Best On-Premises Network Operating Systems (NOS) of 2025

CacheGuard product line is based on a core product called CacheGuard-OS. Once installed on a bare metal or virtual machine, CacheGuard-OS transforms that machine into a powerful network appliance . The resulted appliance can then be implemented as different types of Gateways to Secure & Optimize your network. See below a brief description of all CacheGuard appliances. - Web Gateway: gain control over the Web traffic in your organization & filter unwanted Web traffic in your organization. - UTM (Unified Threat Management) : secure your networks against all kind of threats coming from the internet with a Firewall, an Antivirus at the Gateway, a VPN server and a Filtering proxy. - WAF (Web Application Firewall): block malicious requests on your critical Web applications and protect your business. The WAF integrates OWASP rules with the possibility to design your own custom rules. In addition, an IP reputation based filtering allows you to block IPs listed in real time blacklists. - WAN Optimizer : prioritize your critical network traffic, save your precious bandwidth and get High Availability for your internet access through multiple ISP.

Open source software and a universal router are key to democratizing the way we access networks. VyOS' vision is to revolutionize how we access networks, so that everyone can build the solutions they have always wanted, without limitations, restrictions, or prohibitive prices. We believe that internet access is just as important to human development as food, water, air, and healthcare. VyOS was founded by engineers for engineers. It is an open-source software company that makes it possible to access networks without restrictions or prohibitive fees. Through our open-source software and virtual platforms, we do this as VyOS. Stateful firewalls, zone based firewall, all types source and destination NAT (one-to-one, one-to many, many to many). For auditing, creating customized images and contributing, everyone has access to the entire codebase and build toolchain.

Introducing a streamlined, contemporary, and reliable network operating system designed to enhance operational efficiency. The newly revitalized Cisco IOS XR Software simplifies network management with its modernized architecture, featuring improved modularity, a refined networking stack, and cloud-optimized automation that facilitates straightforward network programming. Empower your team's capabilities by leveraging enhanced insights, superior performance, and fortified security, allowing you to minimize troubleshooting efforts and concentrate on achieving business objectives. The IOS XR is engineered to utilize less memory, ensures quicker boot times, and seamlessly integrates with both core and access-level devices, all thanks to its modular design. This allows engineers to dedicate their efforts to tasks that drive revenue while benefiting from a unified operating system throughout the network. In addition to these features, advanced security measures are in place to guard against hardware and firmware vulnerabilities. Safeguard your systems from potential threats and bugs with cutting-edge signing technology and multiple runtime protections, including Integrated Measurement Architecture (IMA), ensuring a robust defense against malicious entities. This comprehensive approach not only enhances security but also fosters a more resilient network environment.

Cisco IOS XE stands as a flexible, contemporary, and modular operating system that powers a variety of Cisco's enterprise networking equipment, such as routers, switches, and wireless controllers. With a foundation rooted in Linux architecture, IOS XE is equipped with advanced capabilities in programmability, scalability, and security to cater to the needs of dynamic network settings. It boasts an array of features that include automation via APIs, the ability to host applications, and compatibility with software-defined networking (SDN), allowing businesses to swiftly adjust to changing technological landscapes. Additionally, IOS XE supports virtualization and multi-core processing, which guarantees high performance and reliability while also streamlining management through user-friendly tools and centralized oversight. This combination of features not only enhances operational efficiency but also positions it as an optimal solution for enterprises that aim for strong, future-proof networking infrastructures. Ultimately, organizations can leverage IOS XE to stay ahead in an ever-evolving digital landscape.