This new strategic partnership between telecommunications giant CityFibre and Calix will see the world’s only Software Defined Access (SDA) operating system deployed across its fibre networks.

The implementation of Calix’s AXOS platform will make CityFibre the UK’s only advanced-intelligence, wholesale infrastructure company, capable of delivering ten gigabits per second (Gbps) connections, with further potential for speeds of up to 100 Gbps.

After its roll-out, CityFibre will operate an open-access, Software Defined Networking (SDN) ecosystem, with the ability to support partners’ end-to-end SDN implementation. The company claims that its carrier, mobile operator and ISP customers will benefit from direct access to unparalleled levels of programmability, network intelligence and automation. CityFibre believes that this new ecosystem will reshape how these customers architect their own networks, enabling them to deliver exceptional customer experience.

CityFibre’s networks are designed from the outset to meet the bandwidth capacity requirements of homes, business, and mobile operators far into the future. The Calix AXOS platform will build on the foundation of CityFibre’s networks to ensure a single unified, intelligent access network.

Through it, the company will be able to leverage new technologies such as NG-PON2 and enable automation of manual functions across the network. CityFibre will also be able to significantly reduce network operating complexity and costs while deploying future services much faster.

Taking CityFibre’s Network to the Next Level

Greg Mesch, chief executive of CityFibre, said: “In Calix, we have found a like-minded ally, an innovator that is pushing the boundaries of what is possible when intelligent software meets fibre-only infrastructure. Our partnership enables us to unleash the full power and potential of our fibre networks, creating the nation’s fastest, smartest and most accessible, digital communications platform.

“The ability to scale services up to 100 Gbps, while driving customer experience to new levels, highlights the inadequacies of connections that are passed off as fibre today. It also shows that not all full fibre networks are equal and that, as an alternative network builder, CityFibre’s commitment to the UK’s digital future goes far beyond simply putting fibre in the ground.”

Michael Weening, Calix executive VP of Field Operations, said: “The Calix and CityFibre visions of a software defined access future are perfectly aligned. CityFibre built its network from the beginning to take advantage of all that a fibre infrastructure can enable, while we built AXOS with the intelligence to take that foundation to the next level.

“With AXOS, CityFibre can more rapidly deliver new products, services and features to the market, further distancing itself from legacy competitive offerings that fail to enable true market differentiation. As we continue to innovate on the AXOS platform, the continued speed, agility and efficiencies we enable will allow CityFibre and its partners to change the UK’s broadband market forever.”