Calix E7 line cards keep fiber and copper subscribers connected on E7-2 and E7-20 shelves. Many of these cards are past end of sale, yet the shelves that hold them still carry live traffic. So when a card fails, you need the exact part, and you need it fast.
This guide covers the GPON, Ethernet, VDSL2 and control cards we supply, as well as the E7-2 fan tray. It also explains how the two chassis differ and what to check before you order. Silverback supplies new and used E7 parts, tested before they ship.
E7-2 vs E7-20: which shelf do you have?
The E7-2 and E7-20 are Ethernet service access platforms, and both act as the OLT in many fiber networks. Of the two, the E7-20 is the larger chassis, while the E7-2 is the compact one. In other words, cards do not cross between them. For example, the E7-20 GPON-8x card, 100-03007, is not an E7-2 part.
The E7-2 name also lives on in the current AXOS E7-2 Intelligent Modular Appliance. Calix lists its current cards, such as the LG871 Multi-PON card, on the official Calix site. However, older shelves may run earlier software, so check the release before you mix card generations.
GPON Calix E7 line cards
GPON cards are the most common Calix E7 line cards in fiber networks. Each GPON port also takes a pluggable OLT optic, which you order separately.
E7-2 GPON-8 card (100-03006)
The GPON-8 card gives the E7-2 eight GPON OIM ports, four GE SFP ports and two 10GE SFP+ ports. Calix notice CAB-13-052 lists its end of sale in December 2013. It also lists end of support in February 2019.
E7-2 AXOS GPON-8 r2 card (100-04665)
The revision 2 GPON-8 card is built for E7-2 shelves that run AXOS. It provides GPON ports as well as point to point Ethernet service ports. As a result, it suits operators who want one card for both service types.
E7-20 GPON-8x card (100-03007)
The GPON-8x is the eight port GPON line card for the E7-20. In fact, Calix notice CAB-16-017 lists its last ship date as May 2017. Since then, tested used cards have been the main way to replace one.
Ethernet and copper Calix E7 line cards
Not all Calix E7 line cards serve fiber subscribers. Some aggregate Ethernet traffic, while others serve copper lines.
E7-2 10GE-4 card (100-01771)
The 10GE-4 card has 12 GE SFP ports, two 10GE XFP ports and two 10GE SFP+ ports. Calix also lists its end of sale in September 2013 and end of support in December 2018. Still, it remains common in older E7-2 shelves.
E7-2 VDSL2-48C r2 card (100-03880)
The VDSL2-48C r2 is a 48 port combo card. Each subscriber port pairs VDSL2 or ADSL2+ broadband with POTS, and the card supports vectoring. Therefore, one E7-2 can serve copper subscribers while fiber rolls out nearby.
Control cards and fan trays
Line cards get most of the attention, but control cards and fans cause many outages too. For example, the E7-20 SCP2-10GE switch control card, 100-03856, carries HECI code BVC1AEKLAA. Because it runs the shelf, a spare on site cuts recovery time.
For the E7-2, the FTA2 fan tray assembly, 100-03590, is front removable. Fans wear out with age, so a tired tray is one of the cheapest parts to replace before it fails.
Calix E7 line cards part numbers we supply
The table lists every E7 part in this guide. Each part number also links to its inventory page.
| Part number | Product | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 100-01771 | E7-2 10GE-4 card | 12x GE SFP, 2x 10GE XFP, 2x 10GE SFP+; end of support 2018 |
| 100-03006 | E7-2 GPON-8 card | 8x GPON OIM, 4x GE SFP, 2x 10GE SFP+ |
| 100-03007 | E7-20 GPON-8x card | 8 GPON ports; last ship 2017 |
| 100-03590 | E7-2 FTA2 fan tray assembly | Front removable fan tray |
| 100-03856 | E7-20 SCP2-10GE switch control card | Switch control card, HECI BVC1AEKLAA |
| 100-03880 | E7-2 VDSL2-48C r2 card | 48 ports VDSL2/ADSL2+ plus POTS, vectoring |
| 100-04665 | E7-2 AXOS GPON-8 r2 card | GPON and point to point Ethernet ports, AXOS |
How to order the right Calix E7 line cards
Card names repeat across chassis, so the part number matters more than the name. Before you order, check these points:
- Chassis model, since E7-2 and E7-20 cards do not cross over.
- Shelf software, because AXOS cards and older cards differ.
- Card revision, such as r2, when you match an existing card.
- Port optics, such as GPON Class B+ SFPs for GPON ports.
Also note the HECI code when the label shows one, because it helps confirm the exact build. Our guide to OLT and ONT optics then helps you match optics to each card.
New vs used Calix E7 line cards
Most Calix E7 line cards in this guide are past end of sale. As a result, used cards are the practical choice for most repairs. They also cost far less than a platform upgrade when a shelf has years of life left.
Of course, Silverback tests every card before it ships, and you can ask for new or used condition. For more on the trade-offs, see refurbished vs new enterprise hardware.
Buyback for retired Calix E7 line cards
When you move subscribers to newer AXOS platforms, your old Calix E7 line cards still have value. Instead of scrapping them, sell them back. Silverback buys back retired gear and offers certified data destruction backed by R2v3, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.
For the wider range, including GigaPoint ONTs and GigaSpire systems, start with our Calix buyer's guide. You can also browse the full inventory or request pricing for a whole shelf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do E7-2 cards fit the E7-20?
No. Each chassis uses its own cards, so match the part number to your shelf before you order.
What is the difference between 100-03006 and 100-04665?
100-03006 is the original E7-2 GPON-8 card. 100-04665 is the revision 2 GPON-8 card for E7-2 shelves that run AXOS, with GPON and point to point Ethernet ports.
Is the E7-2 GPON-8 card still supported by Calix?
Calix notice CAB-13-052 lists end of support in February 2019. Silverback supplies tested used cards for repairs and spares.
Do you buy back used E7 cards?
Yes. Silverback buys back retired Calix cards and prices them on model, condition and quantity.
Get a quote for Calix E7 line 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 part list online. Ask about buyback for any cards you retire.
