Open Source Switches – Introduction, benefits & future!

In the past, many companies have favored closed switches to meet their network requirements. However, the increasing demand for customized software and hardware has drawn attention to open source switches. What exactly are these open source switches? Who makes them, and for what purpose? And are these switches superior to their closed counterparts?

Understanding open source switches

An open source switch is a type of switch that works with an accessible network operating system. The distinguishing feature of these switches is the separation of hardware and software, which enables independent selection. Consequently, a single operating system can be seamlessly integrated with different hardware platforms, while a given hardware platform can work with different operating systems. The flexibility of open source switches allows users to customize and modify them to suit their specific applications and requirements.

Definition of open source switches

According to the definition, "Open source switches are network switches whose source code is openly accessible and can be viewed, modified and distributed by anyone. They are an alternative to proprietary switches whose code is kept secret by their manufacturers."

Types of open source switches

There are three main types of open source switches on the market:

Bare Metal Switch:

These are the lowest priced options that have no stickers and offer a simple limited warranty. Bare metal switches come with a convenient bootloader, Open Network Install Environment (ONIE), which allows loading of network operating systems (NOS) such as Big Switch Light, Linux, Pica8 Pic Cumulus and others.

White box switch:

These are Gigabit Ethernet switches that are supplied without a label. The three white box switch options available on the market are listed below;
a.    Separately structured hardware and operating systems that resemble bare metal devices.
b.    Integrated hardware and software from the manufacturer.
c.    Pre-installed operating system that allows for customization or labeling.

Brite Box switch:

Brite-box switches are a term that is often used interchangeably with white-box switches. Brite-box switches are off-the-self genetic switches and allow users to choose their network operating system. The biggest difference between these switches and other generic switches is their prominent branding on the front panel. In other words, brite box switches are versatile because they have a certain level of branding or identification that traditional white box switches lack. Brite-box switches are better in many ways because they offer users unlimited customization options and are associated with major brands such as HP or DELL.

Comparative analysis: Bare metal vs. white box vs. brite box switches

As mentioned above, these categories - bare-metal, white-box and brite-box switches - are recognized types within open source switches, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Bare-metal switches often serve as platforms for commercial Network Operating System (NOS) vendors, while brite-box switches come with recognizable branding. The figure below summarizes some key differences between the different types of switches;

There is a consensus that the white box switch is the most flexible and cost-effective open network switch on the market, especially in certain scenarios. However, it is important to note that determining the "best" switch is subjective and depends on specific use cases, industry requirements and organizational preferences. Given the varying needs of consumers in different sectors, there is no universal rule of thumb for selecting the ideal switch for open networks."

Outlook for the future: What lies ahead for open source switches

The future of open source switches holds promising developments that will revolutionize network paradigms. Open source switches are expected to evolve with technological advancements, offering even more flexibility, scalability and efficiency. Expected innovations include enhanced automation and orchestration capabilities that enable seamless integration with new technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Collaboration between key industry players can promote the creation of standardized interfaces and support interoperability between different open source switch ecosystems. In addition, the proliferation of software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV) will likely be linked to open source switches and pave the way for more dynamic and adaptable networks.
With a focus on security, the future may see robust encryption standards and improved threat detection mechanisms that ensure the resilience of open source switches in the face of evolving cyber threats. As these switches become integral parts of modern network infrastructures, their role in shaping the future of networks will become increasingly important.

Challenges in connection with open source switches

- Integration with existing hardware and software presents hurdles.
- In addition to the hardware, there are also problems with software interfaces and network protocols.
- Bare-metal switches can present problems with the user interface and limited warranty coverage.
- White-box switches can introduce complexities related to vendor-specific integrations or pre-installed operating systems.
- Brite-box switches, while offering the possibility of customization, can raise concerns about brand identity and compatibility.

Advantages of open source switches

Transparency: Anyone can check what the code does and how it does it, making it easier to identify and fix bugs, vulnerabilities or performance issues.
Flexibility: Anyone can customize the code to meet specific requirements or integrate it with other open source or proprietary tools.
Cost efficiency: Anyone can avoid paying expensive license fees or being tied to a specific vendor and instead rely on community support or commercial services from various vendors.
Innovation: Everyone can contribute to the development of the code, share their expertise or benefit from the contributions of others, which can lead to faster innovation and better quality.

Are you interested in getting to know open source switches?

If you are interested in open source switches, you can investigate various projects such as Open vSwitch, Cumulus Linux, SONiC, Stratum or Tungsten Fabric. Each project has its own features, goals and community. It is therefore important to choose the project that best meets your requirements and expectations.

Conclusion:

Open source switches play a central role in the networking industry. Whether you choose a white-box switch, a brite-box switch or a bare-metal switch, the choice should be guided by specific network requirements, existing infrastructure and financial considerations. The remarkable advantage of these switches is that they offer users almost unlimited flexibility. In the illustration below, you can see some obvious differences between open and proprietary switches;

In summary, the future of open source switches offers exciting opportunities characterized by innovation, collaboration and an important role in shaping the dynamic landscape of modern networks. If organizations approach the challenges wisely while leveraging the unique strengths of each switch type, they can successfully navigate the open source switch landscape.