Table of Contents
- Networking operating systems
- Arista EOS
- NVIDIA Cumulus Linux
- Windows Server
- SONiC
- Cisco NX-OS
- Cisco IOS
- Junos OS (Juniper Networks)
- MikroTik RouterOS
- FortiOS (Fortinet)
Network is the backbone of nearly every business in today’s digital landscape. A network operating system (NOS) is designed to connect and manage multiple devices over the network and allows centralized network management. If you want to be a network engineer or administrator, mastering an NOS is essential to ensure efficient, secure, and scalable network operations across an organization.
Network Operating Systems
Unlike a traditional OS, an NOS manages an entire network of computers and devices. It enables you to share resources, including files, printers, and applications, across the network. An NOS provides security with centralized authentication, encryption, and firewalls. If you want hands-on experience with NOSs, you need to join network technician training programs.
Top Network Operating Systems
- Arista EOS
Arista EOS (Extensible Operating System) is a Linux-based NOS. Highly modular and programmable, this NOS runs a single software binary across Arista’s switching family. It supports SysDB (a state-sharing architecture) and separates the decision-making process from the actual movement of data.
Pros
- Single binary image across platforms ensures consistency and simplifies updates.
- It supports APIs, SDKs, DevOps tools, and state-sharing architecture for strong programmability.
- In-band telemetry, LANZ, VM/Container Tracer, and other features to monitor performance and health.
Cons
- High cost
- Suitable for data centers or large enterprises only
- Steep learning curve
- Dependence on Arista hardware
- NVIDIA Cumulus Linux
It is an open-source, Linux-based NOS that provides flexibility and scalability to integrate with standard Linux tools and automation frameworks seamlessly. Its key features include open architecture, automation-readiness, standardized networking, modular design, and bare-metal support.
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Scalability
- Integration with existing tools
- Community support
Cons
- Hardware compatibility issues
- Requires learning Linux networking concepts and tools
- Community-driven support takes longer to resolve issues
- Windows Server
It is an enterprise-grade OS designed by Microsoft to manage and support applications, services, and workloads across various types of environments, including on-premises, hybrid, and cloud.
Key features of Windows Server include Active Directory, Hyper-V, Remote Desktop Services, Windows Admin Center, and security features such as BitLocker, Windows Defender, and more.
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Comprehensive support
- Robust security features
Cons
- Licensing cost
- Resource intensive
- Frequent target for cyberattacks
- SONiC
Initially developed by Microsoft, this open-source Linux-based NOS was transitioned to the Linux Foundation. It utilizes the Switch Abstraction Interface to provide hardware abstraction, allowing for flexibility and scalability in network operations. It offers key features, including a modular architecture, broad hardware support, high-performance networking, and an open-source community.
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Flexibility
- Scalability
- Vendor independence
Cons
- Complex configuration
- Limited support
- Still evolvingÂ
- Cisco NX-OS
Cisco Systems developed Cisco NX-OS for its Nexus series switches and MDS series storage switches. It is designed to provide scalability, high availability, and virtualization for data center environments.
Cisco NX-OS offers features such as modular architecture, Virtual Device Contexts, unified fabric support (including protocols like Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) and Fibre Channel over IP (FCIP)), comprehensive security, and high availability with features like In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU) and Virtual Port Channels (vPCs).
Pros
- Scalability
- Flexibility
- ReliabilityÂ
Cons
- Complex configuration
- Resource-intensive
- Licensing cost
- Cisco IOS
Cisco Systems developed this proprietary NOS for its routers and network switches. Cisco IOS integrates a multitasking kernel with routing, switching, internetworking, telecommunications, and other networking functions.
Its key features include a command-line interface (CLI), routing protocols (RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP), security features (access control lists (ACLs), IPsec, and VPN capabilities), quality of service (optimal performance with traffic prioritization and bandwidth management), and network management.
Pros
- Industry standard
- Comprehensive feature set
- Extensive documentation and support
Cons
- Complex configuration
- Resource intensive
- Licensing cost
- Junos OS (Juniper Networks)
Juniper Networks developed Junos OS for its routers, switches, and security devices. This modular, Unix-based operating system runs a single software image across all platforms. Junos OS also supports scripting and automation via Python and Junos PyEZ.
Pros
- Highly stable and reliable for enterprise networks
- Simple maintenance and updates
- Support for scripting and automation
- Vendor support
- Extensive documentation
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Licensing cost
- Limited hardware support outside Juniper devices
- MikroTik RouterOS
RouterOS is a Linux-based NOS that transforms your PC into a fully functional router. It offers a wide range of features, including routing protocols (such as OSPF, BGP, and MPLS), firewall and VPN (PPTP, L2TP, and IPsec), bandwidth management, wireless networking, and cloud-hosted router.
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Flexible and configurable
- Extensive documentation
Cons
- Learning curve
- Hardware compatibility
- Security concerns
- FortiOS
Developed by Fortinet, FortiOS integrates networking and security functionalities into a single platform. It offers features such as next-generation firewall, VPN support, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and advanced threat protection.
Pros
- Integrated security features
- High-performance hardware
- Centralized management
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- High cost