Dell Networking Enterprise SONiC: Getting Started and Basics Guide

Index

• Hardware Compatibility
• Downloads
• License
• Installation, Upgrade, and Downgrade
  • Specifics
  • Install Video
• Documentation
  • Video Playlist

Hardware Compatibility

The Dell Networking Enterprise SONiC distribution is a Debian Linux based operating system derived from the open source "Software for Open Networking in the Cloud" project. Dell Enterprise SONiC is designed to run on PowerSwitch platforms. For a full list of compatible models and software versions, see the Dell Enterprise SONiC Spec Sheet.

To find the current recommended versions for your platform, see Minimum, Recommended and Latest Code Versions for Networking Products.

How to Download

If a PowerSwitch was ordered with SmartFabric OS10 or Enterprise SONiC, a notification is sent to the email address in the purchase order. The email includes an Entitlement ID, order number, and a link to Dell Digital Locker (DDL).
If your purchase was completed through a certified Dell channel partner, request the partner to transfer the entitlement to you using your email address.

License

Though licenses exist for Dell Enterprise SONiC, the installation of licenses into the Operating System itself has not yet been implemented. Software licenses are available in the Dell Digital Locker (DDL) .

For more information about The Dell Digital locker, see How to Access Your Dell Digital Locker.

Installation, Upgrade, and Downgrade

• To Install Enterprise SONiC on a switch with no Operating System or to do a fresh/clean installation, see Dell Networking SONiC OS Fresh Install using ONIE Install
• To Upgrade or Downgrade, see Dell Networking SONiC: Upgrade or Downgrade SONiC Using SCP Protocol with Software like WINSCP

Some important information to be aware of:

• ONIE and relevant firmware versions - these are addressed in the guide, but some notable upgrades have occurred, including PCIe and SSD firmware (model dependent) - that information can be found in the relevant ONIE release notes.
• If using SmartFabric Manager for SONiC, it is possible to have alternative upgrade options; see the relevant fabric manager guide for more information
  • SmartFabric Manager Support

Enterprise SONiC Installation Video

Operating System Install Video: YouTube

Documentation

For additional documentation, including User Guides and Release Notes, see the Dell Enterprise SONiC Documentation on the Dell Support site.

Dell Networking PowerSwitch playlist

PowerSwitch Playlist: YouTube