Calix PON optics are where part numbers get confusing fast. A GPON Class B+ SFP, an XGS-PON N2 SFP+ and a Multi-PON SFP-DD can look alike. Yet each one fits a different port, reach and platform, so the wrong optic can leave a whole PON dark.
This guide sorts the OLT and ONT optics we supply by standard, class and form factor. It also covers the common mistakes buyers make. Silverback supplies new and used optics, tested before they ship.
OLT optics vs ONT optics
OLT optics plug into line cards on the central office or cabinet shelf, such as the E7-2 and E9-2. On the other side, ONT optics, often called sticks, plug into subscriber gear such as GigaSpire and GigaPro units. The two sides talk to each other, but you cannot swap one for the other.
Calix also lists its current OLT platforms on the official Calix site. Meanwhile, this guide covers the Calix PON optics part numbers Silverback supplies for those systems.
GPON Calix PON optics
GPON runs at 2.5 Gbps downstream and 1.25 Gbps upstream. On the OLT side, the GPON SFP 100-05148 is a Class B+ optic with 20 km reach at 1490/1310 nm. It serves E7 and E9 GPON ports.
On the subscriber side, 100-05609 is the GPON ONT SFP that acts as the GPON access module in GigaSpire systems. It pairs with Class B+ OLT optics, such as the 100-05148. In addition, 100-05949 is an industrial temperature GPON ONT SFP for GigaSpire. One source also lists it for the GigaPro 8802.
XGS-PON Calix PON optics
XGS-PON runs at 10 Gbps in both directions, using 1577/1270 nm. Because it uses different wavelengths than GPON, both can share the same fiber.
Class N1 vs Class N2
In short, the class sets the reach. For example, the XGS-PON OLT SFP+ 100-05642 is Class N1 with 20 km reach. By comparison, the 100-05643 is Class N2 with 40 km reach. Both carry an industrial temperature rating, so they suit outdoor cabinets as well as central offices.
Dual channel SFP-DD optics
SFP-DD optics carry two XGS-PON channels in one module. For instance, the 100-05729 is the Class N1 version with 20 km reach. Similarly, the 100-05730 is the Class N2 version with 40 km reach. As a result, a dense card can serve twice the PONs per cage.
XGS-PON ONT stick
On the subscriber side, the XGS-PON ONT SFP+ 100-05610 slots into GigaSpire and GigaPro units, with 20 km reach. That way, a GigaSpire with an SFP+ WAN can act as its own ONT.
Multi-PON Calix PON optics
Multi-PON optics run XGS-PON and GPON together from one OLT port. So they let you add XGS-PON subscribers while GPON customers stay on the same PON.
For example, the 100-05674 is an SFP-DD module, Class N2/C+, that runs XGS-PON at 10G/10G and GPON at 2.5G/1.25G. It also works on E7-2 and E9-2 OLTs and carries an industrial temperature rating.
The 100-05929 is also a Multi-PON SFP-DD optic, listed as Class E1/C+. One source lists it for the AXOS E9-2. However, those class details come from compatible module listings, so confirm the label before you order.
Calix PON optics part numbers we supply
The table lists every optic in this guide. Each part number also links to its inventory page.
| Part number | Product | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 100-05148 | GPON SFP OIM, Class B+ 20km | OLT, Class B+, 20 km, 1490/1310 nm |
| 100-05609 | GPON ONT SFP for GigaSpire | ONT side, GigaSpire GPON access module |
| 100-05610 | XGS-PON ONT SFP+ | ONT side, GigaSpire and GigaPro, 20 km |
| 100-05642 | XGS-PON OLT SFP+, Class N1 20km | OLT, Class N1, 20 km, 1577/1270 nm, I-temp |
| 100-05643 | XGS-PON OLT SFP+, Class N2 40km | OLT, Class N2, 40 km, 1577/1270 nm, I-temp |
| 100-05674 | Multi-PON SFP-DD, Class N2/C+ | OLT, XGS-PON plus GPON, Class N2/C+, I-temp |
| 100-05729 | XGS-PON SFP-DD dual OLT, Class N1 20km | OLT, dual channel, Class N1, 20 km, I-temp |
| 100-05730 | XGS-PON SFP-DD dual OLT, Class N2 40km | OLT, dual channel, Class N2, 40 km, I-temp |
| 100-05929 | Multi-PON SFP-DD, Class E1/C+ | OLT, Class E1/C+; check the label |
| 100-05949 | GPON ONT SFP, I-temp | ONT side, GigaSpire GPON access, I-temp |
How to choose the right optic
Start with the port, not the optic. Then work through these checks before you order Calix PON optics:
- PON standard on the card: GPON, XGS-PON or Multi-PON.
- Form factor the cage takes, such as SFP, SFP+ or SFP-DD.
- Reach, since N1 optics cover 20 km and N2 optics cover 40 km.
- Temperature rating, especially for cabinets outside.
- Side of the link, because OLT and ONT optics are not interchangeable.
Common mistakes with Calix PON optics
The most common mistake is ordering by speed alone. For instance, a 10G SFP+ Ethernet optic is not an XGS-PON optic, even though it looks similar. Another common mistake is ordering N1 optics when a long rural run needs N2.
Buyers also mix up OLT and ONT parts, because both sides use SFP shapes. So check the full part number, and when in doubt, send us the card model too. Our E7 line cards guide shows which cards take which optics.
New vs used optics and buyback
New optics suit fresh builds, while used optics cut cost on spares and small expansions. Either way, Silverback tests every optic before it ships, and you can ask for new or used condition. Retired optics still have value too, so Silverback buys them back along with the rest of your retired gear.
For the full range, start with our Calix buyer's guide or see the GigaPoint ONT guide. You can also browse the full inventory or request pricing for an optics order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an XGS-PON N1 optic instead of N2?
Only when the PON stays within the N1 reach of 20 km. N2 optics such as 100-05643 reach 40 km.
Do Multi-PON optics serve GPON and XGS-PON ONTs together?
Yes. A Multi-PON optic such as 100-05674 runs XGS-PON and GPON from one OLT port.
Which optic goes in a GigaSpire SFP+ WAN port?
Use a GPON ONT SFP such as 100-05609 for GPON, or the XGS-PON ONT SFP+ 100-05610 for XGS-PON.
Are your used optics tested?
Yes. Silverback tests every optic before it ships, and you can ask for new or used condition.
Get a quote for Calix PON optics
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 optics list online. Ask about buyback for optics you pull during upgrades.
