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This blog post is the eighth in a series of 10 summarizing the sessions from the OCP DENT Mini Summit. Please see previous posts here:

Part 1: https://dent.dev/blog/2024/03/19/2023-ocp-dent-mini-summit-part-1-leading-the-evolution-of-nos/

Part 2: https://dent.dev/blog/2024/03/21/2023-ocp-dent-mini-summit-part-2-introduction-to-dent/

Part 3: https://dent.dev/blog/2024/03/26/2023-ocp-dent-mini-summit-series-part-3-vision-of-dent/

Part 4: https://dent.dev/blog/2024/03/28/2023-ocp-dent-mini-summit-part-4-dent-features-roadmap

Part 5: https://dent.dev/blog/2024/04/02/2023-ocp-dent-mini-summit-part-5-the-whats-done-and-whats-new-in-dent-streaming-activities/

Part 6: https://dent.dev/blog/2024/03/18/2023-ocp-dent-mini-summit-part-6-switch-abstraction-interface-sai-testing-in-dent/

Part 7: https://dent.dev/blog/2024/03/18/2023-ocp-dent-mini-summit-part-7-dent-workshop/

The DENT community hosted a Mini Summit during the OCP Global Summit to gather industry leaders, engineers, developers, and stakeholders interested in DENT within the framework of the OCP.

Amazon’s Carl Roth, a Senior Software Engineer, explained how in today’s enterprise networking landscape, the absence of a comprehensive open source Power over Ethernet (PoE) tool has hindered innovation and flexibility. Without a unified solution, network administrators have grappled with fragmented approaches to PoE management, often relying on proprietary software with limited functionalities.

Commitment to open-source ethos has culminated in the development of a PoE tool integrated seamlessly within DENT, its enterprise NOS. This solution not only caters to diverse PoE standards but also introduces support for Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP)-based negotiation, enhancing precision and efficiency in power allocation.

Roth offers a comprehensive overview of the software and hardware architecture underpinning Amazon’s PoE tool within DENT. From the implementation of L1 negotiation to the intricacies of L2 negotiation, every aspect has been meticulously crafted to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.

By embracing open-source principles, Amazon has not only addressed a longstanding gap in enterprise networking but also fostered a culture of collaboration and innovation. The availability of Amazon’s PoE tool as part of DENT empowers network administrators to leverage cutting-edge technology while retaining the flexibility and transparency inherent in open-source solutions.

Active community engagement and the prospect of upstreaming the solution underscore Amazon’s commitment to driving progress in the field of network infrastructure.

Through innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast dedication to open-source principles, Amazon has set a precedent for the industry, paving the way for enhanced efficiency, flexibility, and scalability in PoE management. 

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This blog post is the seventh in a series of 10 summarizing the sessions from the OCP DENT Mini Summit. Please see previous posts here:

Part 1: https://dent.dev/blog/2024/03/19/2023-ocp-dent-mini-summit-part-1-leading-the-evolution-of-nos/

Part 2: https://dent.dev/blog/2024/03/21/2023-ocp-dent-mini-summit-part-2-introduction-to-dent/

Part 3: https://dent.dev/blog/2024/03/26/2023-ocp-dent-mini-summit-series-part-3-vision-of-dent/

Part 4: https://dent.dev/blog/2024/03/28/2023-ocp-dent-mini-summit-part-4-dent-features-roadmap/

Part 5: https://dent.dev/blog/2024/04/02/2023-ocp-dent-mini-summit-part-5-the-whats-done-and-whats-new-in-dent-streaming-activities/

Part 6: https://dent.dev/blog/2024/03/18/2023-ocp-dent-mini-summit-part-6-switch-abstraction-interface-sai-testing-in-dent/

The DENT community hosted a Mini Summit during the OCP Global Summit to gather industry leaders, engineers, developers, and stakeholders interested in DENT within the framework of the OCP.

DENT harnesses the power of Linux to manage network switching hardware and functionalities without the need for specialized software. Amazon’s Taskin Ucpinar demonstrated precisely that during 2023 OCP’s DENT Workshop.

Throughout the session, participants witnessed the seamless integration between Linux and network hardware. Unlike proprietary solutions, DENT leverages the Linux Kernel and other Linux-based projects as the foundation for building a standardized network operating system. This approach ensures compatibility and flexibility, allowing standard Linux tools and utilities to effectively manage devices.

Live demonstrations underscored the simplicity of using Linux commands to configure and manage network hardware. Tasks such as setting up device communication and configuring BGP were executed effortlessly, showcasing how Linux-based functionalities translate into network management tasks within the DENT ecosystem.

What sets DENT apart is its ability to bridge the gap between Linux and network hardware, providing a unified platform where standard Linux tools can be leveraged to manage complex networking environments. This not only simplifies network management but also opens up possibilities for innovation and customization without the constraints of proprietary software.

The DENT workshop highlighted the transformative potential of Linux in the realm of networking. By embracing Linux principles and leveraging its robust ecosystem, DENT paves the way for a new era of standardized and user-friendly network operations.

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This blog post is the sixth in a series of 10 summarizing the sessions from the OCP DENT Mini Summit. Please see previous posts here:

Part 1: https://dent.dev/blog/2024/03/19/2023-ocp-dent-mini-summit-part-1-leading-the-evolution-of-nos/

Part 2: https://dent.dev/blog/2024/03/21/2023-ocp-dent-mini-summit-part-2-introduction-to-dent/

Part 3: https://dent.dev/blog/2024/03/26/2023-ocp-dent-mini-summit-series-part-3-vision-of-dent/

Part 4: https://dent.dev/blog/2024/03/28/2023-ocp-dent-mini-summit-part-4-dent-features-roadmap/

Part 5: https://dent.dev/blog/2024/04/02/2023-ocp-dent-mini-summit-part-5-the-whats-done-and-whats-new-in-dent-streaming-activities/

The DENT community hosted a Mini Summit during the OCP Global Summit to gather industry leaders, engineers, developers, and stakeholders interested in DENT within the framework of the OCP.

In this segment, Taras Chornyi, Director of Open Networking Solutions and Strategy at PLVision, and Manodipto Ghose, Product Manager at Keysight, discuss streamlined integration through Switch Abstraction Interface (SAI). Harmonizing SAI with the DENT NOS enables hardware and silicon vendors to speed up innovation and interoperability.

Recent developments focus on testing methodologies and the integration of Open Traffic Generator (OTG) APIs to optimize the process.

DENT addresses challenges in SAI integration by emphasizing compatibility between NOS and SAI implementations. The project introduces a robust testing framework to verify adherence to expected behaviors and standards.

The inclusion of OTG enhances DENT’s testing capabilities, facilitating seamless transitions between software-defined test beds and hardware-based traffic generators. This approach promotes reusability and efficiency, accelerating the validation process for SAI implementations.

By establishing a standardized testing framework, DENT empowers developers to ensure compatibility and functionality across diverse network environments. The collaboration between PLVision, Keysight, and DENT fosters diverse innovation, driving advancements in network infrastructure technology.

Ultimately, DENT’s commitment to enhancing network integration through SAI and OTG represents a significant leap forward in networking technologies. Stay tuned for further updates as DENT continues to push the boundaries of network innovation.

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This blog post is the fifth in a series of 10 summarizing the sessions from the OCP DENT Mini Summit. Please see previous posts here:

Part 1: https://dent.dev/blog/2024/03/19/2023-ocp-dent-mini-summit-part-1-leading-the-evolution-of-nos/

Part 2: https://dent.dev/blog/2024/03/21/2023-ocp-dent-mini-summit-part-2-introduction-to-dent/

Part 3: https://dent.dev/blog/2024/03/26/2023-ocp-dent-mini-summit-series-part-3-vision-of-dent/

Part 4: https://dent.dev/blog/2024/03/28/2023-ocp-dent-mini-summit-part-4-dent-features-roadmap/

The DENT community hosted a Mini Summit during the OCP Global Summit to gather industry leaders, engineers, developers, and stakeholders interested in DENT within the framework of the OCP.

Bruno Banelli, Emerging Technologies Architect at Sartura, detailed the importance of maintaining and improving foundational elements, while acknowledging that this crucial work can sometimes go unnoticed. Banelli and Sartura have quietly been making significant strides in advancing DENT’s upstreaming activities and shedding light on the value of upstreaming in the Linux Kernel domain.

Banelli emphasized the enduring power of open-source collaboration, even in an era dominated by cutting-edge technologies. He articulated the motivations driving Sartura’s upstreaming efforts as it pertains to DENT, highlighting the dangers of technological debt and the necessity of ensuring the longevity and stability of products.

Sartura’s contributions to DENT exemplify the tangible impact of upstreaming activities. By implementing TLV info tables and addressing the industry-wide challenge of PoE support in the Linux kernel, Sartura has enhanced DENT’s network operating system and facilitated broader access to these advancements.

Looking ahead, Sartura’s commitment to upstreaming serves as a beacon of collaboration and dedication to open-source principles. Their efforts transcend mere technical contributions, embodying a spirit of resilience and fortitude in maintaining the foundations of our technological infrastructure.

In celebrating Sartura’s steadfast dedication, it’s essential to recognize the importance of fortifying the old amidst the allure of the new. DENT’s development promises a more robust and enduring technological future, serving as a reminder that progress is not only about innovation but also about the steadfast maintenance of the foundations upon which it rests.

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This blog post is the fourth in a series of 10 summarizing the sessions from the OCP DENT Mini Summit. Please see previous posts here:

Part 1: https://dent.dev/blog/2024/03/19/2023-ocp-dent-mini-summit-part-1-leading-the-evolution-of-nos/

Part 2: https://dent.dev/blog/2024/03/21/2023-ocp-dent-mini-summit-part-2-introduction-to-dent/

Part 3: https://dent.dev/blog/2024/03/26/2023-ocp-dent-mini-summit-series-part-3-vision-of-dent/

The DENT community hosted a Mini Summit during the OCP Global Summit to gather industry leaders, engineers, developers, and stakeholders interested in DENT within the framework of the OCP.

2023 marked the most active year in DENT’s history. Taskin Ucpinar, Senior Director of Software with Edgecore Networks Corporation and Amazon representative, detailed DENT’s 2023 journey. 

DENT embraced a new era with the release of Cynthia 3.0, 3.1 and 3.2, with unprecedented focus on stability and deployability. 

DENT v3.0, released March 30th, 2023, implemented a new LTS kernel, following kernel upstream best practices. DENT 3.0 ushered in the technical community’s move to a rapid innovation/release cycle, enabling earlier access to requested features in a modern DevOps world that includes 802.1x, QoS, IGMP Snooping, and Egress Policing. 

DENT 3.0 built on a solid foundation of fundamental OS features for networking, three years in the making, that included SwitchDev, POE+ and others. Specific feature updates in 3.0 include:

DENT v3.1 soon followed in accordance with DENT’s rapid release cycle. Released June 22nd, 2023, v3.1 included over 240 new test suites and fully vetted versions of IEEE 802.1x, QoS, IPv6, and IGMP Snooping.

DENT continued its acceleration of retail marketing momentum with the launch of DENT v3.2. Enhancements include a fortified test suite covering critical network protocols, an upgrade to Debian 10 LTS for leveraging latest Linux features, virtualization support for running DENT on VMs, virtual routing and forwarding for network segmentation, and support for TN48M2-SWDEV, a 48-port 10G switch with 6 40G uplinks from Delta Electronics.

2024: The Year of DENT v4 Deep Thought. DENT plans to migrate to Debian 12, enhance LLDP and PoE support, introduce a firmware upgrader, and expand testing for protocols and authentication methods. DENT remains committed to compatibility and efficiency, integrating with the Linux kernel and offering OCPI for application development. The introduction of Switch Manager streamlines integration between DENT and OCPI.

Future aspirations include package streaming, ZTP, OpenConfig support, multicast routing, and fortified security measures. Users are encouraged to explore DENT’s resources, from open-source repositories on GitHub to comprehensive documentation on the DENT website. With each step forward, DENT reaffirms its commitment to empowering users and driving innovation in networking technology.

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This blog post is the third in a series of 10 summarizing the sessions from the OCP DENT Mini Summit. Please see previous posts here:

Part 1: https://dent.dev/blog/2024/03/19/2023-ocp-dent-mini-summit-part-1-leading-the-evolution-of-nos/

Part 2: https://dent.dev/blog/2024/03/21/2023-ocp-dent-mini-summit-part-2-introduction-to-dent/

The DENT community hosted a Mini Summit during the OCP Global Summit to gather industry leaders, engineers, developers, and stakeholders interested in DENT within the framework of the OCP.

Amazon’s Jason Long, Director of Network Development, provided perspective on DENT’s vision and ability to revolutionize NOS. By utilizing Linux Kernel, SAI, Switchdev, and other Linux-based projects, DENT has fostered a strong support system for disaggregation and accelerated innovation.

Unlike existing solutions like Sonic, DENT starts its journey at the edge, targeting distributed edge deployments like retail outlets and branch offices. Its strategic focus on edge deployments optimizes performance and resource utilization by minimizing hardware abstractions and leveraging Linux fundamentals.

DENT fosters an open ecosystem, encouraging collaboration among stakeholders, from end-users to hardware vendors. Standardizing interfaces with hardware components ensures compatibility across various hardware and use cases, facilitating seamless integration with third-party solutions.

While DENT initially targets edge deployments, its scalable architecture and commitment to innovation pave the way for expansion into other markets, including enterprises. With its optimized infrastructure, DENT aims to democratize networking, making it accessible and cost-effective for organizations of all sizes.

In conclusion, DENT represents a significant advancement in network operating systems, offering tailored solutions for edge deployments and beyond. Join us on this transformative journey towards a more connected future with DENT.

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This blog post is the second in a series of 10 summarizing the sessions from the OCP DENT Mini Summit. Please see part one here: https://dent.dev/?p=928

The DENT community hosted a Mini Summit during the OCP Global Summit to gather industry leaders, engineers, developers, and stakeholders interested in DENT within the framework of the OCP.

The second portion of the 2023 OCP DENT Mini Summit was presented by Kevin Yao, Senior Director of Strategic Account at Micas Networks. Yao opened by discussing the practical applications of DENT from the perspective of a new project member. Then, Yao went on to outline DENT’s mission to create an ecosystem of contributors and users around a full-featured NOS and control plane that is natively supported by Linux and a hardware ecosystem enabling the transition to disaggregated networks.

Yao explained to attendees how DENT transcends traditional operating systems, presenting a holistic ecosystem comprising software, hardware, and testing tools. This comprehensive approach aims to offer seamless solutions across technological domains, from switch silicons to supporting infrastructure.

Central to DENT’s ethos is collaboration and inclusivity. Through partnerships with industry leaders and adherence to open-source principles, DENT aspires to foster a dynamic community where innovation flourishes.

Fueled by Linux-based software and boasting an array of hardware options, DENT promises unparalleled flexibility and scalability. Whether streamlining integration processes or optimizing costs, DENT is positioned to meet diverse needs effectively.

DENT’s community-driven nature features robust support from the Linux community and active engagement from stakeholders. DENT emerges not merely as a project, but as a movement toward a more collaborative and innovative tech landscape.

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The Open Compute Project (OCP) Foundation is a growing, global community whose mission is to design, use, and enable mainstream delivery of the most efficient designs for scalable computing. OCP is rooted in the belief that openly sharing ideas, specifications, and other intellectual property is the key to maximizing innovation and reducing complexity in tech components. 

At the 2023 OCP Global Summit held in San Jose, CA between October 17-19, 2023, industry leaders, researchers, and pioneers from the open community engaged in dialogues, workshops, and interactive sessions aimed to increase understanding of project progress and foreseeable challenges. The Global Summit is the largest of two OCP Summits held each year. 

The DENT community hosted a Mini Summit during the OCP Global Summit to gather industry leaders, engineers, developers, and stakeholders interested in DENT within the framework of the OCP. The summit provided a platform for sharing insights, advancements, and best practices related to DENT and its integration within OCP’s ecosystem. It focused on discussing DENT’s architecture, deployment strategies, use cases, and community engagement.

The first presenter was the Linux Foundation’s Arpit Joshipura, GM and SVP of Networking and Edge IoT and Domain AI. Joshipura began DENT’s Mini Summit by providing key insights into the evolving landscape of Network Operating Systems (NOS) through the lens of DENT. Joshipura highlighted opportunities for deployment across various projects, extending beyond retail into diverse verticals. 

Addressing the historical fragmentation of NOS, Joshipura underscored recent harmonization efforts, notably with projects like DENT and Sonic aligning with industry specs. The goal remains clear: to foster interoperability and prevent hardware respinning.

Joshipura outlined significant progress in DENT’s architecture and deployment, particularly in retail and e-commerce sectors. Notably, community contributions have shown steady growth, with commits and contributors up by 15-25% in the past year. With commitments and contributions on the rise, the future of NOS is promising, driven by collaboration and innovation.

Concluding with an invitation to the 2024 ONE Summit taking place in San Jose, CA from April 29–May 1, Joshipura urged participation from networking professionals. ONE Summit promises to remain a pivotal platform for industry dialogue and collaboration.

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