Best Network Operating Systems (NOS) for Linux of 2025

CacheGuard product line is based on a core product called CacheGuard-OS. Once installed on a bare metal or virtual machine, CacheGuard-OS transforms that machine into a powerful network appliance . The resulted appliance can then be implemented as different types of Gateways to Secure & Optimize your network. See below a brief description of all CacheGuard appliances. - Web Gateway: gain control over the Web traffic in your organization & filter unwanted Web traffic in your organization. - UTM (Unified Threat Management) : secure your networks against all kind of threats coming from the internet with a Firewall, an Antivirus at the Gateway, a VPN server and a Filtering proxy. - WAF (Web Application Firewall): block malicious requests on your critical Web applications and protect your business. The WAF integrates OWASP rules with the possibility to design your own custom rules. In addition, an IP reputation based filtering allows you to block IPs listed in real time blacklists. - WAN Optimizer : prioritize your critical network traffic, save your precious bandwidth and get High Availability for your internet access through multiple ISP.

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.

NVIDIA presents pure SONiC, an open-source, community-driven, Linux-based network operating system that has been fortified in the data centers of major cloud service providers. By utilizing pure SONiC, enterprises can eliminate distribution constraints and fully leverage the advantages of open networking, complemented by NVIDIA's extensive expertise, training, documentation, professional services, and support to ensure successful implementation. Additionally, NVIDIA offers comprehensive support for Free Range Routing (FRR), SONiC, Switch Abstraction Interface (SAI), systems, and application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) all consolidated in one platform. Unlike traditional distributions, SONiC allows organizations to avoid dependency on a single vendor for updates, bug resolutions, or security enhancements. With SONiC, businesses can streamline management processes and utilize existing management tools throughout their data center operations, enhancing overall efficiency. This flexibility ultimately positions SONiC as a valuable solution for those seeking robust network management capabilities.

Junos® OS enhances network operations through precise automation, boosting efficiency while allowing organizations to allocate resources towards growth initiatives. Designed for dependability, security, and adaptability, Junos OS supports some of the most advanced network infrastructures globally, giving users a competitive edge over those utilizing alternative network operating systems. It minimizes the time and effort involved in planning, deploying, and managing network systems. By advancing traditional disaggregation, it introduces a versatile consumption model for network applications and delivers highly scalable software that adapts to changing demands. Furthermore, it ensures that the addition of line cards and subsequent upgrades to the network OS do not disrupt services. Cloud service providers recognize that managing a flexible and economical network necessitates streamlined operations throughout a remarkably scalable framework. This capability ultimately empowers organizations to respond swiftly to market changes and technological advancements.

Transitioning to bare metal switches in Open Networking offers considerable operational and financial advantages for developing advanced networks. These switches are equipped with the necessary capabilities to reach cloud-scale levels while providing agility, elasticity, and adaptability. As you adopt a disaggregated open networking approach, choosing the appropriate Network Operating System (OS) becomes a vital element for success. The reason for this is that the chosen Network OS unleashes the full potential of performance, functionality, and services from Open Networking switches, ensuring maximum value is attained. Netvisor® ONE stands out as an open, secure, and programmable next-generation Network OS specifically designed to enhance the operational capabilities of bare metal Open Networking hardware. This operating system has been thoroughly tested in critical production environments across enterprise and carrier networks, ensuring it meets stringent performance benchmarks. Furthermore, Netvisor ONE guarantees high reliability and flexibility at scale, delivering uncompromised performance that is essential for today's dynamic networking landscape. With its innovative features, Netvisor ONE empowers organizations to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving technology environment.

The Arista Extensible Operating System (EOS®) serves as the foundation for Arista's cloud networking solutions, specifically designed for advanced data centers and cloud infrastructures. Architectures leveraging Arista EOS can scale seamlessly to accommodate hundreds of thousands of computing and storage nodes, offering robust management and provisioning functionalities that operate efficiently at scale. Thanks to its programmability, EOS supports various software applications that enhance workflow automation, ensure high availability, provide exceptional network visibility and analytics, and facilitate quick integration with a diverse array of third-party applications for services related to virtualization, management, automation, and orchestration. Additionally, Arista EOS stands out as a fully programmable and highly modular network operating system based on Linux, utilizing a user-friendly industry-standard CLI, and it operates on a single binary software image across the entire Arista switching portfolio. This flexibility and adaptability make it a powerful tool for modern networking challenges.

The unique PICOS open NOS, equipped with closely integrated control planes, provides network operators with precise and non-intrusive oversight of their enterprise applications, allowing for extensive and adaptable traffic analysis and real-time attack prevention. For achieving zero-trust networking and establishing software-defined perimeters, PICOS stands out as the optimal solution. Our premier open network operating system is compatible with open switches ranging from 1G to 100G interfaces, sourced from a diverse selection of Tier 1 manufacturers. This comprehensive licensing package delivers unparalleled support for enterprise functionalities available in the market. It incorporates the Debian Linux distribution, featuring an unchanged kernel to enhance DevOps programmability to its fullest extent. Furthermore, the Enterprise Edition is enhanced by AmpCon, an automation framework based on Ansible, which integrates Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP) with the Open Network Install Environment (ONIE), streamlining the deployment and management of open network switches throughout the enterprise. With such advanced capabilities, organizations can ensure their networks are not only efficient but also secure against evolving threats.

Engineered for the expansive 5G landscape, hyperscale networking software spans from the data center to the core, edge, and multi-cloud environments, providing exceptional scalability and rapid convergence. Its integrated monitoring and analytics engine enhances network visibility and delivers real-time intelligence, supplemented by predictive analytics and actionable insights for informed decision-making. You can deploy ACE on your current infrastructure from any location, resulting in reduced operational costs through quicker onboarding processes and enhanced reliability. Complying fully with open standards, this software enables network operators to seamlessly integrate with third-party automation and orchestration tools. The ACE platform features a three-layer architecture that is adaptable and scalable, facilitating connections among enterprise data centers and service or cloud provider infrastructures. As the first independent network operating system designed for internet-scale use, it boasts a scale-out route reflector with unmatched convergence times. This platform equips your network with actionable intelligence in real time and provides the adaptability needed to meet future demands. With its innovative design, ACE ensures that your network remains capable of evolving alongside technological advancements.