Discovering the Magic of Open Networking with OcNOS DC 6.3.0 for Data Centers

Hello Fellow Network Enthusiasts!

After exploring OcNOS SP for service providers, it’s time to set sail into the data center realm with the latest release, OcNOS DC 6.3.0.

As an open networking admirer, I can’t help but appreciate the strength and adaptability of OcNOS for Data Centers. This software is full of useful features to cater to all our needs in this domain. Plus, it’s unique in the open networking universe for offering MPLS support for DC platforms. However, do note that there are some chipset limitations, especially with Broadcom StrataXGS, which wasn’t designed for full routing. That’s where the Broadcom DNX series steps in!

What’s New: OcNOS DC 6.3.0

The newest iteration of OcNOS DC comes with several impressive features and enhancements. Here’s what’s new:

• Support for New Hardware: The Edgecore AS5835-54T TD3.x5 with 48 x 10G Base-T and 6 x 100G QSFP28 and Celestica DS1000 TD3.x2 for OOB platforms are now part of the family.
• ARP ACL: ACL is now applicable to ARP as well, working well with Trident3, Maverick2, and Hurricane-4 based platforms.
• Try Before You Apply with Confirmed Commit CLI: This handy feature lets you trial configuration changes. Forget to confirm the modifications within 300 seconds? No worries, it’ll revert to its previous state.
• Better Resource Management with RSVP Facility Backup: A new addition that optimizes resource usage in RSVP.
• DCB Enhancements: OcNOS now supports Priority-based Flow Control (PFC) and QoS for zero loss in congested DCB networks.
• Dual DHCP Server (IPv4 and IPv6): OcNOS can now act as both an IPv4 and IPv6 DHCP server, courtesy of the open-source package “isc-dhcpd-4.4.1”.

And there’s so much more! You can delve into a detailed 30-page document outlining all the new features and enhancements.

Test Drive OcNOS with OcNOS VM

The OcNOS Virtual Machine (VM) from IP Infusion helps you get familiar with OcNOS. The OcNOS VM is used to validate configurations and test L2, L3, and MPLS features at your own pace, with no costs associated. Without bare metal switches, OcNOS VM runs on Graphical Network Simulator-3 (GNS3) and following hypervisors: KVM, VirtualBox, and VMware. Just try it!

Licensing with OcNOS

OcNOS for DC is available under two main license types:

• OCNOS-DC-IPBASE: It provides Layer 2/3 switching, and routing support for OSPF, IS-IS, and BGP under a perpetual license. It’s perfect for data center customers with port speeds ranging from 1 Gbps to 100 Gbps, and soon, up to 400 Gbps.
• OCNOS-DC-IPMPLS: This license type adds IP-MPLS support on top of the IPBASE features.

With the latest release, a new SKU is also available:

• OCNOS-DC-MGMT: This license offers basic Layer 2/3 switching, and routing support for OSPF, IS-IS, and BGP under a perpetual license.

For more information about these licenses, please check the data sheet.

What Lies Ahead: 400G Platforms with OpenZR+ 400G Support

Get ready for a thrilling lineup of 400G platforms, all equipped with OpenZR+ 400G support, set to debut later this year. This development is bound to revolutionize high-speed networking!

I hope this brief overview of OcNOS for DC has stirred your passion for open networking. Remember, the future of networking is open, and we’re inching closer to this reality every day. Stay connected for more updates and feel free to reach out about your open networking queries.

Until next time, enjoy your networking adventures!