Broadband

Calix AXOS DPx Connector links access network SDN to existing DOCSIS environments

April 12, 2017

Broadband access network technology vendor Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) has unveiled AXOS DPx Connector, which enables cable operators to deploy software-defined network (SDN) capabilities in their access networks without disrupting their current DOCSIS back office environment. The DOCSIS virtualized network function (VNF), which is based on a container-based microservices architecture, offers an evolutionary path toward a full SDN roll out via support of NETCONF interfaces and standards-based YANG models as well.

The software-based DPx Connector acts as a translation layer between current DOCSIS back office systems and Calix's AXOS software-defined access operating system. Cable operators can use the DPx Connector to enable the benefits of AXOS SDN-based platform and service management and provisioning on a market-by-market basis or as part of an overall SDN evolution strategy. In the case of EPON or GPON deployments, DPx is compatible with DOCSIS Provisioning of EPON and GPON (DPoE/DPoG) environments. AXOS and the DPx Connector work well with Calix's PON gear, including the E3-2 Intelligent PON Node, but also with other open, SDN-friendly systems.

Along with availability of the DPx Connector, Calix has announced Momentum Telecom as a customer for the software. Momentum will integrate the DPx Connector into its BBX Broadband Management Platform, which the company uses to offer network management and troubleshooting services to cable operators.

"As an industry, we know that SDN is the way of the future for service providers and this partnership between Calix and Momentum Telecom will allow our customers to more easily move to an SDN architecture as soon as they are ready," said Scott Helms, senior vice president of advanced services at Momentum Telecom, via a Calix press release. "We are excited to be taking the next step together to integrate DPx with our BBX Platform, which provides cable operators with complete network management and premier monitoring, provisioning, and managed support for broadband and voice services. The service agility enabled by SDN has become a key strategic goal for cable operators, and the combined solution allows our joint customers to immediately begin to reap the benefits of an SDA [software-defined access] architecture without the complexity of high costs of integration."

The DPx is the second AXOS SDN connector Calix has launched, following the OFx Connector targeted at easy integration of AXOS into OpenFlow-based environments such as Central Office Re-architected as a Datacenter (CORD) and ONOS-enabled infrastructures. Other Connectors are in the pipeline, Calix sources told BTR.

About the Author

Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director & Associate Publisher

Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.

Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.

He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, DOCSIS technology, and more.