Heavy Networking 551: An Insider’s Guide To The SONiC Network OS

SONiC, or Software for Open Networking in the Cloud, is a network OS that can run on a variety of whitebox switches. Originally developed by Microsoft, SONiC is now an open-source project with distributions that target hyperscale, cloud, and enterprise environments. SONiC is one of many open-source and/or disaggregated network OSs, but its backing by heavyweights such as Microsoft, and more recently, Dell, have ensured a steady stream of development and attention. SONiC is part of a larger movement toward disaggregation and whitebox that have changed the nature of data center networks. Disaggregation and whitebox enable more product choice and flexibility and allow new design patterns to emerge. In today’s community show, David Maltz visits the Packet Pushers to talk about the SONIC project. David is a Technical Fellow at Microsoft who has been deeply involved in SONiC’s development. We discuss: * The motivation for developing SONiC * The relationship between SONiC and SAI (Switch Abstraction Interface) * Telemetry and analytics features * ASIC support * SONiC and network operations * The SONiC roadmap * More Today’s Excellent Sponsors * ITProTV. Start or grow your IT career with online IT training from ITProTV. There’s a special offer for Packet Pushers Heavy Networking listeners: sign up and save 30% off all plans! Visit itpro.tv/PACKETPUSHERS for 30% off all plans. Use promo code PACKETPUSHERS at checkout. * InterOptic. InterOptic makes high quality optical modules you can rely on. Plus, they are far cheaper than OEM optics. Save big money without compromising quality. Visit interoptic.com/packet-pushers. Tech Bytes: Pluribus Networks Stay tuned after the SONiC discussion for a sponsored Tech Bytes podcast with Pluribus Networks. We dive into Pluribus Networks’ Linux-based Netvisor ONE OS for white box switches. We also discuss Pluribus’ unique Adaptive Cloud Fabric, a distributed and controllerless SDN solution for deploying and automating data center fabrics that promises simpler operations and a lower TCO. Our guest is Alessandro Barbieri, VP of Product Management. Show Links: SONiC – Microsoft Azure Meet SONiC, the new NOS (definitely not the same as the old NOS) – Networkworld Emerging Networking Scenarios with SONiC – OCP 2020 Virtual Summit Keynote (YouTube) Open Networking & SONiC – OCP 2020 Virtual Summit: Panel Discussion (YouTube) SONiC/SAI and Its Rapid Growing Ecosystem  – OCP 2019 Keynote (YouTube) Nokia, Dell, Apstra Get SONiC With Microsoft – SDXCentral SONiC: The networking switch software that powers the Microsoft Global Cl...