Introduction

At Luxoft, we are often asked by our customers about the relative merits and approaches of using open source as the basis for developing new networking devices. These open coded approaches are no-longer just for test devices and simulators but now offer fully functional and competitive approaches to device development reducing costs and shortening time to market. Among the popular open source operating systems for networking devices are DentOS and Sonic. This white paper provides an in-depth analysis of these two operating systems, comparing their features and suitability for strategic commercial platforms. Additionally, this paper discusses the possible factors to consider when choosing between the two operating systems, including alignment with chip vendors like Marvell or Broadcom.

DentOS vs. Sonic for networking devices

DentOS is an open source network operating system developed by Dent Instrument, a Canadian company. It is a lightweight, modular operating system that is designed for use in small to medium-sized networks. It is based on the Open Network Install Environment (ONIE) and can be installed on a range of whitebox hardware. DentOS supports various network protocols, including BGP, OSPF, and VXLAN. It also includes several features such as traffic filtering and monitoring, virtual routing, and multicast support. It is a Linux-based open source operating system that is specifically designed for networking devices. It provides a wide range of features that include management, automation, and security functionalities. One of the significant benefits of DentOS is its flexibility, which allows network administrators to customize it according to their specific needs. Additionally, DentOS supports a broad range of hardware platforms, making it an excellent choice for organizations that use diverse networking devices.

Sonic, on the other hand, is another open source operating system that is built on top of Debian Linux and was developed by Microsoft. Sonic is designed for networking devices, especially switches, and provides various features such as automation, management, and telemetry. The use of a Debian base provides a stable and secure platform for network administrators. Sonic supports a range of network hardware and includes features such as dynamic routing, virtual networking, and telemetry. It also supports the use of network programming languages like Python and offers a REST API for easy integration with other network management tools.

One of the significant differences between DentOS and Sonic is their heritage. While Sonic is based on Debian distribution, DentOS is utilizing the Linux Kernel, Switchdev, and other Linux based projects, hosted under the Linux Foundation. This difference affects the way these operating systems function and interact with hardware platforms. DentOS is optimized for embedded systems and offers a smaller footprint compared to Sonic, making it suitable for low-end hardware platforms. In contrast, Sonic provides a more comprehensive set of features and is suitable for high-end networking devices.

Some of the additional differences between DentOS and Sonic include:

Architecture:

DentOS is based on a traditional monolithic kernel architecture, whereas SONiC uses a modular architecture based on the Switch Abstraction Interface (SAI) specification. This makes SONiC more flexible and easier to customize.

Community support:

SONiC has a larger and more active open source community, with support from companies like Microsoft, Facebook, and Alibaba. DentOS is a proprietary system with a smaller user base.

Hardware compatibility:

SONiC has wider hardware compatibility due to its modular architecture, while DentOS may be limited in the hardware it can support.

CLI and management:

The command-line interface (CLI) and management tools in SONiC are more advanced and offer more features than those in DentOS.

Protocol support: Both systems support a wide range of networking protocols, but SONiC is known for its excellent support of high-speed switching technologies like 100G and 400G.

Vendor support:

DentOS is primarily used by Delta Networks, whereas SONiC has a broader range of vendor support from companies like Dell, Edgecore Networks, and Apcela.

Overall, while both systems have their strengths, SONiC is generally considered to be more flexible, scalable, and better suited for modern high-speed networking environments. DentOS, on the other hand, may be a good choice for organizations with more limited networking needs and a preference for a more traditional CLI interface.