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Basebox

Basebox is an open-source, high-performance whitebox router project that simplifies Software-Defined Networking (SDN) implementation.

Description

Basebox is an open-source whitebox router project that integrates well-established Linux open-source routing projects like FRR with whitebox switches. It features a transparent SDN control daemon, baseboxd, which offloads forwarding and routing to hardware, significantly increasing performance. Available as an on-switch or off-switch version, it provides flexibility for various network setups. Basebox offers both open-source and commercial turnkey solutions (Basebox Fabric), supporting various hardware platforms and providing comprehensive documentation and community support. The project aims to simplify SDN implementation by eliminating the need for complex interface programming, allowing configuration akin to a standard Linux box. Commercial support is available for users requiring enterprise-level service.

Features

Basebox comprises the baseboxd SDN controller daemon and the BISDN Linux operating system (based on Yocto). Key features include L2/L3 routing with support for various protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, RIP, IS-IS), VRF, STP, LAG, 802.1q/802.1ad bridging, IGMP/MLD Snooping, and VxLAN. It provides a gRPC interface for switch statistics and supports both on-switch (integrated into the switch) and off-switch (separate controller machine) deployments. The on-switch version emphasizes ease of use and minimal configuration, while the off-switch version prioritizes flexibility and advanced features. Basebox supports numerous whitebox switches from different vendors.

Benefits

Increased router performance through hardware acceleration; simplified SDN implementation without complex interface programming; flexible on-switch and off-switch versions to cater to diverse needs; cost-effectiveness through reduced need for additional devices (on-switch version); open-source availability and community support; support for various routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, RIP, IS-IS); enhanced features in off-switch version such as route compression and telemetry; robust and reliable operation; access to commercial support plans for enterprise-level service and incident tracking.

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