Aviz Networks launches deep network observability interop with multiple hardware partners

Aviz Networks introduced the Deep Network Observability (DNO) Interop, a joint project with Celestica, Cisco, Dell, Edgecore, and NVIDIA. This initiative tests software-first observability solutions on multiple hardware platforms to assist enterprises in evaluating network performance.

The effort addresses the need for observability frameworks capable of handling open, scalable, and AI-driven infrastructure environments. It offers enterprises a way to verify adaptability and cost considerations associated with updating observability systems within complex network fabrics involving data centers, edge, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) components.

The DNO Interop involves three main software elements: Open Packet Broker (OPB), providing line-rate packet processing across varied platforms; Aviz Service Node (ASN), which performs Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) and metadata extraction on x86 servers, enhanced optionally with NVIDIA BlueField-3 data processing units; and Network Copilot™, a private AI application employing large language models (LLMs) to support compliance, troubleshooting, and capacity planning.

Participating organizations conducted interoperability tests of these software components on hardware from multiple vendors including Dell, Celestica, Cisco, Edgecore, and NVIDIA. The collaboration produced performance reports and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analyses to guide steps for observability infrastructure refresh or migration.

“Observability must evolve for the AI Edge Resource Allocator (ERA) 1 open, software-first, and real-time. This Interop proves it's not just possible. Enterprises can test their use cases, assess various deployment options, or join us live to see the results,” said Thomas Scheibe, chief product officer at Aviz Networks.

Executives from partner companies described how their hardware platforms support observability efforts. Gavin Cato of Celestica said, “Our high-performance switching platforms provide an ideal foundation for open observability. Partnering with Aviz highlights how enterprises can achieve visibility 1 using Celestica switches and a software-first stack.” Jeremy Foster of Cisco added, “As AI drives new demands on infrastructure, customers want solutions that are open, scalable, and easy to integrate. Cisco UCS is built for exactly this kind of open innovation. Aviz Service Node and Network Copilot1 running on UCS with NVIDIA acceleration1 showcases the power of combining open software with trusted enterprise platforms to help customers modernize for the AI ERA.” Nanda Ravindran at Edgecore noted, “As customers deploy AI clusters, achieving peak performance with scale-out network infrastructure becomes essential. An open, scalable, and interoperable Distributed Network Operating (DNO) capability is key to meeting these demands. Edgecore's AIS800 family of open Ethernet switches, combined with open software, empowers enterprises to build innovative and cost-effective network solutions for both AI workloads and traditional cloud data centers.”

Aviz Networks plans to share detailed findings in an Interop Webinar scheduled for August 7, covering comparisons of legacy and modern observability solutions, migration guidance, and cost analyses from customer case studies.