Technological evolution has led advancements in networking, cloud storage, related software, hardware devices, and more. This has helped businesses speed up their operations, communication, and handle huge amounts of data. With networks becoming increasingly complex, they need such advanced devices, operating systems, and related software. For instance, network switches have been used in complex networks over the last few decades. But at times, they face compatibility issues. To overcome these and other challenges, white box switches were developed to be compatible with any device brands and work in open source networks with free downloadable operating systems such as Linux. This post discusses white box switching and their benefits over traditional switches at length.
What Are White Box Switches?
Before we discus white box switches, we need to know the concept of white box networking. This type of network is software defined, has open source platforms and can be operated using virtually any network operating system (NOS). Here are some pointers regarding white box switching.
- White box switches are an integral part of NOS. While these networks were only used by large players until a couple of decades ago, white box networking has gained traction over the last few years and now finds many takers.
- These are disaggregated switches that function much like regular switches on layer 2 and 3 of the OSI model, and contribute in data packet forwarding, deciding the best route, and so on.
- In this switch, all hardware is integrated and software manages and controls the operations. Both hardware and software can be bought separately or pre-installed from different vendors.
- Traditional switches have their own network operating system and hardware which is made proprietary by the manufacturer. These switches need compatible connected devices, mostly of the same brand, and this increases the cost as well.
- Unlike traditional switches, white box switches have commodity hardware and chipsets that are made by reputed manufacturers but are not brand specific and hence compatible. This also makes them affordable.
- White box switches are now available in several varieties, number of ports, and sizes. So, the hardware and NOS are not interdependent, and either can be changed, added, or removed at any point based on the user’s discretion. As mentioned, NOS for many white box switches is Linux since it is an open source OS and can be downloaded from the internet for free.
Why Use White Box Switches?
Apart from their affordability, white box switches are extremely useful.
- Businesses today dabble with huge data in the form of videos, audios, and more which must be transferred across cities or regions in a matter of seconds. This is one reason why they need networks with good speed, bandwidth, transmission distance, and seamless connectivity, and all of this within their budget. Networks today are connected to several personal or handheld devices, IoT devices, cloud storage applications, and more.
- Amid such demanding requirements, a network must have upgraded switches and other devices which are also scalable. Upgrading traditional devices can be expensive as well as tedious.
- Software-defined networking (SDN) is fast catching up among businesses, and white box switches support SDN. Also, with more number of businesses opting for cloud storage with connectivity, this option is imminent.
- Compatibility is also one more factor where white box switches work better than traditional switches.
- Adding and removing connected devices is a lot easier and so is management and control.
White Box Switch Trends and Challenges as Against Traditional Switches
Traditional switches may have limited flexibility; however, since the software and hardware are integrated well and are brand specific, they seem a safe option. While white box switching has its own benefits and is estimated to have a large market in the coming years, there are some challenges associated with it.
- White box switches market segment as such is relatively new niche, and hence is yet to see big, thriving players and exponential growth.
- Since there is no proprietary technology, there may be issues regarding maintenance and repair services, installations, service contracts, and so on.
- Most companies find it safe to use standard fiber switches or Ethernet switches as they fit into the standard scheme of things in terms of vendor agreements, maintenance, and more.
- While this is a new generation technology slowly opening up and being used in data centers and cloud service providers, it will take a while to reach SMBs and even some conventional big players.
- One needs to be sure about the brands of software and hardware used in white box switches, their services, and more. There are many big brands offering software and hardware separately, such as Cisco, Microsoft and Pica8, Pluribus, respectively. However, taking services from each of these players separately may be challenging, and one may have to tie up with authorized agency which offers repairs, replacement, and so on regardless of the brand.
- So while a white box switch may come at half the price of a traditional switch, one must ensure it will remain cost effective in the long run.
If you have a business with legacy network and you are in an expansion mode, you would need a robust and scalable network to meet your new requirements pertaining to speed, security, cloud storage, integration, and so on. Blending your network with fiber optics is an excellent option in such cases. Regardless of the type of network you choose, you would require good quality compatible network devices such as traditional switches, media converters, and more. Ensure you source them from a reliable and certified supplier like VERSITRON. The company is one of the reliable manufacturers of fiber optic network devices such as fiber optic modems, network switches, media converters, and more in the US.
