Mellanox Launches Linux Kernel Driver for Open Ethernet and Spectrum Switch Platforms

SUNNYVALE, CA: Mellanox, a provider of end-to-end interconnect solutions, announces the availability of Linux kernel driver for Open Ethernet and Spectrum switch platforms. The driver enables the Linux Operating Systems and off-the-shelf Linux-based applications to operate on the switch, including L2 and L3 switching.

Linux Kernel Driver

The Linux kernel driver enables Ethernet switch platforms to run on all native operating system.  Mellanox open-source Linux solution, “switchdev”, is developed in the Linux kernel interfaces to control the switch hardware. The proprietary APIs are replaced by standard Linux kernel interfaces to minimise the use traditional software development kits.

Mellanox switch system series,SN2000, enables users to install and use the required Linux distribution as the switch operating system. The switches can operate as server within the datacenter which reduces the management efforts and increases efficiency.

The Linux kernel driver can be employed in the entire Spectrum SN2000 switch systems along with Mellanox Spectrum switch ASIC.

"The eco-system effort currently underway to enable Open Ethernet switch infrastructure is gaining strong momentum, as it enables IT managers to fully optimize their data centers for maximum performance and lower cost of ownership," said Dror Goldenberg, vice president of software architecture at Mellanox Technologies. "The community endeavor to enable the native Linux operating system will further simplify the adoption of Open Ethernet across a variety of data centers. As the market leader in this arena, we expect to continue to lead the Open Ethernet adoption."