Open networking advances with Wedge and FBOSS

This post details the deployment and operationalization of Wedge, an open top-of-rack (TOR) network switch, and FBOSS, its Linux-based control software. It highlights the open hardware design contributions to the Open Compute Project (OCP), enabling community customization. Key technical advancements include detailed monitoring for software updates (fbossdeploy), non-stop forwarding via Warm Boot, and CPU protection mechanisms to prevent control plane overload during traffic surges. Lessons learned include integrating Wedge into common service infrastructure rollouts and avoiding circular dependencies. The post also introduces the concept of "backup groups" for rack switches to handle link failures and discusses protecting the CPU from transient routing loops.