FAQs

Q: What is OpenSwitch OPX Base?

A: OpenSwitch OPX Base is an innovative operating system for network systems. It uses an unmodified Linux kernel and standard distribution to take advantage of rich ecosystem, and also provide flexibility in customizing your system according to your network needs.

---

Q: Is OPX Base a Linux distribution?

A: OPX Base is Linux-based but not a distribution by itself. OPX Base runs on Debian Jessie and has also been ported to Ubuntu (see opx-build for complete information).

---

Q: How do I build an ONIE installer image?

A: The build process is fully automated (see OpenSwitch ONIE installer and opx-build for complete information).

---

Q: How do I build an OPX Base image?

A: See OpenSwitch build system for complete information on how to produce an OpenSwitch OPX Base image.

---

Q: How do I get the OPX Base source code?

A: OPX Base is fully open-sourced at GitHub, and distributed under an Apache license. It is maintained as multiple repositories, instead of a single large repo for manageability reasons (see Repositories for a complete listing).

---

Q: Which hardware platforms are you running OPX Base on?

A: The current release of OPX Base supports S6000-ON devices only. Future implementations will support various devices, platforms, and ASIC vendors.

---

Q: Why are certain SAI implementations only distributed in binary form?

A: SAI defines the common API supported by multiple ASIC vendors. The SAI implementation depends on each individual vendor's SDK, which may not be open-sourced itself. Depending on the vendor's license model, OPX Base may or may not be allowed to open source the SAI implementation.

---

Q: Which ASIC vendors you are working with for future development?

A: We're currently working with Broadcom, Barefoot Networks, Cavium, and Innovium just to name a few.

---

Q: What is your testing strategy for multiple ASIC vendors to check in the code?

A: We have an initial test framework which is based on Ansible test suites. ASIC vendors have the ability to use OpenSwitch itself, run it on their platforms, and run the test suite that we're building. We're currently working on testing and qualification labs for future releases.

---

Q: Do you recommend using the Linux standard drivers and interfaces in the SDI layer or are they vendor provided?

A: We do recommend using the vendor drivers that currently exist in Linux today, but we don't recommend system vendors or ODM platforms to provide kernel-level modules or kernel modifications.

---

Q: Which open networking solutions and companies are you working with for future development?

A: Dell EMC OS10 Enterprise and OPEN Editions, Big Switch Networks, Cumulus Networks, IP Infusion, and Pluribus Networks just to name a few.

---

Q: How can I port OPX Base to a new device?

A: See the OPX Base porting guide for complete information.

---

Q: Does OPX Base support ToR as well as modular switches?

A: OPX Base supports both ToR and modular switches using the CPS layer. The CPS layer allows you to configure a group of switches together, and then talk to them all through the CPS layer (as if they were local). Although the S6000-ON platform supports it, OPX Base does not currently support fabric in this release.

---

Q: How can I contribute to OPX Base?

A: OPX Base welcomes collaboration with the community in many different capacities. See Contribute to OPX Base, Contribute to OpenSwitch, and Report bugs for complete information.