JANUARY 8, 2008, PETALUMA, CA—Calix today announced the
availability of the first gigabit passive optical network (GPON) optical
network terminal (ONT) that utilizes standards-based radio frequency over glass
(RFOG) technology for two-way communication with RF-enabled consumer devices. By
integrating the most advanced fiber to the premises (FTTP) and RFOG
technologies, Calix is maximizing service provider flexibility in meeting
consumer demand for advanced broadband and entertainment services over fiber.
The Calix 725 ONT supports all of the current and emerging cable
RF return path standards, including the Society of Cable Telecommunications
Engineers (SCTE) standards 55-1 and 55-2, and CableLabs® DOCSIS and DOCSIS Set-top Gateway. Service providers
can seamlessly deploy the 725 ONT and ensure interoperability with their video headends
and conditional access systems.
According to Joey Anderson, COO at Muenster, Texas based Nortex Communications,
"We looked at several alternatives for RF return over
FTTP systems for leveraging our Motorola headend. We liked the Calix solution
because it is standards-based, so we won't get locked into proprietary RF return
solutions. The solution allows for interoperability between GPON OLTs and ONTs.
When coupled with the proven leadership of Calix in GPON, we see this as the
best overall solution in the industry today."
RFOG has emerged as the standards-based technology enabling
support for widely used cable return path protocols over FTTP. At the
subscriber premises, by incorporating RFOG technology into the 725 ONT, Calix
has eliminated any additional packaging or powering requirements. This approach
significantly simplifies craft training and installation time. At the headend,
service providers can utilize the same return path receivers commonly used in
the cable industry, such as those from Motorola and Scientific Atlanta, a Cisco
company.
"By integrating the RFOG technology into the GPON ONT and
using equipment commonly used by the cable industry, Calix is giving service
providers greater choice in how they roll out broadband to their subscribers,"
said David Russell, solutions marketing director at Calix, "Cable operators can
deploy the 725 ONT, and move to a fiber-based access network, while leaving
their subscriber infrastructure intact. Independent telcos who own cable
systems and wish to begin deploying GPON can now enhance their product mix with
powerful interactive services enabled through RF return, such as video on demand
and pay-per-view.
Calix completed extensive field testing of the 725 ONT during
the second half of 2007 and has received production orders for the product from
a wide range of service providers implementing RF return on FTTP systems. In
GPON mode, the Calix 725 ONT interoperates with either the Calix C-Series
multiservice access platform (MSAP) or the F-Series multiservice over GPON
optical line terminals (OLTs), both of which are widely deployed in North
American service provider networks.
About Calix
Calix is the largest telecom equipment supplier focused
solely on access solutions for broadband service delivery. Service providers
deploy Calix access systems to enable a rich set of information, communication,
and entertainment services and to expand their revenue base beyond
connectivity. Calix access innovation helps service providers transform their
networks from circuit to packet, narrowband to broadband, and copper to fiber.
Calix has deployed millions of ports and tens of thousands of systems into
hundreds of service provider networks throughout North America. For more
information, visit the Calix website at www.calix.com.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements
that are based upon management's current expectations and are inherently
uncertain. Forward-looking statements are based upon information available to
us as of the date of this release and we assume no obligation to revise or
update any such forward-looking statement to reflect any event or circumstance
after the date of this release. Actual results and the timing of events could
differ materially from current expectations.
For additional information contact:
Jeannette Bitz
Engage PR
510-748-8200 x207
jbitz@engagepr.com
