Ecosystem of Choice Explained: Disaggregation, Open Networking, and AI First Operations

Summary

This webinar brings together Edgecore Networks and Aviz Networks to explain how ecosystem-driven disaggregation enables AI-ready infrastructure. The discussion covers hardware-software separation, SONiC validation, observability, AI-powered NetOps, and structured proof-of-concept deployment through One Center. The focus is on delivering production-ready open networking without turning it into a science project.

Introduction

Disaggregation began over a decade ago as an experimental idea that hardware and software from different vendors could work together. Over time, it evolved into a proven architecture that enables best-in-class selection across hardware, operating systems, and management layers.

Today, as AI transforms infrastructure from CPU-centric to GPU-centric architectures, the need for flexible, scalable, and operationally validated networking has become foundational.

1. Evolution of Disaggregated Networking

1.1 From Vertical Integration to Ecosystem Models

Decades ago, data centers were vertically integrated environments. Over time, enterprises adopted best-in-class storage, compute, and software from different vendors. Networking is now undergoing the same transformation.

Disaggregation enables:

• Hardware and software independence
• Competitive cost optimization
• Lifecycle and supply chain control
• Architecture level customization
• Faster innovation through focused engineering

1.2 Market Adoption Trends

According to Dell'Oro Group, disaggregated networking is growing rapidly, with adoption projected to double year over year.

Industry automation trends highlighted by Gartner reinforce that network automation, observability, and AI-driven operations are becoming mainstream operational models.

2. Infrastructure Shift in the AI Era

2.1 Compute Transition from CPU to GPU

AI workloads are accelerating infrastructure redesign. Data centers are transitioning from CPU-dominant architectures to GPU-intensive environments.

2.2 Bandwidth Acceleration

Networking speeds have rapidly evolved from 100G to 400G and now 800G within a compressed innovation cycle. Major silicon vendors, including Broadcom, Cisco, Marvell Technology, and NVIDIA, are driving this upward trajectory.

The shift requires validated open stacks that can keep pace with hardware evolution.

3. AIS Certified Community SONiC on Edgecore

3.1 Production Ready SONiC Validation

Aviz Networks provides an AIS Certified Community SONiC build validated on Edgecore Networks switches.

Certification includes:

• Feature-level validation
• System integration testing
• Scale and stress testing
• Long-duration validation
• Interoperability with third-party vendors

This ensures production readiness rather than experimental deployment.

3.2 Common Deployment Use Cases

Validated use cases include:

• IP Clos fabrics
• EVPN VXLAN
• Layer 2 leaf spine
• Edge SONiC deployments
• Data center interconnect

4. Open Networking Enterprise Suite

4.1 Configuration and Orchestration

Aviz One enables YAML-based intent-driven configuration for SONiC fabrics. It supports BGP configuration, MC-LAG, leaf-spine roles, NTP, IP pools, and automated deployment across Edgecore switches.

4.2 Observability and Telemetry

Streaming telemetry provides:

• CPU and memory utilization
• Port-level monitoring
• ASIC route capacity visibility
• IPv4 and IPv6 route tracking
• ACL and fabric utilization metrics

4.3 Support as a Service

24 by 7 support ensures enterprises are not operating open networking environments alone. The model mirrors the Red Hat approach for Linux but applied to networking.

5. Deep Network Observability Stack

5.1 Packet Broker on Edgecore Hardware

The Aviz Packet Broker runs on Edgecore switches and provides:

• Traffic aggregation
• Filtering and header manipulation
• Tunneling and packet slicing

5.2 Service Node Intelligence

Service nodes running on x86 platforms enable:

• Packet deduplication
• Application identification
• Load balancing
• Metadata extraction
• Packet capture

5.3 Toolchain Integration

The observability stack integrates with existing ecosystems, including:

• Network Detection and Responses (NDR)
• Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)
• Network Performance Management (NPM)
• Application Performance Monitoring (APM)
• SIEM
• PCAP Recorder

This approach avoids rip-and-replace strategies.

6. AI First Operations with Network Copilot

6.1 Conversational Troubleshooting

Network Copilot enables operators to ask contextual questions such as performance anomalies or configuration changes.

6.2 Policy Guarded Automation

AI-recommended actions are validated against intent and policy frameworks before execution.

6.3 Cross-Tool Correlation

Copilot integrates telemetry, configuration, and observability layers into a unified operational interface.

By 2030, as projected by Gartner, AI agents are expected to handle significant portions of runtime networking operations.

7. One Center: Structured POC and Validation Lab

Conclusion

The ecosystem of choice model brings together disaggregated hardware, validated SONiC builds, enterprise-grade observability, and AI-driven operations into a cohesive stack.

Rather than treating open networking as a science experiment, the combined Edgecore and Aviz approach delivers structured validation, operational assurance, and scalable infrastructure aligned with the AI era.