Huawei new approach in open-source: stakes and opportunities around network applications.

Recently revealed and launched at SDN World 2013, Barcelona, the Protocol-Oblivious Forwarding (POF) project is henceforth
open to public here!

The prototype aims to demonstrate the feasibility and capability of POF. This means: users can freely download and run the software, modify the source code, or develop new features.

In addition you can also use it as an experimental platform to try out novel network applications.

According to Huawei POF as an innovative software-defined networking (SDN) forwarding plane technology, aims to enhance the OpenFlow specification with support for arbitrary forwarding protocols and packet formats.

 ‘’The open-source project provides source code and documents for POF Controller and POF Switch prototypes. The POF Controller is a BSD/Apache-licensed and Java-based OpenFlow controller. It provides a GUI for switch control and configuration. The POF Switch is a BSD-licensed and Linux C-based virtual switch.’’

"This open-source initiative is a testament to Huawei's commitment to innovation for open SDN and future-proof evolution of networks. We believe carriers and users of networks can benefit from more flexible switches and reduce the total cost of ownership by focusing on building simpler, fit-for-purpose networks where only the required forwarding behaviors need to be programmed in each switch. Such forwarding plane evolution technologies help remove protocol dependency in forwarding devices and can ultimately enable support of any existing/customized packet-based protocols via generic instructions. We believe that openness and software-based programmability of forwarding devices can help increase the adoption of OpenFlow, particularly in the carrier space where we see a huge potential for simplification." said Dr. Justin Joubine Dustzadeh, VP of Technology Strategy & CTO of Networks at Huawei Technologies.