Pluribus Networks - Detailed Review
Networking Tools
Pluribus Networks - Product Overview
Pluribus Networks Overview
Pluribus Networks is a company that specializes in delivering highly scalable, automated, and cost-efficient data center network solutions. Here’s a brief overview of their primary function, target audience, and key features:
Primary Function
Pluribus Networks focuses on modernizing, unifying, and automating networking within data center environments. Their solutions are built on the principles of disaggregation and controllerless Software-Defined Networking (SDN) automation. This approach helps simplify and streamline network operations, making them more efficient and cost-effective.
Target Audience
The primary target audience for Pluribus Networks includes enterprises, cloud providers, and mobile network operators. Specifically, they serve over 350 customers globally, with more than 100 of these being tier-one mobile network operators. Their solutions are particularly valuable for organizations with mission-critical networks that require high scalability, automation, and security.
Key Features
Netvisor® ONE Operating System
This Linux-based OS is the foundation of Pluribus Networks’ solutions. It provides a highly automated and scalable network environment.
Adaptive Cloud Fabric™
This controllerless SDN software is optimized to deliver a modern network fabric with both underlay and overlay capabilities. It supports distributed cloud environments with rich services, automated operations, intrinsic security, comprehensive visibility, and no single point of failure.
White Box Switches
Pluribus Networks leverages white box switches, including their own Freedom™ Series, to offer cost-efficient and highly scalable networking solutions.
Strategic Partnerships
Pluribus has strategic partnerships with top-tier players like Dell, Ericsson, IBM/Red Hat, TIBCO, and VMware, which enhance their channel visibility and influence.
Pluribus Partners First Program
This global partner program is designed to make it easier for partners and customers to acquire and deploy cost-effective and scalable networks based on SDN and disaggregated networking.
Overall, Pluribus Networks’ solutions are aimed at providing a highly automated, secure, and cost-efficient networking environment, making them a valuable choice for organizations needing advanced data center network solutions.
Pluribus Networks - User Interface and Experience
User Interface
The Pluribus UNUM portal provides a rich graphical user interface (GUI) that simplifies the management of the Adaptive Cloud Fabric or Unified Cloud Fabric. This GUI is divided into two key modules:
UNUM Fabric Manager
This module handles the provisioning and management of the fabric, allowing users to configure and manage the network fabric without the need for command-line interfaces (CLI).
UNUM Insight Analytics
This module enables users to quickly examine billions of flows traversing the fabric, ensuring quality and performance. It combines an elastic big data database and an intelligent analytics engine to store, aggregate, filter, correlate, and visualize vast amounts of data in real-time.
Ease of Use
The UNUM portal is highly automated and user-friendly, liberating network operators from the complexity of provisioning and operating complex networks. It automates the complete network life cycle from implementation to operation and optimization, enabling intent-based network operations with significantly reduced deployment times. For instance, the entire fabric can be configured with just a few lines of configuration, a significant reduction compared to traditional networking solutions.
Overall User Experience
The user experience is enhanced by the intuitive and consistent UI that allows seamless navigation across fully integrated management and analysis modules. The portal provides feature-rich applications that manage and orchestrate the gathering and presentation of network analytics, making it easier for network administrators to extract analytical value from the telemetry data reported by the network switches. This results in improved troubleshooting, security, and optimization of cloud data center workloads.
Overall, Pluribus Networks’ user interface is streamlined for simplicity and ease of use, making network management more accessible and efficient for its users.
Pluribus Networks - Key Features and Functionality
Pluribus Networks Overview
Pluribus Networks offers several key features and functionalities in their networking tools, particularly focused on enhancing network visibility, performance, and automation, even though the integration of AI is not explicitly highlighted in the available sources. Here are the main features and how they work:Adaptive Cloud Fabric and Netvisor ONE
Pluribus Networks’ core technology is built around the Adaptive Cloud Fabric and the Netvisor ONE network operating system (NOS). This fabric is a software-defined networking (SDN) solution that allows for the creation of a distributed networking fabric without the need for a centralized controller. Each node in the fabric runs Netvisor ONE, which acts as its own SDN controller, enabling scalable and cost-efficient network management.FlowTracker
FlowTracker is a component of the Pluribus solution that provides integrated wirespeed application-level network flow telemetry. It monitors every type of flow, including TCP, UDP, ICMP, and infrastructure services like DNS, DHCP, and NTP. This feature gives network operations (NetOps) teams comprehensive visibility into network traffic, helping them troubleshoot and optimize network performance.KubeTracker
KubeTracker works in conjunction with FlowTracker to provide full visibility into East-West traffic flows between containers. This is particularly useful for cloud-native applications, where container-to-container connectivity can be complex and difficult to troubleshoot. KubeTracker helps NetOps teams monitor and manage Kubernetes workloads more effectively.Virtualized Network Packet Broker
The Virtualized Network Packet Broker is a service that runs on the Adaptive Cloud Fabric, providing wirespeed packet brokering without the need for additional external hardware like TAPS and TAP aggregators. This service automates the aggregation, filtering, and replication of network flows, improving operational efficiency and reducing costs associated with traditional packet broker solutions.Integration with NVIDIA DPUs
Pluribus has integrated its Unified Cloud Fabric with NVIDIA Bluefield-2 Data Processing Units (DPUs). This integration enhances the scale and performance of the network by creating a secure, distributed networking fabric. The use of DPUs allows for better network security and performance, especially in high-bandwidth, distributed environments.Controllerless SDN Architecture
Pluribus’ architecture is notable for its “controllerless” SDN approach. Each Netvisor ONE instance on the network devices acts as its own controller, eliminating the need for a centralized controller. This reduces operational complexity, costs, and potential points of failure, making it easier to manage highly distributed networks.Conclusion
While the sources do not explicitly mention the integration of AI into Pluribus Networks’ products, the features described above focus on advanced network visibility, automation, and performance optimization, which are crucial for efficient network management in modern cloud and containerized environments. Pluribus Networks - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
Pluribus Networks’ Adaptive Cloud Fabric is designed to enhance performance in several ways:
- It provides a simple, dynamic, and secure network architecture that improves service velocity, performance, and reliability.
- The fabric is highly automated, allowing for zero-touch, API-driven provisioning, which simplifies network management and reduces the potential for human error.
- The Netvisor® software virtualizes open networking hardware, creating a holistic, distributed network that is more intelligent and resilient. This architecture scales linearly from a few nodes to hundreds, maintaining predictable performance.
Accuracy and Visibility
- The Insight Analytics™ platform is a crucial component that provides pervasive visibility across the network. It leverages embedded telemetry and other data sources to reveal network and application performance characteristics. This helps in identifying emerging performance issues, speeding up troubleshooting, and improving operational and security intelligence.
- The UNUM Fabric Manager, combined with the Insight Analytics engine, offers a searchable database and rich graphical dashboards. This setup mitigates the operational and economic impediments associated with traditional network performance monitoring infrastructure.
Automation and Management
- Pluribus Networks’ solution offers one-touch provisioning for Nutanix HCI clusters, VMware, and network components, which significantly simplifies the setup and management process.
- The fabric-wide management and provisioning capabilities are notable, as they require a 3-phase commit and put the fabric into read-only mode during partitioning to ensure consistency and reliability.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
- While Pluribus Networks supports advanced features like EBGP in EVPN deployments and 4-byte ASN allocation, there are areas where they are still developing. For example, multicast EVPN route type support is currently on their roadmap but not yet implemented.
- The proprietary nature of their edge fabric solution, which uses VXLAN encapsulation on a generic layer-3 underlay, might limit interoperability with non-Pluribus devices. This could necessitate a Pluribus-to-outside gateway for integration with other networks.
Interoperability
- Pluribus Networks’ solution is built on standards-based Open Networking switch hardware, providing customers the freedom of choice in hardware selection. However, the proprietary edge fabric might still pose challenges in terms of interoperability with other vendors’ solutions.
Summary
In summary, Pluribus Networks offers significant performance and accuracy improvements through its automated and intelligent network fabric, enhanced visibility, and streamlined management. However, there are areas such as interoperability and the implementation of certain advanced features where they are still evolving.
Pluribus Networks - Pricing and Plans
Pricing
- The Pluribus Freedom machines, which include switches and server components, were priced between $25,000 and $80,000, depending on the configurations. Additionally, a KVM hypervisor could add another $10,000 to the cost.
Features and Plans
- The Pluribus Freedom architecture includes several key components such as the Netvisor OS, Freedom Server-Switch product line, and Adaptive Cloud Fabric software. These components offer features like:
- Integration of compute, network, and storage technologies.
- Bare-metal hypervisor OS capabilities.
- Advanced cluster automation and virtualization services.
- Elastic provisioning of virtual services with bare metal performance.
Specific Tiers and Configurations
- The Netvisor 2.0 OS was available in three configurations:
- Enterprise L2/L3 Switching
- Advanced Cluster-Automation
- Advanced Virtualization Services.
- However, there is no detailed breakdown of different pricing tiers or plans beyond the general pricing range mentioned.
Free Options
- There is no mention of any free options or trial versions for the Pluribus Networks products in the provided sources.
Given the lack of specific pricing tiers and plans in the available information, it is clear that detailed pricing structures are not publicly disclosed. For precise and up-to-date pricing information, it would be best to contact Arista Networks directly or consult their official sales channels.
Pluribus Networks - Integration and Compatibility
Pluribus Networks Integration
Pluribus Networks integrates seamlessly with various tools and platforms, ensuring broad compatibility and interoperability, which is crucial for modern data center environments.Interoperability with Existing Infrastructure
Pluribus Networks’ Adaptive Cloud Fabric is built to work with existing network, compute, and storage infrastructure. This includes complete interoperability with other network devices, allowing for transparent interconnection across HCI nodes to support data replication and high availability/disaster recovery (HA/DR) requirements.Compatibility with Open Networking Hardware
The company’s Netvisor ONE operating system and Adaptive Cloud Fabric run on standards-based Open Networking switch hardware, providing customers the freedom to choose their preferred hardware vendors. This approach ensures that Pluribus solutions can be deployed on bare metal switches without the need for costly and complex external SDN controllers.Integration with Cloud and Virtualization Platforms
Pluribus Networks integrates well with cloud and virtualization platforms such as Nutanix HCI, VMware, and others. The Adaptive Cloud Fabric supports one-touch provisioning of Nutanix HCI clusters, VMware, and network components, simplifying the deployment process and reducing network complexity.Support for Advanced Networking Standards
Pluribus’ implementation includes support for industry standards like VXLAN, which enables seamless integration with other switches, routers, and appliances. The fabric also supports standard routing protocols such as OSPF and BGP, as well as VRRP for default gateway redundancy. This open and standard approach maximizes interoperability and offers a wealth of software and hardware choices.Enhanced Visibility and Analytics
The Insight Analytics platform from Pluribus provides pervasive visibility across the network and the Nutanix HCI stack. This includes integrated wirespeed application-level network flow telemetry through tools like FlowTracker and KubeTracker, which offer full visibility into East-West traffic flows between containers. This comprehensive visibility helps in identifying performance issues, speeding up troubleshooting, and improving operational and security intelligence.Collaboration with Other Industry Leaders
Pluribus Networks collaborates with industry leaders like NVIDIA to enhance their Unified Cloud Networking architecture. For example, they have ported their Netvisor ONE OS to the NVIDIA BlueField-2 DPU, which offloads, accelerates, and isolates data center infrastructure tasks. This collaboration ensures that Pluribus solutions can leverage the latest advancements in data processing and security.Conclusion
In summary, Pluribus Networks offers a highly integrated and compatible solution that can be easily incorporated into diverse IT environments, ensuring smooth operations and enhanced performance across various platforms and devices. Pluribus Networks - Customer Support and Resources
Support Options
Global Support
Pluribus provides on-demand global support, ensuring that customers can get help whenever they need it, regardless of their location.
On-Site Support
For more immediate issues, Pluribus offers on-site support services, where experienced engineers can address problems directly at the customer’s site.
Advanced Hardware Replacements
Customers can benefit from advanced hardware replacement options, which help minimize downtime and ensure continuous operation.
Professional Implementation Services
Pluribus provides professional implementation services to help customers set up and optimize their network architectures efficiently.
Additional Resources
Customer Portal
Pluribus has a self-service online Customer Portal where customers can access various resources, including documentation, troubleshooting guides, and support tickets.
Expert Network Engineers
Customers have direct access to a team of expert network engineers who can provide deep networking expertise and support.
Documentation and Guides
Pluribus offers detailed installation and setup guides, such as the NetVisor OS Installation and Software Setup Guide, to help users deploy and configure their systems correctly.
License Options
Pluribus provides various license options (e.g., Enterprise License, Fabric License, vNET License) that can be optionally licensed at the time of initial deployment or unlocked later through a simple license key. This flexibility allows customers to choose the services that best fit their needs.
Training and Community
While the specific resources provided do not mention extensive training programs or community forums, the support options and documentation available suggest a strong commitment to ensuring customers have the tools and knowledge they need to successfully manage their Pluribus Networks solutions.
By leveraging these support options and resources, customers can ensure they get the most out of their Pluribus Networks products and maintain high levels of network performance, security, and reliability.
Pluribus Networks - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Pluribus Networks
Simplified Network Management
Pluribus Networks offers a controllerless, distributed SDN fabric known as the Adaptive Cloud Fabric, which significantly simplifies network management. This architecture allows for one-touch provisioning and automated operations, reducing the need for lengthy and cumbersome configurations. For instance, an entire 128-switch fabric can be configured with just three lines of code.
Integrated Visibility and Monitoring
The company’s solutions, such as FlowTracker, KubeTracker, and the Virtualized Network Packet Broker, provide comprehensive network visibility. These tools offer wirespeed application-level network flow telemetry, full visibility into East-West traffic flows between containers, and the ability to aggregate, filter, and replicate traffic at wire-speed. This integrated visibility helps in improving troubleshooting, security, and optimization of cloud data center workloads.
Cost Efficiency
Pluribus Networks helps customers avoid the costs associated with deploying external products like TAPS, TAP aggregators, and packet brokers. By running the Virtualized Packet Broker as a service on the same fabric that carries production traffic, Pluribus reduces the financial burden and maintenance requirements of traditional monitoring infrastructure.
Scalability and Performance
The Adaptive Cloud Fabric scales from a few nodes to hundreds of nodes with predictable, linear performance. This scalability, combined with the ability to deploy network services or security policies across the entire fabric in seconds, makes it highly efficient for large-scale cloud environments.
Enhanced Security
Pluribus enables distributed network security to the server level, including fine-grained microsegmentation and distributed stateful security. This is particularly enhanced through their collaboration with NVIDIA, where the Netvisor ONE OS runs on NVIDIA BlueField-2 DPUs, providing accelerated and isolated data center infrastructure tasks.
Automation and Analytics
Pluribus solutions incorporate built-in automation and analytics through the Insight Analytics platform, which leverages embedded telemetry to provide pervasive visibility across the network. This helps in identifying performance issues, speeding up troubleshooting, and improving operational and security intelligence.
Disadvantages of Pluribus Networks
Feature Set Limitations
While Pluribus’s Virtualized Packet Broker offers significant advantages, it does not provide the full feature set of high-end, dedicated packet brokers. This might be a limitation for some users who require the advanced capabilities of FPGA-based packet brokers.
Specific Use Case Alignment
Pluribus’s solutions are highly tailored to specific use cases, particularly cloud-native applications and container environments. Users with different network requirements might need to assess whether Pluribus’s features align with their needs.
Learning Curve
Although Pluribus simplifies many aspects of network management, there may still be a learning curve for teams transitioning from traditional networking solutions to the Adaptive Cloud Fabric and its associated tools. This could require some initial training and adaptation.
In summary, Pluribus Networks offers significant advantages in terms of simplified network management, integrated visibility, cost efficiency, scalability, and enhanced security. However, it may have limitations in terms of feature sets and specific use case alignment, and there could be a learning curve for some users.
Pluribus Networks - Comparison with Competitors
Comparing AI-Driven Networking Tools
To compare Pluribus Networks, which is now part of Arista Networks, with other AI-driven networking tools, we need to look at the unique features and capabilities of each platform.Pluribus Networks (Now Part of Arista)
Pluribus Networks, acquired by Arista, is known for its software-defined networking (SDN) solutions and network visibility. Here are some key features:NetVisor OS
This is the operating system that manages the network fabric, providing a unified view and control over the network.Adaptive Cloud Fabric
This solution offers a highly scalable and resilient network architecture that can be managed as a single entity, simplifying network operations.Arista Etherlink AI Platforms
Arista’s Etherlink AI platforms, while not directly Pluribus, are part of Arista’s broader AI networking portfolio. These platforms are optimized for AI workloads, featuring advanced load balancing, congestion control, and AI Analyzer for workload and NIC integration. They provide deep visibility and improve cluster deployment time and operational stability.Juniper Networks AI-Native Networking Platform
Juniper’s platform stands out with its AI-native approach, unifying campus, branch, and data center networking operations through a common AI engine and the Mist Marvis Virtual Network Assistant (VNA). This platform is trained on seven years of insights and data science development, ensuring reliable, measurable, and secure connections. It reduces networking trouble tickets by up to 90%, OpEX by up to 85%, and incident resolution time by up to 50%.HPE Aruba Networking Central
HPE Aruba’s Networking Central integrates AI features, particularly with the acquisition of OpsRamp, to enhance observability and provide insights into network devices such as wireless access points, switches, firewalls, and routers. This integration offers expanded views and context for better network management.LogicMonitor
LogicMonitor uses AI-driven insights for anomaly detection, predictive analytics, and intelligent troubleshooting. It automates network monitoring, allowing IT teams to anticipate and address potential network problems proactively. This tool is particularly useful for real-time network monitoring and AI-driven automation.Auvik and NinjaOne
Both Auvik and NinjaOne integrate AI to enhance network monitoring and management. They automate tasks such as network mapping, device discovery, and configuration backups. They also use anomaly detection and predictive analytics to identify and resolve potential issues before they escalate.Unique Features and Alternatives
- Pluribus Networks focuses on SDN and network visibility, making it a strong choice for those needing a unified network fabric management. However, if you are looking for more AI-native solutions, Juniper’s Mist Marvis VNA or Arista’s Etherlink AI platforms might be more suitable.
- Juniper’s AI-Native Networking Platform is unique in its comprehensive AI integration across all network operations, making it a strong alternative for those seeking significant reductions in trouble tickets and operational costs.
- HPE Aruba Networking Central is ideal for those already invested in the HPE Aruba ecosystem and looking to enhance their network observability with AI.
- LogicMonitor, Auvik, and NinjaOne are excellent choices for real-time network monitoring and AI-driven automation, particularly for anomaly detection and predictive analytics.
Pluribus Networks - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Pluribus Networks
What is Pluribus Networks and what does it offer?
Pluribus Networks is a company that provides highly scalable, automated, and cost-efficient data center network solutions. They specialize in controllerless Software-Defined Networking (SDN) automation, using their Linux-based Netvisor® ONE operating system and the Adaptive Cloud Fabric™ software. This architecture supports distributed cloud environments with features like automated operations, intrinsic security, comprehensive visibility, and no single point of failure.What is the Adaptive Cloud Fabric?
The Adaptive Cloud Fabric is a controllerless SDN architecture developed by Pluribus Networks. It is designed to deliver a modern network fabric underlay and overlay across data center sites, supporting distributed cloud environments. This fabric offers automated operations, intrinsic security, comprehensive visibility, and ensures there is no single point of failure. It is optimized for private and public clouds, improving service velocity, performance, and reliability.How does Pluribus Networks integrate with other technologies?
Pluribus Networks integrates well with various technologies, including Nutanix HCI (Hyperconverged Infrastructure). The Adaptive Cloud Fabric is the ideal network foundation for optimizing and accelerating Nutanix HCI deployments. It offers one-touch provisioning of Nutanix HCI clusters, VMware, and network components, and ensures complete interoperability with existing network, compute, and storage infrastructure.What kind of security features does Pluribus Networks offer?
Pluribus Networks provides distributed network security, including fine-grained microsegmentation and distributed stateful security. Their Unified Cloud Networking vision includes zero-trust distributed security, which is integrated into the network architecture. This ensures security is distributed to the server level, enhancing overall network security.What is the Netvisor® ONE operating system?
The Netvisor® ONE operating system is a Linux-based OS developed by Pluribus Networks. It virtualizes open networking hardware to build a holistic, distributed network that is more intelligent, automated, and resilient. This OS is widely deployed in data center switches and has also been ported to the NVIDIA BlueField-2 DPU, extending software-defined networking capabilities to every host with a DPU installed.How does Pluribus Networks enhance network visibility and analytics?
Pluribus Networks offers the Insight Analytics™ platform, which leverages embedded telemetry and other data sources to provide pervasive visibility across the network and Nutanix HCI stack. This platform helps in revealing network and application performance characteristics, identifying emerging performance issues, speeding up troubleshooting, and improving operational and security intelligence.What kind of hardware does Pluribus Networks support?
Pluribus Networks supports white box switches, including their own Freedom™ Series of switches. The company’s solutions are built on standards-based Open Networking switch hardware, providing customers the freedom of choice in their hardware selections.How scalable are Pluribus Networks’ solutions?
Pluribus Networks’ solutions are highly scalable, capable of scaling from several nodes to hundreds of nodes with predictable, linear performance. This scalability is crucial for supporting large and distributed cloud environments.What kind of customers use Pluribus Networks?
Pluribus Networks is deployed by more than 350 customers, including over 100 tier one mobile network operators. Their solutions are used in mission-critical networks around the globe, indicating a strong presence in the telecommunications and data center sectors.How does Pluribus Networks collaborate with other industry leaders?
Pluribus Networks collaborates with industry leaders such as NVIDIA. For example, they have ported their Netvisor ONE OS to the NVIDIA BlueField-2 DPU, enabling software-defined, hardware-accelerated networking on every host with a DPU installed. This collaboration enhances the capabilities of their Unified Cloud Networking architecture. Pluribus Networks - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Pluribus Networks
Pluribus Networks stands out in the networking tools and AI-driven product category with its innovative and comprehensive solutions. Here’s a detailed look at what they offer and who would benefit most from their products.Key Features and Benefits
Adaptive Cloud Fabric
Pluribus Networks’ Adaptive Cloud Fabric is a simple, dynamic, and secure architecture that simplifies the Software-Defined Data Center. It enables organizations to build scalable private and public clouds, improving service velocity, performance, and reliability.
Netvisor ONE Operating System
The Linux-based Netvisor ONE OS is the backbone of their controllerless SDN automation, providing highly scalable, automated, and cost-efficient data center network solutions. This OS is also ported to NVIDIA BlueField-2 DPUs, enhancing data center infrastructure tasks.
Automation and Visibility
Pluribus Networks offers one-touch provisioning and pervasive visibility across the network and application performance. This includes built-in application-aware visibility and analytics, improving proactive trouble detection and resolution.
Security
The Unified Cloud Fabric enables distributed security to the server level, including fine-grained microsegmentation and distributed stateful firewalls. This ensures enhanced security without compromising performance.
Interoperability and Scalability
The solution is built on standards-based Open Networking switch hardware, providing complete interoperability with existing network, compute, and storage infrastructure. It scales from several nodes to hundreds of nodes with predictable performance.
Who Would Benefit Most
Enterprise and Cloud Service Providers
Organizations seeking to optimize and accelerate their data center deployments, especially those transitioning to cloud-native applications, would greatly benefit from Pluribus Networks’ solutions. This includes enterprises, cloud service providers, and communication service providers looking to simplify their network operations and enhance security and performance.
Tier One Mobile Network Operators
With over 100 tier one mobile network operators already using Pluribus Networks, this solution is particularly beneficial for mission-critical networks that require high scalability, automation, and cost efficiency.
Organizations Focusing on Sustainability
The partnership with ITRenew highlights the sustainability benefits, including reduced total cost of ownership (TCO) and improved efficiency, making it attractive to organizations prioritizing environmental sustainability and cost savings.
Overall Recommendation
Pluribus Networks is highly recommended for organizations looking to streamline their data center networking, enhance security, and improve operational efficiency. Their solutions offer a unified, simplified, and automated network architecture that is scalable and cost-effective. The integration with NVIDIA BlueField DPUs and the ability to provide pervasive visibility and distributed security make Pluribus Networks a strong choice for those aiming to modernize their network infrastructure.
In summary, if you are an enterprise or cloud service provider seeking to optimize your data center operations, reduce costs, and enhance security and performance, Pluribus Networks’ Adaptive Cloud Fabric and Unified Cloud Networking solutions are well worth considering.