GigaOm Radar for Evaluating Disaggregated Network Operating Systems (dNOS)v5.0

1. Executive Summary

Disaggregated network operating systems (dNOS) are transforming the networking landscape by decoupling software from proprietary hardware, enabling modular and scalable network architectures. A dNOS separates the control, management, and data planes, allowing operators to independently scale and optimize network components.

This approach leverages standardized interfaces and open APIs to foster interoperability across multivendor environments, supporting a mix of white box hardware and merchant silicon. Enabling flexibility and programmability, dNOS solutions empower organizations to customize their networks for specific needs while reducing costs and avoiding vendor lock-in.

The importance of dNOS lies in its ability to address the growing complexity of modern networks. As enterprises adopt cloud-native applications, 5G technology, AI workloads, and edge computing, traditional monolithic systems struggle to keep pace. dNOS technology provides the agility needed to adapt to these demands by supporting dynamic service provisioning, efficient resource allocation, and high-performance routing.

At the same time, however, legacy vendors have adopted disaggregation to protect their installed base and mitigate supply chain issues; open source initiatives promise flexible, low-cost deployments with rapid community innovation; and new players have emerged with disruptive, cloud-native approaches, significant financial backing, and high-profile early adopters.

The result? A market defined by limited choice and “few sizes fit all” solutions has been replaced by disaggregated, cost-efficient, open-standards-based, interoperable tech stacks. Instead of purchasing and deploying a “best-fit” solution, customers can independently choose—and swap out—hardware and software based on what makes the most sense for each use case. In addition, disaggregation enables users to tailor their networks to the exact needs of their operations by adding or removing specific features, eliminating expensive forklift upgrades, and limiting vulnerabilities and risk exposure.

Moreover, dNOS is increasingly incorporating machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities, enabling more intelligent, predictive network management and automated responses to changing network conditions. This capability represents a significant shift from traditional, monolithic network operating systems toward modular, programmable, and adaptable networking architectures that can dynamically respond to the evolving requirements of modern digital infrastructure.

This is our fifth year evaluating the dNOS (formerly NOS) space in the context of our Key Criteria and Radar reports. This report builds on our previous analysis and considers how the market has evolved over the last year.

This GigaOm Radar report examines 20 of the top dNOS solutions and compares offerings against the capabilities (table stakes, key features, and emerging features) and nonfunctional requirements (business criteria) outlined in the companion Key Criteria report. Together, these reports provide an overview of the market, identify leading dNOS offerings, and help decision-makers evaluate these solutions to make a more informed investment decision.