Network World examines the current state of enterprise Linux distributions for networking applications in 2026. The analysis compares Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 16, and Ubuntu against leading network operating systems such as SONiC and Nvidia Cumulus.
In a detailed overview published by Network World, the landscape of enterprise Linux for networking is explored for the year 2026. The article highlights key distributions including Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 10, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) 16, and Ubuntu, positioning them alongside prominent network operating systems (NOS) like SONiC and Nvidia Cumulus.
This comparison aims to provide insights into how these platforms support modern networking demands in enterprise environments. RHEL 10, SLES 16, and Ubuntu are evaluated for their capabilities in handling complex network infrastructures, while SONiC and Nvidia Cumulus represent specialized NOS options that integrate Linux foundations with networking-specific features.
The report underscores the ongoing evolution of Linux-based solutions in networking, emphasizing their role in scalable and efficient data center operations. No specific performance metrics or direct quotes from the article are detailed in the available excerpt, but the focus remains on comparative strengths for enterprise adoption.