Best Network Operating Systems (NOS) in the UK

The HPE HSR6800 Series of multiservice routers is a family that provides high-performance, multiservice routing for data center interconnection, enterprise core, campus edge and high-speed, WAN aggregation services. It runs the Comware operating software and has a multi-core, distributed service processing hardware architecture capable of scaling up to 420 Mpps forwarding as well as up to 2Tbps switching capacity. The router offers robust routing, multicast and Multiprotocol Label Switching, (MPLS), IPv6, security and quality of service, as well as carrier-level high availability features and high-density interface options (10GbE or 1GbE). The fully modular Comware v7 network operating systems offers enhanced performance and system availability. Feature enhancements include ADVPN, EVI, EAA and ISSU. FIP-240 doubles the FIP210 forwarding performance and can be used to open up to 4 HIM/MIM slots. Line cards provide 1GbE combo/10bGE ports and enhanced IPsec performance. RT-HIM-2EXP doubles the density of HIM 10GbE ports and supports SFP+.

Open source software and a universal router are key to democratizing the way we access networks. VyOS' vision is to revolutionize how we access networks, so that everyone can build the solutions they have always wanted, without limitations, restrictions, or prohibitive prices. We believe that internet access is just as important to human development as food, water, air, and healthcare. VyOS was founded by engineers for engineers. It is an open-source software company that makes it possible to access networks without restrictions or prohibitive fees. Through our open-source software and virtual platforms, we do this as VyOS. Stateful firewalls, zone based firewall, all types source and destination NAT (one-to-one, one-to many, many to many). For auditing, creating customized images and contributing, everyone has access to the entire codebase and build toolchain.

FreeBSD has many advanced networking, security, and compatibility features that are not available in commercial operating systems. FreeBSD is an ideal Internet and Intranet server. It can provide reliable network services even under heavy loads. It also uses memory efficiently to maintain high response times for thousands concurrent user processes. FreeBSD provides advanced network operating system features for embedded platforms and appliances, including Intel-based appliances and ARM, PowerPC and MIPS hardware platforms. Vendors around the globe rely on FreeBSD for their embedded products, which includes mail and web appliances, routers, time servers and wireless access points. They can also decide how many local changes they want back through the Berkeley open-source license.

Pure SONiC is a community-developed, Linux-based, open-source network operating system. It has been tested in the data centers at some of the biggest cloud service providers. Pure SONiC via NVIDIA eliminates distribution restrictions and allows enterprises to take full advantage the benefits of open networking. NVIDIA also offers the expertise, experience, documentation, and professional services that will best guarantee success. NVIDIA supports Free Range Routing (FRR), SONiC Switch Abstraction Interface(SAI), systems and application-specific integrated Circuits (ASIC), all in one place. SONiC is not a distribution. It doesn't depend on one vendor for roadmap updates, bug fixes, security patches, etc. SONiC allows you to integrate existing management tools across your data center into unified management.

Cisco NX OS is a robust operating system for data centers that was designed to improve network agility, scalability and security. It has a flexible architecture which supports technologies such as Virtual Extensible LAN with Ethernet VPN, enabling seamless scalability. The Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller, a Cisco product, facilitates accelerated provisioning of the network and comprehensive management. Open APIs are also available for streamlined automation. The security of the system is enhanced by end-to-end segmentation, encryption protocols such as MACsec and RADsec that ensure data integrity and protection. Cisco NX OS is also optimized for high performance tasks, such as artificial intelligence and Machine Learning, with non-blocking network and ultra-low-latency switches that can handle demanding workloads.

Junos®, OS automates network operations with streamlined precision. This increases operational efficiency and frees up valuable resources for top-line growth opportunities. Junos OS is built for reliability, security and flexibility. It can run many of the most complex network deployments in the world, giving operators an edge over other network operating systems. It reduces the time and effort required for planning, deploying, and operating network infrastructure. It extends traditional disaggregation and creates a flexible consumption model to support network applications. It also provides highly scalable software that can adapt to changing requirements. The insertion of line cards, and subsequent network OS upgrade are non-service-impacting events. Cloud providers know that to operate a flexible and cost-effective network, it is necessary to simplify operations over a highly scalable infrastructure.

The move to Open Networking bare-metal switches offers significant operational and financial advantages to build next-generation networks. These switches offer the ability to achieve cloud-scale agility, elasticity, adaptability, and cloud-scale. The right Network Operating System (OS), is crucial for success when you move to disaggregated open networking strategies. Why? Why? Netvisor®, ONE is an open-source, secure, and programable next generation Network OS. It was purpose-built to maximize the power and performance Open Networking hardware. Netvisor ONE is proven to be reliable and flexible in deployments of mission-critical enterprise networks and carrier networks.

Arista Extensible Operating System® is the heart of Arista cloud networking solutions. It allows for next-generation cloud networks and data centers. Cloud architectures built using Arista EOS can scale to hundreds of thousands storage and compute nodes, with provisioning and management capabilities that work at scale. EOS's programmability allows for a variety of software applications that provide workflow automation, high availability and unprecedented network visibility and analysis. It also facilitates rapid integration with a wide range third-party applications for virtualization management, automation, orchestration and automation services. Arista EOS, a fully-programmable, modular, Linux-based network operating system, uses familiar industry standard CLI. It runs a single binary image across all Arista switching families.

OcNOS is an innovative, robust and programmable operating system. It features a single software image that runs across all Open Compute platforms from top network device vendors. This ensures consistent operations, workflow automation, high availability, and a significant reduction in operational expenses. OcNOS draws heavily from the ZebOS product line. This ZebOS line has been tested in thousands of customer networks and has a rich feature density. OcNOS supports industry standard MIBs, and all other standard operations and management tools. Its integrated central management and provisioning layer allows transaction-based configuration as well as device feature modeling. The management layer supports Netconf, REST APIs and custom CLI generation. This allows OcNOS systems to be managed, configured and controlled by Network Management System.

PICOS is a unique open NOS that allows network operators to have surgical, non-disruptive control over their enterprise applications. It also provides deep and dynamic traffic monitoring and attack mitigation in real-time. PICOS is the best way to implement zero trust networking and software-defined perimeters. Our flagship open network operating software installs on 1G-to 100G-interface open switches made by a wide range of Tier 1 manufacturers. This fully featured license provides the best support for enterprise features. It includes the Debian Linux distribution with an unmodified kernel to maximize DevOps programming capabilities. AmpCon, an Ansible based automation framework, is included in Enterprise Edition. It combines Zero-Touch Provisioning with the Open Network Install Environment to make it easier to install and operate open network switches throughout the enterprise.

DANOS-Vyatta edition NoS is aligned to Open Compute Project in delivering a mobile site gateway router (CSGR). The CSGR was created to meet the changing requirements of mobile service providers as they transition from legacy technologies to 5G RAN technologies. DANOS-Vyatta is a carrier-grade, feature-rich, production-ready network operating system (NOS), based on DANOS open-source software. It meets the requirements for reliability and functionality in the carrier environment. Highlights of DANOS–Vyatta edition: The NOS architecture is designed to be abstracted with clear APIs between layers for development agility, troubleshooting, and the ease of supporting multiple white box. The application layer includes all routing and supporting processes, along with standard APIs and a familiar CLI interface for operators, management, automation, orchestration and other systems to interact with NOS.

Software designed for hyperscale networking, optimized for distributed 5G waves, from the data centre to the core to the edge to multi-cloud. This software delivers massive scale and super-fast convergence. The integrated monitoring and analytics engine provides deep network visibility, real-time intelligence, predictive analytics, and actionable insights. ACE can be run on existing infrastructure. It can be deployed from anywhere. You will reduce operating expenses and have higher reliability and faster onboarding. Open standards compliant. Network operators can seamlessly integrate with third-party automation and orchestration software. The ACE platform provides a three-layer stack that allows for interconnection between enterprise data centers and service/cloud provider infrastructure. The industry's first independent, internet-scale network operating system. With industry-leading convergence times, scale-out route reflector. Actionable real-time intelligence for your network.

NVIDIA®, Onyx®, delivers a new level in flexibility and scalability for next-generation data centres. Onyx integrates seamlessly with most popular hyperconverged storage and software-defined storage systems. Onyx's robust layer-3 protocol stack, built in monitoring and visibility tools and high-availability mechanisms make it an ideal network operating system to run enterprise and cloud data centers. NVIDIA Onyx allows you to run custom containerized applications side-by-side. You can eliminate the need to purchase one-off servers and integrate shrinkwrap solutions into your network infrastructure. Strong integration with hyper-converged infrastructures and software-defined storage systems. Classic network operating system (CLI) with a command-line interface (CLI). Single-line command to configure and monitor remote direct-memory connections over converged Ethernet (RoCE). Support for containerized apps with full access to the Software Development Kit (SDK).

A modern, simple, and reliable network operating system. Simplify network operation with the new, modernized Cisco IOS XR Software. Network programming is made easier with greater modularity, a simplified network stack, and cloud enhanced automation. Improve your team's performance and security with better insights and improved performance. You can spend less time troubleshooting, and more time achieving business goals. IOS XR is a modular operating system that uses less memory and boots faster. It also works well with a core device or an access-level device. With a single operating systems across the network, your engineers can focus on revenue-generating activities and streamline their work. Advanced security features can prevent compromises of hardware and firmware. Protect against malicious actors with a signature technology and multiple runtime defences, including Integrated Measurement Architecture.

Cisco IOS XE, a modern, versatile and modular operating system, is designed to power Cisco enterprise networking products such as routers, switches and wireless controllers. IOS XE, which is based on a Linux architecture, offers advanced programmability and security for dynamic network environments. It offers rich features such as automation through APIs and application hosting. It also supports software-defined networks (SDN) to help organizations adapt quickly to changing technological demands. IOS XE's support for virtualization, multi-core processing and centralized management simplifies management and ensures high performance. This makes it a great choice for enterprises looking for robust, future-ready networking solutions.

The core of the world's most powerful core and peering architectures are the PTX Series routers. They are powered by the latest generation Juniper Express family ASICs and cloud-optimized for smooth 400G migrations. They provide the flexibility, scale, and investment protection required to meet today's market demands. The routers provide native 400G inline MACSsec, flexible filtering, as well as a reliable network operating platform that has been powering high-performance solutions for generations. PTX routing can help you discover the 100G and 400G mass-scale cloud solutions. The PTX10008, PTX10008, PTX10016 Packet Transport Routers are modular solutions that address the huge bandwidth demands placed on networks. They provide high port density, native 400GbE MACsec and the latest-generation ASIC investment for the most demanding WANs and data centers.

Provider networks have the ability to scale and adapt to NCS 5700 routers and line cards. Integrated Segment Routing allows for performance-based service offerings. High-density 400G ports allow for long-term network growth. Flexible port configurations available from 10G to 400G, with available 3.6,4.8, 7.2, 9.6 and 9.6 Tbps per line card. Scale with demand Segment Routing allows you to consolidate all services on one infrastructure. This ensures the best client experience. This platform provides long-term growth and protection of investment with backward compatibility and flexible pay-as you-grow models. You can reduce your carbon footprint and power efficiency with a carrier-grade network operation system.