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Open Networking

What is Open Networking?

Open Networking is to network devices what Windows or Linux is to computers. Just as these operating systems transformed how we use computers, Open Networking revolutionizes the way we manage network switches and routers. It brings the principles of openness and customization to network infrastructure, allowing more flexibility and innovation in how networks are designed and operated.  

Using Open Networking isn’t about learning something completely new; it’s about applying what you already know about networks in a more flexible way. It’s like learning a few new tricks on a system you’re already familiar with. So, if you understand the basics of networking, adapting to Open Networking is straightforward. It’s not a big leap; it’s just a new, smarter way to handle your network devices, offering more customization and efficiency.

What does Open Networking give you? You win independence as you can choose your hardware switch and router vendor independently. You win full control as the operating system can be tweaked to whatever you like it to be. You win the possibility to add your own tools, programs and develop your network to be as efficient as you wish it to be.

You gain a community and become an innovator, enabling you to collaborate on forward thinking ideas and business concepts for a brighter future.

With Open Networking, you achieve freedom,

and freedom is the only way to do it better.

So let’s make it better, together!

Benefits of Open Networking

Freedom of Choice

Thanks to the disaggregated nature of Open Networking you have the freedom to choose the hardware and software that suits your needs best.

Open-Hardware

The Open Network Hardware Advantage

Choose from a range of Open Networking switches offering solutions for every business need, covering 1G to 800G today.

With Open Hardware, the ability to use standards-based, certified optical interconnect components will reduce the total network costs significantly and enable you to invest more efficiently into your business’s future.

  • Did you know that the network switches you use today are designed and built by Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs) and these same people build Open Networking Hardware?

  • Hardware open source, did you know that the Open Compute Project (OCP) requires the hardware platform to be open to allow any vendor to build them?

  • Would you agree that Open Source Hardware reduces security risk by knowing what is really inside the box?

  • Service is missing, well, just expect the same you are getting today or even better.

  • Did you hear about the service gap? It was the case many years ago, but today you simply get 24x7 services.

  • Did you know that changing from Switch to Router, from Router to Network Packet Broker can simply be done by installing another operating system on the same Hardware?

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Open-Software

The Open Networking Software

Choose from a range of Network Operating Systems and Software Tools – from Open Source to Commercial Solutions.

One of the most important advantages of Open Networking is the switch adapting to different roles by simply changing the switch operating system and software tools. Sometimes, Windows is the best choice but sometimes, you might prefer Linux.

  • Did you know that Open Networking is using Linux based Operating Systems for Layer 2?

  • Did you know that Open Networking is using Linux based Operating Systems for Layer 3?

  • Did you know that you could build a Network Packet Broker on the same Hardware?

  • Did you know that Open Networking Operating Systems mostly use modern Container based Designs?

  • Did you know that you have the choice to configure your Open Networking Switch without any Linux experience? Simply use an industry standard CLI that you know already.

  • Did you know that you will get a unified management framework with modern API Interfaces like REST, GNMI, CLI, Shell? This will ensure that no matter which method you choose to configure your switch, you will always get the same result.

  • Did you know that Operating System Support is available 24x7?

  • Did you know that you could add your own containers to extend the network stack capabilities yourself?

  • Did you know that you could build your own applications and add-ons yourself (monitoring, DHCP etc.)?

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Further Benefits

This innovative approach, gives you access to some great benefits.

  • Simple

    Open Networking is Simple. Select certified Switch and Router Hardware with certified Software to create a solution in the same way as you are used to doing it with Servers. Knowing Linux is an advantage but not required at all.

  • Scalable

    Open Networking is available from 1G to 800G and can be scaled from small, single switch environments to thousands of switches and hyperscale setups.

  • Flexible

    Freely select your Hardware Partner. Freely select your Software Partner. Freely select your Service Partner and mix and match as per your own requirements.

  • Extendable

    Your Switch or Router could be like an Android Phone. Leverage Open-Source, Commercial Tools or create your own SW extensions to Monitor, Orchestrate, Automate or Manage your Network.

  • Reliable

    Based on Open-Source Software with Enterprise grade Support Services which is proven on reliability in Tier 1 mission critical environments. Many functions are either incorporated directly into the Linux kernel or widely utilized across numerous Linux systems, such as FRR (Free Range Routing).

  • Reusable

    Easily reuse your systems for other use cases by combining them with other SW operating systems available.

  • Compatible

    Open Networking Switching and Routing solutions are fully standard compatible and are easily able to extend your existing network platform.

  • Agile

    With an agile design, Open Networking can be easily adapted to changes in your evolving business and technology needs.

  • Environmentally Friendly

    Open Networking Hardware is reusable. The platforms are designed to meet the requirements of efficient Hyperscale Datacenters and are built to deliver.

  • Energy efficient

    Open Networking Switch and Router Solutions are doubling the Switch or Router Capacity every 2 Years. Doubling the capacity means reducing the power consumption by 80+% each time.

  • Cost Efficient

    Open Networking benefits from the highest level of cost optimization by Hyperscale customers and even more the flat channel between the original devices manufacturer and you, the customer. You will further benefit from not being restricted to costly Transceiver modules from the switch vendors.

Further Comparison

Let’s compare a few more topics

Open Networking VS Traditional Networking
Open Networking Full control in your hands
VS Network Control_clear Network Control
Traditional Networking Full control at network vendor
Open Networking Only basic Linux knowledge required
VS Knowledge to operate the Network_clear Knowledge to Operate the Network
Traditional Networking Special vendor certification required
Open Networking Full transparency upfront, free and open source community tools are additionally available
VS Cost Transparency_clear Cost Transparency
Traditional Networking Hidden costs on additional software, training, mandatory certification etc.
Open Networking Easily manageable via CLI or Shell –
learn once, use everywhere
VS User Interface_clear User Interface
Traditional Networking Manageable via custom, vendor specific CLI
Open Networking Automated operation workflows free up time and resources
VS Time Consumption_clear Time Consumption
Traditional Networking Time consuming and tedious workflows and tasks
Open Networking Easy and fast migration to anywhere you want to go, thanks to open protocols
VS Migration & Update_clear Migration & Upgrade
Traditional Networking Future migration or upgrades limited, due to proprietary protocols – you are locked to the vendor
Open Networking Possibility to flexibly repurpose old hardware and make it become a switch, router, SDN solution, load balancer, aggregator or packet broker
VS Hardware Reusability_clear Hardware Reusability
Traditional Networking Limited reusability
Open Networking Greener and smarter solution through network stack offloads and automation (e.g. does the whole network need to run all the time, even on the weekend?)
VS Energy_clear Energy
Traditional Networking Energy hungry solutions

Why does Open Networking fit to my Use Case?

Open Networking was originally designed for Datacenter Use Cases and Fabrics built on Layer 3 with VxLAN and EVPN. This robust framework is crucial to build scalable, flexible and efficient data center networks that can support the dynamic and diverse requirements of modern data center operations, such as multi-tenancy, high scalability and the need for efficient resource utilization.  

In addition to the Datacenter Details, Open Networking solutions are based on Linux and as we know, Linux provides all the tools and mechanisms to simplify automation as well as programmability and provide more dynamic provisioning and scaling of cloud resources. Decoupling Hardware and Software enables more frequent and independent updates and upgrades, improving agility and innovation.   

Open Networking supports small to large scale Layer 2 and Layer 3 networks and can be customized to your needs. Selecting from proven Hardware and Software options as well as support services, you will enable your network to scale and fulfill your applications delivery by reducing your CapEx and OpEx at the same time. Furthermore, your management can be simplified by leveraging Automation and Orchestration frameworks that are available in the open-source or commercial space. 

Open Networking enables a unique platform to be used across the Datacenter and Campus Networks avoiding the need to run multiple solutions in a single environment. This simplification paired with an open source or commercial central management, orchestration and monitoring platform offers visibility and improves troubleshooting and is reducing the MTI (Meantime to Innocence). With features such as 802.1x, PoE, port security, STP, BGP, OSPF, multicast, time domain reflector as well as multigigabit, Open Networking is a great fit for your Campus environment.   

Open Networking is a beneficial solution for telecommunication networks due to its adaptability, cost-effectiveness, and innovation potential. The ability to mix and match hardware and software from various vendors allows telecom operators to build networks that are tailored to their specific needs by reducing the CapEx and OpEx at the same time. It´s a perfect choice for 5G Networks, Access to Core Networks, NFV specific requirements, Broadband Network Gateway and Metro Aggregation. Open networking’s support for the latest networking trends and technologies ensures that telecom networks remain at the forefront of innovation. 

Open Networking seamlessly integrates with OpenZR+ technologies built into optical transceivers, enhancing the capability and reach of your network infrastructure. This integration not only streamlines your network by reducing the reliance on separate, specialized hardware but also maximizes efficiency and cost-effectiveness. By running Layer 2 or Layer 3 networking stacks directly on Open Networking switches, you eliminate the need for additional hardware components in the form of active WDM Transponders. This approach simplifies network architecture, reduces operational complexity, and lowers overall costs, all while maintaining high performance and scalability. Open Networking’s compatibility with advanced technologies like OpenZR+ represents a significant step forward in building more integrated, powerful, and efficient network systems.  

Open Networking is an exceptional choice for AI and ML applications due to the innovative ASICs used, offering high-performance features like high radix 200GbE ports and advanced shared-buffer architecture, as well as concepts like Cognitive Routing, Packet Spraying and Dynamic Load Balancing tailored for AI/ML workloads. With a strong commitment to open standards and open-source initiatives like SAI and SONiC, adaptability and scalability is ensured.  

Your Way2Open

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Congrats! You made the first step into your Open Networking journey by informing yourself on the benefits of Open Networking. Make the next step to 100% unlock your network by utilizing Open Networking and get in touch with us.

With The Open Networking Expert, you have a trusted and experienced partner at your side, that will make the rest of your journey a breeze.

STORDIS will guide you through the available options and help you with deciding on the solution that suits your needs best.

Start your Way2Open together with STORDIS.

Get in Touch with Us

Get in touch with us and let us discuss about your current and future requirements of your network environment.

No matter if you are operating a small network or a large scale campus network:

STORDIS will show you, how you can benefit from a disaggregated Open Networking Solution.

Let's start Your Way2Open together.

Choose Your Hardware, Software & Service

STORDIS will guide you through the available hardware and software options and help you with deciding on the solution that suits your current and future needs best.

STORDIS also offers a variety of additional services:

Ranging from on-site installations to advanced exchange service plans, you can be sure that STORDIS is your reliable partner – always there to support you.

Enjoy Your Benefits

Congrats! You have now unlocked the full potential of your network environment. Enjoy your future-proof Open Networking based network environment.

Go ahead and make all your friends and colleagues, who are still stuck in Tradtional Networking, jealous by showing off all of your benefits that Open Networking made possible.

Or alternatively: Help them make the switch to Open Networking as well – and bring them in touch with us.

Your Way2Open

Get in touch with us and find out how you can easily switch from outdated traditional networking to open networking

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