Calix hits century mark

Calix today released version 2.1 of its C7 access platform and also announced that it has now shipped systems to 100 customers.

The 2.1 version of C7 moves Calix into the video transport market with the addition of an IP Resource Card. The card, which can be placed anywhere in the network, processes the IGMP signal flow and controls the multicasting function.

“If you look at the spectrum of possibilities [on the card’s location], one would be to put the IP resource card at the headend,” said Kevin Walsh, vice president of marketing for Calix. “The other would be to put it in every remote. It’s a tradeoff in terms of cost of equipment and bandwidth cost.”

With release 2.1, the company also has simplified software upgrades for bigger networks, enhanced the ability of newer networks to interoperate with legacy systems, improved diagnostics and management, and add power management.

In related news, Calix said it has now shipped more than 1500 C7 systems to more than 100 customers. In terms of overall capacity, the company has shipped about 200,000 ports. The milestone reflects an increased interest in network upgrades and a slight economic recovery, Walsh said.

“There does seem to be a renewed health in the access sector,” he said.