it under notice CAB-14-011.
The C7 fan tray (100-00009)
The fan tray keeps a C7 shelf cool, and fans are the part most likely to wear out with age. A failed tray can take down a whole shelf, even when every card is healthy. So keep a spare on hand, especially for shelves in hot cabinets.
Calix C7 cards part numbers we supply
The table lists every C7 part in this guide. Each part number also links to its inventory page.
| Part number | Product | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 100-00009 | C7 Fan Tray | End of support 31 Dec 2026 |
| 100-00014 | C7 RSCE and arbitration card | HECI SN2PBB0AAD; match your existing part number |
| 100-00180 | C7 RSCE arbitration card | Match your existing part number |
| 100-00517 | C7 RAP2-OC3/12/48 | OC3/12/48 optics at 1310 nm |
| 100-00574 | C7 COMBO2 24-port ADSL2/POTS card | 24 ports ADSL2/ADSL2+ plus POTS, HECI SOUIAL0GAB |
| 100-01827 | C7 EGW Ethernet Gateway Card | Needs C7 release 7.0 or higher |
Building a spares plan for Calix C7 cards
A C7 shelf with no spares is one failure away from a long outage. Since Calix no longer ships new C7 parts, a simple plan goes a long way:
- Count every card type in each shelf, including fans.
- Keep at least one spare control card and one fan tray per site.
- Record HECI codes and software releases, so a spare matches the slot.
- Test spares when they arrive, instead of when a shelf is already down.
Also label spares with the shelf they belong to. That way, a field tech grabs the right card the first time.
Common mistakes when ordering Calix C7 cards
The most common mistake is ordering by card name alone. For example, two RSCE arbitration cards carry different part numbers, so the name does not settle the match. Instead, read the part number and HECI code from the card you are replacing.
Another mistake is skipping the software check. The EGW card needs release 7.0 or higher, so an older shelf cannot use it until you upgrade. Finally, many teams forget the fan tray until it fails. Because fans age with the shelf, add one to every order of Calix C7 cards.
When to retire a C7 shelf
Most operators retire C7 shelves once the last copper subscribers move to fiber. Meanwhile, the shelf needs spares until that day. Many teams move traffic to E7 or AXOS platforms in stages, and our guide to E7 line cards and chassis modules covers that side.
Retired cards still have value, so do not scrap them. Silverback buys back retired gear and offers certified data destruction backed by R2v3, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001. Read how IT buyback value works before you plan the swap.
Why buy C7 spares from Silverback
Silverback supplies new and used Calix C7 cards, tested before they ship. Send us the part number and get pricing and lead time within one business day. You can also ask for new or used condition on each line.
For the wider range, start with our Calix buyer's guide. You can also browse the full inventory or request pricing for your spares list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Calix C7 still supported?
Most C7 hardware is past end of sale. For example, Calix lists end of support for the C7 fan tray on 31 December 2026.
What is the difference between 100-00014 and 100-00180?
Both appear as C7 RSCE arbitration cards, and how they differ is not confirmed. Match the part number on your existing card when you order.
Does the EGW card work on any C7 shelf?
The EGW card, 100-01827, needs C7 release 7.0 or higher. Check your shelf software before you install it.
Do you buy back retired C7 cards?
Yes. Silverback buys back retired Calix cards and prices them on model, condition and quantity.
Get a quote for Calix C7 cards
Send us the part numbers, quantities and condition you need. We then reply with pricing and lead time within one business day.
Call (888) 391-5211 or send your spares list online. Ask about buyback for any shelves you retire.
