Calix wanted to consolidate its development and testing facilities into a single, automated "lights out" data center. Rahi Systems designed the network architecture and infrastructure for the data center, including power distribution management, to enable remote monitoring and high levels of automation. The new data center allows Calix to dramatically accelerate its ability to create environments for development, testing, and proofs of concept.

1. NETWORK DESIGN, ARCHITECTURE,
AND DATA CENTER BUILDOUT FOR CALIX
CASE STUDY SUMMARY
Calix wanted to consolidate its
development and testing facilities and
create a fully automated “lights out”
data center.
Rahi Systems architected the network
and data center infrastructure to support
remote monitoring, management, and high
levels of automation.
Rahi’s expertise in power distribution and
management was especially critical to the
success of the project.
The new data center has enabled Calix to
dramatically accelerate its ability to create
environments for development, testing and
proofs of concept.
Calix is a leading global provider of software platforms, systems,
and services that enable communications service providers to build
next-generation networks. The company’s EXOS smart home operating
system and GigaSpire residential gateways help service providers tap
into new revenue streams, while its AXOS intelligent access edge
technology enables the transition to an automated, self-healing
network.
Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., Calix also offers a cloud-based
platform that analyzes network and subscriber behavioral data to
help service providers deliver targeted services that build customer
loyalty. Rounding out the company’s product line are access systems,
nodes, and optical network terminals.
In 2017, Calix began looking at ways to consolidate its development,
and testing facilities, and implement a self-supporting “lights out” data
center. The Calix system test team sought out partners who could
assist with the design and architecture of a data center and network
that provided high levels of automation and remote management
capabilities. They chose Rahi Systems and Serro, a networking firm
that has since been acquired by Rahi.
“One of our team members has had a very long relationship with Rahi,
and we determined that Rahi was the best partner for the data center
buildout. At that time, Serro was not yet part of Rahi, but we were
looking at them to design the network. Serro had very good references
so we felt they would be a good fit as well.” said Pierre Frigon, Senior
Manager of System Test, Calix.
“As we started engaging with these two organizations, we quickly
realized that there was really good talent and expertise there. That was
a key component for us — make sure we had the right people. For us it
was about establishing a partnership and taking full advantage of each
other’s capabilities.”
One of our team members has had a very
long relationship with Rahi, and we deter-
mined that Rahi was the best partner for the
data center buildout. At that time, Serro was
not yet part of Rahi, but we were looking at
them to design the network. Serro had very
good references so we felt they would be a
good fit as well.
- Pierre Frigon
Calix
© Rahi Systems+1-510-651-2205 www.rahisystems.com

2. The Calix and Serro teams first sat down to discuss what the
network would need to do to enable the automation capabilities
Calix was looking for. Based upon these conversations, the Serro
team designed the network and developed an implementation
plan.
The Rahi team came in to architect the data center infrastructure,
which would be built out in a new facility. Rahi provided a turnkey
solution that included the racks and cabinets, power distribution,
cabling, and other components.
“We literally started from a slab of concrete with four walls —
we’re talking about a 4,000-square-foot space that we built out
from scratch,” Frigon said. “The Rahi team designed and installed
all the infrastructure that was required to support our require-
ments. It was roughly a three-month project from start to finish.”
Of particular importance was Rahi’s expertise in power
distribution. The Rahi team helped Calix understand the factors
affecting power load, and implemented solutions that enabled
remote monitoring and management.
“We needed the ability to control everything remotely — that
was a huge contribution from Rahi,” said Frigon. “We went over
what we needed and the Rahi team made recommendations. We
worked together as partners to come up with the best way
to move forward.
“Rahi also helped us design our infrastructure in such a way that
we can stay within power constraints and rationalize the
environment to make it as efficient as possible. That’s something
you need to have experience in to understand how to do it.”
SOLUTIONS
While simply consolidating its development and testing sites
would have delivered business benefits, Calix went further by
creating a fully automated operation. Calix employees, around
the world can use the facility to quickly set up a testinfrastructure
or deployment scenario to validate a proof of concept. These
test environments can also be deprovisioned quickly to free up
resources for other users.
The new data center is allowing them to dramatically reduce the
time it takes to deliver infrastructure for development and testing
projects.
“It’s the difference between walking down the street and driving
a car at 300 miles per hour. It’s that huge,” said Frigon. “What we
are able to deliver in a week today would have taken us two and a
half years the way we were operating before.”
RESULTS
© Rahi Systems+1-510-651-2205 www.rahisystems.com