Calix announced the AXOS Intelligent Access Edge solution, giving service providers the flexibility to bring Layer 3 functionality—including MPLS routed networking—to their new or existing Layer 2 access network, drastically simplifying their architectures and reducing total cost of ownership. The offering also includes a new line card, which enables service providers to aggregate their existing Layer 2 Optical Line Terminals (OLTs) while easily reaping the benefits of a collapsed Layer 3 Access network.

The AXOS Intelligent Access Edge Solution, which is comprised of the new Advanced Routing Protocol Module (ARm), the Routing Protocol Module (RPm), the Subscriber Management Module (SMm), as well as the E9-2 Intelligent Edge System gives service providers the option of performing routing functions in their access networks with the RPm or having a full MPLS routed network with the ARm. The new [[Aggregation Services Manager]] line card for Calix’s E9-2 Intelligent Edge System runs with the ARm, providing 64 10G ports in a single system, aggregating Layer 2 OLTs, and delivering the benefits of the Layer 3 Access network. The existing Layer 2 access network is then connected to the service provider’s edge network with multiple MPLS-capable 40G/100G uplink ports.

“The AXOS Intelligent Access Edge Solution with the new Advanced Routing Protocol Module has been designed specifically to allow service providers to instantly realize the simplicity and cost advantages of software defining their access networks without undergoing a complete replacement,” said Shane Eleniak, senior VP of platforms for Calix. “The efficiency advantage from consolidating subscriber and service related functions onto the access network not only reduces operational cost but speeds time to deploy new services—both of which are key to our customers, who are tasked with delivering increasingly complex next-generation services to their subscribers.”

As subscriber demands continue to increase, not only is bandwidth critical, but with new applications like virtual/augmented reality and high-capacity gaming, minimizing latency is vital as well. To meet these demands, existing architectures necessitate more network elements, which increases complexity and makes it difficult for service providers to keep up with these subscriber demands. Simplifying the network and reducing the number of elements while consolidating subscriber and service-related functions onto the access network edge is essential to enabling service providers to move fast and reduce cost. 

“Collapsing network edge functions is an exciting step in the evolution of next generation open access ecosystems,” said David Tomalin, CTO of CityFibre. “Calix's innovation and disruptive leadership in this space will enable wholesale network operators like us to optimize operating models and accelerate the introduction of new service-based functionality. I am looking forward to exploring the potential of the new AXOS Intelligent Access Edge solution as our partnership develops.”

“Service providers are transitioning their current legacy networks to the software defined networks of tomorrow, and there are many steps in this complex, daunting task to achieve the goals of service agility, operational simplicity, and automation,” said Michael Howard, executive research director, carrier networks for IHS Markit. “Calix is taking another step toward Software-Defined Access by enabling service providers to transition to a converged access-edge network architecture. We believe broadband network operators will see value in this approach to transformation as it retains existing layer 2 access network investment, adds in relevant edge routing capabilities, and provides an evolutionary path towards virtualization and SDN.”