Description
SONIC ECOSYSTEM Overview
1. Industry Background: The Inevitable Shift from Closed to Open Networking
With the rapid growth of cloud computing, large-scale AI models, and edge computing, traditional “black-box” switches—with their closed software ecosystems—have increasingly become a bottleneck for rapid deployment and flexible scaling.
SONiC (Software for Open Networking in the Cloud), as a globally leading open-source network operating system, has become a core foundation for next-generation data center networks due to its disaggregated architecture, modular design, and high scalability.
However, transforming open-source SONiC into a stable, commercially deployable solution remains challenging. Hardware adaptation complexity, SAI (Switch Abstraction Interface) integration difficulties, and long development cycles continue to be major obstacles.
2. Solution Overview: A Dual-Engine Model of Hardware Platform + Reference System Source Code
Leveraging years of deep expertise in switch R&D, we introduce an integrated solution combining a Centec chip–based hardware platform with a SONiC reference system design.
Rather than simply selling hardware, we deliver a “ready-to-run” development foundation. By abstracting the complexity of the underlying hardware, development teams can bypass low-level adaptation and focus on higher-layer business logic and value-added features—significantly shortening time-to-market.
3. Core Components of the Solution
*High-Performance Hardware Platform (Based on Centec chip)
Powered by high-performance Centec chip, delivering high bandwidth, low latency, and strong forwarding capability.
A broad range of switch hardware options, from 1G/10G/25G access to 100G/400G aggregation, supporting multiple port density configurations.
Optimized for enterprise and data center environments, featuring redundant power supplies, hot-swappable fans, and comprehensive hardware monitoring.
*Deeply Adapted SONiC Reference System
Based on a stable community SONiC release, the delivered source code includes integrated drivers, peripheral control (LED / SFP / Fan / PSU), and platform monitoring modules.
The source code can be compiled and run directly on target hardware, ensuring full control-plane and data-plane integration.
4. Core Value
Our solution eliminates from-scratch development risks by completing approximately 80% of platform and SAI adaptation work.
Customers gain full software-hardware decoupling and deep customization capabilities, including protocol enhancement, management integration, branded UI/UX, and long-term technical support.
5. Customer Development Journey
*Hardware adoption
*Code delivery
*Secondary development
6. Hardware Platforms
For detailed hardware models, please refer to the hardware appendix.
7. Conclusion
With Centec-based hardware and a commercial-ready SONiC reference system, customers can accelerate development, reduce cost, and gain a competitive edge in open networking.