Nokia Enhances Data Center Offerings with SONiC Support
Nokia has expanded its data center switching portfolio by integrating support for the open-source Software for Open Networking in the Cloud (SONiC), offering a new avenue for building flexible and efficient data center networks.
What is SONiC?
Originally developed by Microsoft for its Azure data centers, SONiC was open-sourced in 2017 and is now maintained under the Linux Foundation. The platform has grown into a robust community with over 4,000 contributors and 28 member organizations.
SONiC is a Linux-based system that separates network software from its underlying hardware, enabling it to operate on a diverse range of switches and ASICs from multiple vendors. It supports advanced networking features such as Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), remote direct memory access (RDMA), Quality of Service (QoS), and Ethernet/IP. SONiC’s modular and programmable architecture makes it an appealing choice for enterprises and hyperscale cloud providers seeking a modern alternative to traditional network operating systems.
Nokia’s Integration of SONiC
By incorporating SONiC into its data center fabric solutions, Nokia aims to deliver greater flexibility and choice to its customers. This move allows enterprises and cloud providers to leverage Nokia’s SONiC development and support resources. Nokia’s data center hardware platforms are designed to meet stringent requirements for reliability, power efficiency, and longevity, ensuring optimal performance in demanding environments.
Michael Bushong, Nokia’s Vice President of Data Center, highlighted the significance of this development in a recent blog post. “For customers seeking fully integrated solutions with advanced features and dedicated engineering support, Nokia continues to offer its SR Linux NOS as part of our data center fabric portfolio,” Bushong wrote. SR Linux NOS provides comprehensive protocol support, third-party application compatibility, and advanced networking capabilities.
Automation with Nokia EDA
To simplify the management and operation of SONiC environments, Nokia offers its Event Driven Automation (EDA) platform. This infrastructure automation tool provides a suite of features, including network provisioning, configuration management, performance optimization, and troubleshooting. Nokia EDA streamlines operations, reduces manual intervention, and minimizes the risk of human error, aligning with Nokia’s broader vision of delivering error-free networking solutions.
Transforming Data Center Networking
The adoption of SONiC represents a significant milestone for Nokia as it aims to provide end-to-end data center networking infrastructure that combines hardware, software, and operational tools. This integration empowers organizations to build adaptable and future-ready networks that align with the demands of modern cloud computing.
Nokia’s commitment to supporting both SONiC and its proprietary SR Linux NOS ensures that customers can choose the best solution for their unique requirements, whether they prioritize open-source flexibility or the advanced capabilities of fully integrated systems.