As the next step in its Open Networking initiative launched two years ago, Dell Networking introduced its Operating System 10 (OS10), a fully-open, unmodified Linux distribution that will be offered as one of several options for purchasers of Dell data center switches. In addition to its own OS10 network operating system, Dell offers network OSes from its partners, including Big Switch, Cumulus and Pluribus.
The new Dell OS10 is designed to introduce new levels of software flexibility and programmability in large-scale data center environments. OS10 is comprised of a base module and various optional application modules. Some highlights:
OS10 Base Module – The OS10 Base Module is available for free and runs a fully-open, unmodified Linux distribution. Linux is one of the most widely-used operating systems and can provide a common language across multiple IT layers including networking, storage and compute. The OS10 Base Module can leverage the Linux community-based benefits which can help enhance its programmability, portability, and flexibility for the application layer above it.
Below it, the OS10 Base Module employs the Open Compute Project Switch Abstraction Interface (SAI) that enables a common, programmer-friendly language between vendor network operating systems and the particular silicon residing on the physical switch. Today, SAI helps web-scale companies and cloud providers take advantage of the latest silicon innovation by enabling them to program the switches more granularly.
OS10 Application Modules – On top of the base module, OS10 can support traditional networking functions (L2/L3 protocols) from Dell as well as numerous third-party, native Linux, and open source applications such as IP, fabric and security services combined with management and automation tools. This allows customers to tailor IT operations for different use case and operational processes.
“Modern, software-defined, data centers require a fresh approach to operations – not just for the network, but across compute and storage elements as well,” said Tom Burns, vice president and general manager, Dell Networking and Enterprise Infrastructure. “OS10 gives customers a future-ready springboard to innovate their networks and data center infrastructure more quickly and consistently, affording customers greater efficiency and capability at scale.”
Dell Intros New Open Data Center Switches
Dell Networking introduced three new open switches for data centers and featuring support for the Open Network Install Environment (ONIE) to allow for a zero-touch install of all pre-qualified operating systems, including Dell Networking OS9 and third party options.
Dell said the rollout reinforces its strategy to pursue open architectures in the new era of software-defined data centers.
“These advancements are another example of Dell helping our customers to future proof and accelerate the financial and performance rewards the software-defined data center promises,” said Arpit Joshipura, vice president, product management and strategy, Dell Networking. “The new products announced today offer customers complete flexibility to take advantage of open networking environments and new computing models as well as the revenue streams these network infrastructures will allow.”
The rollout includes:
Dell Networking Z9100-ON – a 100GbE fabric switch in a 1RU fixed form factor for aggregation and access layers. It and offers multi-rate switching (10/25/40/50/100GbE). The Z9100 is designed for cloud, HPC and Web 2.0 applications that require a range of options in switching rates in high-density environments and excels in Big Data analysis and where high performance, low latency requirements exist. The fabric switch offers up to seven times the density per RU versus a competing switch.1
Dell Networking S4048-ON – a low-latency 10/40GbE Top-of-Rack (ToR) switch designed for the software-defined data center. It offers advanced features supporting large hardware tables, VXLAN and expanding buffering. It is designed for Web and Cloud service providers with Linux and open source-heavy environments. The S4048 provides a low latency 10GbE switching in HPC and business sensitive deployments that require the highest bandwidth and low latency, while cutting in half the latency versus a competing switch.
Dell Networking S3048-ON – designed for enterprise and mid-market customers with an existing 1GbE installed base. It is Dell’s first entry into 1GbE open networking switching. The S3048 is a ToR equipped with next-generation 1GbE silicon, a complete OS9 feature set including VLT, OpenFlow, Open Automation, Cloud Stack integration with OpenStack, Microsoft, VMware, Docker and others, while offering up to half the power consumption and costs up to 50 percent less than the current generation of Dell 1GbE switches.
Dell today also announced IP Infusion, Inc. as a new ecosystem partner in support of its Open Networking initiative.
