Broadband

Calix offers WiFi 6, 10G broadband support via GigaSpire BLAST u6x ONT

May 18, 2021

Calix is now shipping the fourth member of its GigaSpire indoor optical network terminal (ONT), the GigaSpire BLAST u6x.

Stephen Hardy

Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) says it is now shipping the fourth member of its GigaSpire indoor optical network terminal (ONT), the GigaSpire BLAST u6x. The ONT supports WiFi 6 as well as the delivery of up to 10-Gbps internet services via a variety of fiber to the home (FTTH) access architectures.

The GigaSpire BLAST u6x supports five different WAN SFP connections: 1 and 10 Gigabit Ethernet and GPON as well as Active Ethernet and XGS-PON, with these latter two available later this year.

The modular system enables upgrades by swapping optical modules, obviating the need to replace the entire system or recreate or re-establish the SSID and other settings. Operators can upgrade the WiFi 6 capabilities to WiFi 6E with equal flexibility, according to Calix.

The ONT is driven by Calix’s Experience Innovation Platform, which enables the system to be fully interoperable with the company’s Revenue EDGE portfolio, including the CommandIQ mobile app and services in EDGE Suites.

The GigaSpire BLAST u6x also features integrated hardware security with WPA3 protocols, along with software that is regularly updated as well as what Calix asserts is the only deployment of carrier-class physically unclonable functions (PUF). The system also has the ability to act as a “digital storefront” by enabling subscribers to select value-added services.

At least one current Calix customer is looking forward to deploying the GigaSpire BLAST u6x. “For GigabitNow, the GigaSpire BLAST system has been an excellent choice for our network deployment strategy due to its built-in management features, exceptional coverage, and powerful software platform,” said Dan Sivils, chief operating officer for GigabitNow. “We're thrilled by the launch of the GigaSpire BLAST u6x, which will allow for easy upgrades to 10G services and fewer systems to install at the subscriber's location, reducing installation costs—it's a win for our subscribers and us.”

The GigaSpire BLAST u6x is available in two form factors: what Calix calls “the classic gray tower,” which is shipping now, and “the next-generation white tower,” which will be available later in the year. A query regarding whether there will be a difference between the two versions besides color had not been answered at the time this article was posted.

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.