Aviz ONES 3.1 details GUI fabric configuration for SONiC

Aviz ONES 3.1 replaces YAML-based fabric configuration with a GUI that supports drag-and-drop orchestration, real-time topology visualization, and granular fabric, switch, and port settings. The change matters for enterprise teams managing SONiC fabrics that require both operational control and visibility during deployment and Day 2 updates.

Research Overview

Earlier ONES versions relied on predefined intent-based YAML templates in Fabric Manager to generate configurations automatically. The blog describes that this approach simplified deployments but reduced granular control and led to manual file modification when changes fell outside template defaults.

ONES 3.1 introduces a visual fabric configuration experience intended to keep configuration changes and topology state visible in a single workflow rather than through separate template edits and validation steps.

Key Findings

The update provides a GUI-based interface for designing topologies, configuring fabrics, and making changes visually. Administrators can manage configurations at the fabric, switch, and port levels from a unified dashboard.

The blog also links the GUI experience to faster deployments and a Day 2 workflow that supports modifying deployed fabrics and updating templates without re-deploying or reworking configurations from scratch.

Technical Breakdown

The GUI includes interactive drag-and-drop topology design, where administrators configure links and fine-tune settings from one interface. Real-time topology visualization shows the state of the network as changes are made.

For configuration workflows, the blog states that changes occur dynamically without reloading or modifying YAML templates and that the visualization supports confirmation of what has been built during the build process rather than during a later validation step.

Operational Impact

The onboarding workflow described in the blog allows administrators to onboard devices by dragging them into a topology workspace, selecting interfaces, and creating links. The inventory view includes switches and host servers, and the workflow extends to adding external devices not already present in the inventory.

For external devices, the blog says administrators provide credentials and basic network layer information so the device can join the orchestration workflow without requiring a template rebuild or manual YAML modification. The blog further states that ONES 3.1 adds GUI-based orchestration for IP BGP CLOS designs.

Leadership Perspective

The blog frames ONES 3.1 as targeting small and mid-sized enterprises that want operational simplicity with per-device configuration precision and real-time visibility. It also positions the GUI as a way to reduce reliance on automation engineers managing configuration files for every deployment or change.

For Day 2 operations, administrators can modify deployed fabrics visually and update templates without re-deployment, with the blog describing faster operational changes compared with workflows that require manual YAML edits.

Blog Signals brief: Aviz ONES 3.1 shifts SONiC fabric orchestration from YAML edits to a GUI that supports drag-and-drop topology design, real-time topology visualization, granular configuration at fabric, switch, and port levels, and GUI-based Day 2 updates including IP BGP CLOS orchestration.