As network architectures evolve toward greater openness and flexibility, bare metal switches with open hardware and customisable options are rapidly gaining industry attention. By decoupling hardware from software, users are free to choose their preferred open network operating system, enhancing network agility and control. This article highlights FS bare metal switches and their close integration with the PicOS® operating system, designed to support open networking and build secure, manageable, and high-performance networks.
Bare Metal Switches Powered by Open Network Operating Systems
Bare metal switches refer to disaggregated network hardware that comes without a default operating system, allowing businesses the flexibility to install the Network Operating System (NOS) that best suits their specific needs. This model supports hardware-software decoupling, helping to reduce vendor lock-in, streamline costs, and unlock greater agility in building open, high-performance networks.
Leading enterprises and cloud service providers, such as Google, Microsoft, and Facebook, have widely adopted bare metal switches within their large-scale data centers. These organizations require network equipment that offers top-tier performance, programmability, and customization to support complex architectures and evolving business demands. The openness and adaptability of bare metal switches, especially when paired with a robust open network operating system, make them the ideal choice to meet these requirements.
