Calix Introduces the AXOS E3-2 Intelligent PON Node
A passive optical network (PON) brings fiber optic cable and signals, close or all the way, to the end users. And as more service providers continue to deploy fiber technology to deliver video and data services, they are looking for cost effective solutions to where the PON terminates, whether it is fiber-to-the-curb (FTTC), fiber-to-the-building (FTTB), or fiber-to-the-home (FTTH). The new AXOS E3-2 Intelligent PON Node by Calix has been described as revolutionary by the company, because it has been designed to disrupt the economics of driving PON technology into a fiber deep architecture to considerably lower the operational cost of service providers.
The AXOS E3-2 overcomes the limitations of fixed infrastructures with a modular design that can be deployed anywhere so it can be mounted aerially, on a pole, on a wall, or in a pedestal. This flexibility also extend to the platform in the E3-2, which can be serviced and upgraded to faster speeds, including 10 Gbps and more in future PON technologies.
Calix stated this is a first of its kind system that is capable of establishing a strategic location in the network intelligently to extend the reach of edge functionality from the data center. The E3-2 can move the OLT, routing, and IP policy and accounting functions from the headend or central office toward the subscriber. The intelligence of the platform along with the extended reach of fiber technologies can bring together existing facilities to lower the operational cost structure of service providers, eliminating up to 80 percent these facilities.
Using Software Defined Access (SDA), AXOS E3-2 delivers an always on stateful system so operators can deploy rich software features deep into the network. The zero touch activation and management capabilities of AXOS and Activate further simplify system and network management in virtualized architectures, SDN multi-vendor and multi-technology environments.
The E3-2 also has the Calix SDA architecture and portfolio, which gives cable operators, telcos, and communications service providers a transparent, ubiquitous subscriber experience for business and residential deployments. It does this by getting rid of the traditional limitations of the access network, and changing the deployment and operational economics of high-demand services. The SDA architecture has features that improve modularity, flexible deployment options, Layer 3 services and routing, virtualized architecture and versatile powering options.
"Regardless of platform, service providers are increasingly looking to deploy PON deeper into their networks in order to leverage existing last mile access infrastructure and still deliver symmetrical gigabit residential services. Once deployed, an OLT at this point in the network allows the service provider increased flexibility and control over the configuration of their network infrastructure, allowing for a coexistence with remote PHY architecture and network function virtualization," said John Kendall, principal analyst, Connected Home at IHS Markit.
This technology is extremely important in today's digital ecosystem, as gigabit service have become the standard in the highly competitive broadband market. Service providers therefore have been looking for new ways to provision network infrastructure in order to support the gigabit services that customers are demanding. With the Calix AXOS E3-2, they will have a future proof solution that can be deployed virtually anywhere and upgraded so it can continue working even when much faster PON speeds become available.
Edited by Maurice Nagle
