Navigating the World of Open Networking: Bare Metal, White Box, and Brite Box Switches

Welcome to this blog post where we will delve into the world of network switches and explore the differences between three types of switches: Bare Metal, White Box, and Brite Box.

With the ever-increasing demand for high-speed data transfer and low latency, the importance of switches in the networking world cannot be overstated. Each type of switch has its own unique features, advantages, and disadvantages. In this post, we will objectively analyze these differences and help you understand which type of switch might be best suited for your networking needs.

Whether you are an IT professional, a network engineer, or simply a curious reader, this blog post aims to provide you with valuable insights into the world of network switches.

So, let’s get started!

Disaggregation in Networking

Disaggregation refers to the separation of hardware and software components, allowing businesses to choose the best combination for their unique needs. This approach optimizes network infrastructure for performance, cost, and flexibility. Our goal is to help businesses aggregate these disaggregated components, creating tailored solutions that perfectly fit their requirements.

Bare Metal Switches

Bare Metal switches are open switches without any network operating system (NOS) included. Businesses purchase the hardware and then choose the NOS that best supports their applications or operational environment. Some of the major Bare Metal manufacturers include Accton, Foxconn, Quanta QCT, Alpha Networks, Delta Computer, and Celestica. These companies produce high-quality hardware that can be customized to your heart’s content.

White Box Switches

White Box switches are open switches that come with an NOS installed. They are not fully integrated like “black box” switches, meaning the hardware and NOS can be managed independently. Essentially, businesses are purchasing a bundled solution consisting of a Bare Metal switch and an NOS. Examples of such solutions include IP Infusion‘s IPI Pro (Edgecore hardware and IPI OcNOS software) and IPI Fast (UFI Space hardware and IPI OcNOS software) or Pluribus’ Freedom offer (Pluribus Network today under Arista).

Brite Box Switches

Brite Box switches, or BRanded whITE box switches, are open switches with a pre-installed NOS and a brand name, such as for example Dell (who in fact has a really strong portfolio for Data Center, Enterprise and Campus market). These switches are typically made by Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs) that also produce Bare Metal switches. A Brite Box switch may be the same as the ODM’s Bare Metal switch but features a branded front bezel.

Choosing the Right Switch

Understanding the differences between Bare Metal, White Box, and Brite Box switches will help businesses make informed decisions when selecting the best option for their network infrastructure. Factors such as budget, performance requirements, and preferred level of customization will influence the choice.

My Personal Preference and Background

Before joining STORDIS and route2open, I had the opportunity to work at Edgecore Networks (part of Accton Technology), an open networking leader. Based on my experience, I developed a personal preference for Bare Metal switches. They offer simplicity and flexibility, enabling businesses to create tailored solutions that cater to their unique networking needs. By separating hardware and software components, businesses have the freedom to choose the best possible combination, optimizing for cost and performance.

We are dedicated to helping businesses navigate the world of open networking and find the ideal solution to meet their needs. As an Open Networking (humble…) Expert, I take pride in assisting organizations in aggregating the disaggregated, building robust and efficient network infrastructures. If you’re considering an open networking solution, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experts.

I hope you found this blog post informative and helpful. If you did, please feel free to like, share, and follow our social media channels for more content like this. I will continue to share insights and knowledge about the open networking industry in future blog posts. If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to discuss your networking needs, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly. Together, we can find the best open networking solution for your business.

Additionally, I am excited to offer a free course called “Unboxing Open Networking”. This course is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to Open Networking, covering its history, key organizations, etc. etc. By the end of the course, you will understand what disaggregation is, the benefits of Open Networking, and how it compares to traditional networking approaches.

I invite all interested tech enthusiasts to join our course and delve deeper into the world of Open Networking. To enroll in the course, simply visit the following link: R2O-UON – Unboxing Open Networking. Together, we can find the best open networking solution for your business and shape the future of this revolutionary technology.

Łukasz Łukowski

As a passionate advocate for open networking and revolutionizing the industry, I currently serve in multiple roles to empower businesses and individuals to embrace the future of networking. My positions include Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at STORDIS, Chief Technology and Knowledge Transfer Officer at route2open, OCP European Project Lead at Open Compute Project Foundation, and ONF Ambassador at Open Networking Foundation (ONF).

With a strong background in EMEA Channel Sales & Alliances and leadership roles at Edgecore Networks and other organizations, I strive to continuously innovate, collaborate, and create meaningful connections in the networking community. Inspired by David Frost's words, "Don't aim for success if you want it... just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally," I am driven to join forces with others to shape a more connected world. 🌐✨