Enterprise SONiC 4.4.0: Riding the AI Wave This Summer

As the summer sun blazes on, it’s not just the temperatures that are heating up—Enterprise SONiC Distribution 4.4.0 GA has just made its grand entrance, bringing a wave of new features that are sure to make a splash in the world of networking. While we may not be lounging on a beach with a cold drink in hand, this release is the perfect companion for anyone looking to dive into the deep end of cutting-edge network innovation. So, grab your sunscreen and let’s take a refreshing dip into what’s new in this sizzling release!

New Features in Enterprise SONiC 4.4.0

AI-Fabric Enhancements:

Just like a cool breeze on a hot summer day, the AI-Fabric enhancements in SONiC 4.4.0 offer much-needed relief to AI-driven networks. Adaptive Routing (DLB) and ECMP enhancements on the latest platforms ensure that your network traffic flows as smoothly as a lazy river, even under the heaviest AI workloads. With RoCEv2 support and Cut-Through mode, your network is set to handle the data tsunami that comes with AI applications—no lifeguard needed!

Campus Switch with Breakout Support on Edgecore Models:

SONiC 4.4.0 is transforming campus networks with Breakout support on 100G QSFP28 ports for Edgecore AS4630 models. This update makes network setup easier and ensures reliable performance for large-scale deployments.

Security and Compliance Upgrades:

Security is like the SPF in your sunscreen—you can never have too much. SONiC 4.4.0 steps up the game with custom password complexity, separate authentication methods for local and remote access, and Syslog over TLS. These updates ensure that your network is as protected as a shaded spot under a big beach umbrella, keeping your data safe from the harsh rays of cyber threats.

Enhanced Management and Monitoring:

Managing your network this summer is as easy as flipping burgers on the grill. With new SNMP CLIs, separate channels for audit logs, and dynamic configuration options for rest server and gNMI server, you’ll have everything you need to keep your network running smoothly. It’s like having the ultimate BBQ toolkit—everything you need is right at your fingertips.

Platform Support: A Summer Gear Upgrade

SONiC 4.4.0 is all about versatility, much like packing the perfect summer gear. Whether you’re handling leaf, spine, or campus switches, this version has expanded platform support to cover all your needs. Back in the 4.2.0 release, Enterprise SONiC supported 45 platforms from 7 hardware vendors. But with this new release, those numbers have grown impressively. Now, Enterprise SONiC supports over 55 platforms from 8 hardware vendors—a significant jump that mirrors the growth of your summer bucket list.

Taking a closer look at the hardware, Edgecore continues to push the boundaries with its innovative offerings, particularly with the new Tomahawk5 model boasting an incredible 64 x 800G ports—designed specifically to meet the demanding needs of AI and machine learning workloads.

Celestica has also been on an impressive journey of steady growth. Starting with their Trident3-X2-based 1G DS1000, they’ve evolved through a series of increasingly powerful models: the Trident3-X5 25G DS2000, Trident3-X7 100G DS3000, and the Tomahawk3 400G DS4000. Their latest masterpiece, the Tomahawk4 DS4101, features 32 x 800G ports—essentially offering 32 ports that deliver a massive 2 x 400G each.

Figure 1. Front and Rear view Celestica DS4101 (R4030-F9001) | 800G Data Center Switch

This hardware is perfectly suited for the heavy lifting required by AI and machine learning tasks, making it a standout in any data center deployment. OK, maybe it’s not the Tomahawk5, but diving directly into 800G cages more than makes sense! And you can be sure that a smaller brother with 18 x 800G is on the way😊

Debian GNU/Linux 11.9 (Bullseye): The Solid Foundation

Under the hood, SONiC 4.4.0 runs on Debian GNU/Linux 11.9 (Bullseye), providing a stable and secure base that keeps your network operations smooth and reliable. This version’s integration with Bullseye ensures compatibility with the latest security patches and software improvements, offering a strong foundation for both current and future network requirements.

Looking Ahead: Endless Summer of Innovation

As we soak up the last rays of summer, it’s clear that the future of Enterprise SONiC is as bright as a sunny August afternoon. This release is just the beginning, with more exciting updates on the horizon. Whether you’re preparing for the next big AI project or enhancing your campus network, SONiC 4.4.0 is the perfect addition to your summer toolkit.

So, while you might not be able to take your network on vacation, with this latest release, it’ll certainly feel like it’s running smoother than a summer breeze. Here’s to a season of innovation, relaxation, and of course, happy networking!

No Hardware? No Problem!

If you’re itching to test out these features but don’t have the hardware on hand, don’t sweat it! With the Enterprise SONiC Linux GNS3 VM, you can dive into a virtual datacenter environment and experiment with SONiC without needing physical equipment.

Test SONiC Networks Virtually:

Imagine having the incredible power to create, experiment, and test SONiC networks without needing physical equipment or worrying about making mistakes. This is where GNS3 comes into play—your gateway to the exciting world of virtual networking. The pre-configured GNS3 VM makes it easy to jump right in and explore advanced network scenarios, including EVPN VXLAN, SAG, and BGP, all without the hassle of complex installations.

Stress-Free SONiC Testing:

Test advanced network technologies, validate your network topology concepts, and ensure flawless designs before going live. The GNS3 VM Datacenter offers a versatile and completely free solution for all skill levels, from beginners to experts.

Start your network testing adventure today with the STORDIS Virtual Lab and see how easy and effective it can be. Just download the VM image, import it into VMware ESXi or Proxmox, and you’re ready to go. And trust me—this is the best 20GB you’ll download today!

Ready to Get Started?

Click here to download your free Enterprise SONiC Linux GNS3 VM and take the first step toward mastering virtual network environments.

And a special shoutout to our Incredible Technical Team who made this all possible—your hard work makes this magic real!

A Final Tech Joke to Brighten Your Day:

Why don’t network engineers play hide and seek?

Because good luck hiding when they always ping first!

Here’s to smooth networks, easy upgrades, and a few laughs along the way! If it’s not funny the first time, try reading it again after a small whisky or two. Cheers! 😊 Still not? Repeat! … I’m kidding 😉

Łukasz Łukowski

Łukasz Łukowski is the Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for STORDIS. Working with channel partners, product management, business development and his marketing team, Łukasz is spearheading the effort to drive year-over-year revenue growth by more effectively leveraging STORDIS’ channel and alliance partners, particularly in the areas of open networking for data center, enterprise and telecom.

Prior to him joining STORDIS, Łukasz was the Vice President of EMEA Channel Sales and Alliances for Edgecore Networks. Łukasz has over 15 years of experience in the networking industry serving additional two roles as, Active A-Team Ambassador of the Open Networking Foundation (ONF); and a Regional Lead Manager for the Open Compute Project (OCP).