The Linux Foundation has added a new open-source project to its stable that aims to foster greater collaboration with information technology network hardware, forwarding and operating system layers.

The Disaggregated Network Operating System, or DANOS, is based on wireless operator AT&T Inc.’s dNOS software framework, and is being pitched as an open, cost-effective and flexible alternative to proprietary network operating systems. The Linux Foundation said it wants to improve on AT&T’s software by encouraging complementary open-source communities to contribute to the project to create a standardized network operating system.

Historically it has been tough to create a standardized NOS because of the complex nature of the software and hardware requirements, the foundation said. The problem is that each device in the network requires its own operating system. However, as both software and hardware have progressed, a new ecosystem of advanced networking applications has emerged to provide the building blocks to host an open NOS.

“We are pleased to welcome DANOS to The Linux Foundation community of open, collaborative innovation,” said Arpit Joshipura, general manager of networking at the Linux Foundation. “DANOS will provide an open NOS framework that leverages existing open-source resources and complementary platforms such as switches and white box routers. We invite others in the broader ecosystem to join the effort to accelerate innovation and creation of an industry-standard disaggregated NOS.”

AT&T announced at the Open Networking Summit in Los Angeles Wednesday that it’s already planning to deploy DANOS in its mobile network later this year, along with more unbranded “white box” routers.

The company said it’s pushing the idea hard because of growing demand on its network, which carries about 200 petabytes of data per day. That compares with just 137 petabytes a day a year ago, AT&T Chief Technology Officer Andre Fuetsch said in a keynote.

“This is not just an operating system that handles the needs of the data center,” he said. “It has the capability to support carrier-grade protocols for things such as alarms, automation and other operational issues, and can fit multiple needs of communications service providers, both large and small.”

Image: Sumanely/Pixabay