Top 10 Network Operating Systems in 2025

While the majority of us hold technology and the subsequent digitalization of the world responsible for the rise in social isolation to day, the truth, as a matter of fact, is the complete opposite. For with the advent of technology, the world, if anything, has become more connected than ever, with networks becoming the backbone of communication.

If looked at from the perspective of a business, these networks are key to sharing resources, managing devices, and securing data. However, they require special software, often called network monitoring tools, to ensure everything runs smoothly. This software is what we call network operating system.

Read on to know what it is and get your hands on all the latest information regarding its top 10 specimens, one robust system at a time…

Understanding Network Operating System (NOS)

A network operating system is a software solution programmed to manage and secure network resources, data, and services across multiple devices and computers connected to a network. Unlike an operating system (OS) that manages a single machine, a NOS looks after the entire network-enabling communication, resource sharing, and centralized management.

Built to ensure scalability, high availability, and minimal disruption, it is used in both peer-to-peer and client-server models. It also supports a host of networking protocols, including TCP/IP, HTTP/HTTPS, FTP, SMTP, and more.

Some of the key features of a network operating system are:

• Resource Sharing: Helps users share files, printers, and applications.
• User & Group Management: Manages user identities and permissions from a central point, allowing for specific control over access to network resources.
• Network Security: Enforces security measures such as firewalls, encryption, and breach detection.
• Scalability: Does not require reconfiguration when adding devices and users.
• Fault Tolerance: Increases the reliability of a network through redundancy and backup mechanisms.
• Protocol Support: Complies with sundry networking protocols like TCP/IP, enabling interoperability.

Compare the Best Network Operating Systems

Network OS	Key Features	Pros	Cons	Pricing
Arista EOS	Linux-based, automation, AI	Scalable, programmable	Expensive	On request
NVIDIA Cumulus	Open Linux, multi-vendor	Flexible, automated	Linux skills needed	On request
ArcOS	Cloud-native, 5 G-ready	Scalable, innovative	New, small ecosystem	On request
Windows Server	AD, virtualization, hybrid	Enterprise-ready	Complex licensing	Std: $1,176; DC: $6,771
SONiC	Open-source, modular	Free, customizable	Training required	Free
ChromeOS	Cloud-based, fast	Secure, low maintenance	Limited offline use	$25–50/device/year
Cisco NX-OS	Modular, VXLAN, APIs	Reliable, Cisco eco	Expensive	On request
Junos OS	Routing, automation	Reliable, scalable	Steep learning curve	On request
Cisco IOS	Protocol-rich, CLI, VPN	Widely used, robust	Complex CLI	On request
HPE Aruba OS	Wired/wireless, AI analytics	Strong wireless	Best with Aruba HW	On request

Explore the Top 10 NOS Platforms for 2025

Here’s our take on the leading network operating system solutions available in the market. As you delve into the list, remember that we haven’t listed these systems in order of importance, value, or worth. Any implication of that sort, if drawn, is purely coincidental and erroneous.

1. Arista EOS (Extensible Operating System)

Arista EOS is a Linux-based network operating system programmed for data centers and cloud networking. It provides a single binary software image across all Arista switches, ensuring operational efficiency.

In addition, this NOS has a highly resilient architecture that supports in-service software upgrades, fault containment, and advanced network automation, all of which make it a popular choice in cloud, financial, and research networks.

Key Features of Arista EOS:

• Single binary software image for all platforms, ensuring consistency
• Modular Linux-based design
• Advanced automation (eAPI, Python, Ansible, and Chef integration)
• High availability and in-service software upgrades (ISSU)
• Deep telemetry and analytics (CloudVision and DANZ)
• VXLAN network virtualization
• Open APIs and SDK for extensive customization and integration
• Smart System Upgrade (SSU)
• AI-powered network insights
• Zero-touch provisioning and replacement for easy deployment

Arista EOS Pricing & Plans: Price on request

2. NVIDIA Cumulus Linux

NVIDIA Cumulus Linux is a robust, open network operating system that converts switches into flexible networking platforms. Designed for cloud-scale environments, it supports advanced routing, automation, and DevOps integration. As a result, this NOS is extremely popular in environments that seek agility, scalability, and cost efficiency.

Key Features of NVIDIA Cumulus Linux:

• Multi-vendor support
• Native Linux environment
• Advanced routing (BGP, OSPF, EVPN, and VXLAN)
• Open networking standards
• Automation tool integration (Ansible, Chef, and Puppet)
• Programmability and scripting (NVUE, Bash, and Python)
• Advanced telemetry and monitoring (OpenTelemetry and sFlow)
• Adherence to security protocols, including RADIUS, SPIFFE, and ACLs
• Zero-touch provisioning to simplify deployment
• Quality of Service (QoS) and traffic engineering to enhance network performance

NVIDIA Cumulus Linux Pricing & Plans: Price on request

3. ArcOS

Devised for multi-cloud, edge, and 5G networking, ArcOS, developed by Arrcus, is a microservices-based network operating system. It supports a wide array of hardware platforms and offers advanced routing capabilities, making it a good fit for service providers, scalable data centers, and enterprises looking to modernize their infrastructure with cloud-native principles and automation.

Key Features of ArcOS:

• Microservices-based modular architecture
• Advanced routing (BGP, IS-IS, OSPF, Segment Routing, and MPLS)
• Multi-cloud and hybrid cloud support
• RESTful APIs and YANG models
• Programmability (gRPC and Netconf)
• High scalability and performance
• Edge and 5G optimized features
• Zero-touch provisioning
• ACLs and encryption for security
• Policy-based automation

ArcOS Pricing & Plans: Price on request

4. Microsoft Windows Server

Microsoft Windows Server is a comprehensive network operating system designed for both on-premises and hybrid cloud environments. It provides a wide array of network services, including Active Directory for identity management, robust file and print sharing, virtualization through Hyper-V, and advanced security features.

This NOS is known for its reliability and support, making it a popular choice for organizations of all sizes.

Key Features of Microsoft Windows Server:

• Active Directory Domain Services
• File and print services
• Hyper-V virtualization
• BitLocker and Defender security
• Hybrid cloud integration (Azure Arc and Azure AD)
• PowerShell automation and scripting
• Storage Spaces Direct
• Software-defined networking (SDN)
• Failover clustering and high availability
• Remote Desktop Services
• Group Policy management
• Windows Admin Center
• Network Load Balancing

Microsoft Windows Server Pricing & Plans:

Plan	Price
Windows Server 2025 Standard edition	$1,176
Windows Server 2025 Datacenter edition	$6,771

5. SONiC (Software for Open Networking in the Cloud)

SONiC, developed by Microsoft, is an open-source network operating system for cloud data centers. It is built on the Linux kernel and uses the Switch Abstraction Interface (SAI) to ensure hardware flexibility and vendor neutrality.

This NOS is known for its strong community support and cost-effectiveness, making it ideal for large-scale, automated environments.

Key Features of SONiC:

• Open source, Linux-based
• Modular, containerized architecture (Docker)
• Switch Abstraction Interface (SAI)
• Routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, and FRR)
• Centralized state management (Redis)
• High availability and process isolation
• Multi-vendor hardware support
• Telemetry and monitoring (SNMP and gNMI)
• Quality of Service (QoS)
• Large community and ecosystem
• Zero-touch provisioning

SONiC Pricing & Plans: Open source (free)

6. Google ChromeOS

Google ChromeOS is a cloud-centric operating system designed to provide secure computing for endpoint devices like laptops, desktops, and kiosks. Contrary to a traditional network operating system, it focuses on endpoint management and allows seamless integration with Google Workspace and Android apps.

This NOS is popular in education, enterprise, and retail environments for its simplicity, security, and low maintenance.

Key Features of Google ChromeOS:

• Fast boot and automatic updates
• Secure architecture
• Google Workspace and Android app integration
• Centralized management (Google Admin Console)
• Cloud storage integration (Google Drive)
• Multi-user support
• Offline capabilities (limited)
• Verified boot and data encryption
• Remote configuration and policy enforcement
• Low maintenance and TCO

Google ChromeOS Pricing & Plans:

Plan	Price
Chrome Enterprise Upgrade	$50/device/year
Chrome Education Upgrade	$30/device/year
Kiosk & Signage Upgrade	$25/device/year

7. Cisco NX-OS

Cisco NX-OS is a highly scalable network operating system programmed for Cisco’s Nexus series of data center switches. It delivers high availability, advanced programmability, and supports next-generation data center protocols like VXLAN and EVPN.

The NOS also boasts robust security features, making it a preferred choice for mission-critical data center deployments worldwide.

Key Features of Cisco NX-OS:

• Modular, resilient architecture
• VXLAN and EVPN support
• Programmable APIs (NX-API and Python)
• In-service software upgrades (ISSU)
• Integrated security features (ACLs and MACsec)
• Advanced QoS and traffic engineering
• High availability and redundancy
• Automation with Cisco tools (DCNM and Ansible)
• Comprehensive telemetry and analytics
• Multi-tenancy support
• Docker container support

Cisco NX-OS Pricing & Plans: Price on request

8. Junos OS

Junos OS is Juniper Networks’ flagship network operating system for routers, switches, and security appliances. It is best known for its reliability, consistency, and automation capabilities. As a result of this, this NOS is widely used by sundry service providers, enterprises, and cloud operators across the globe.

Key Features of Junos OS:

• Single OS across Juniper platforms
• Advanced routing (MPLS, BGP, IS-IS, and OSPF)
• Extensive Automation (PyEZ, REST APIs, and NETCONF)
• Security features (firewall, IPS, and MACsec)
• Modular architecture with process isolation
• High availability and redundancy
• Traffic engineering and QoS
• Telemetry and analytics (JTI and SNMP)
• Policy-based routing and network segmentation
• Virtual routing and forwarding (VRF)

Junos OS Pricing & Plans: Price on request

9. Cisco IOS

Cisco IOS is a widely used network operating system for Cisco routers and switches. Known for its flexible command-line interface (CLI), it offers precise control over network operations. With continuous upgrades and support for modern protocols, it continues to be a foundational NOS for organizations worldwide, providing support for everything from small branch offices to large company networks.

Key Features of Cisco IOS:

• Extensive routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP)
• Advanced switching features (VLANs, STP, and EtherChannel)
• Access control lists (ACLs)
• VPN and firewall support
• CLI-based management
• Modular IOS XE support
• QoS capabilities
• High availability features (HSRP and VRRP)
• Network address translation (NAT)
• IPv6 support
• Policy-based routing

Cisco IOS Pricing & Plans: Price on request

10. HPE Aruba OS

HPE Aruba OS powers Aruba’s campus, branch, and wireless networking solutions, focusing on unified wired/wireless management, security, and AI-driven analytics. It offers dynamic segmentation, policy enforcement, and robust security, with flexible deployment options, including on-premises and cloud-based management, via Aruba Central.

This NOS is trusted by organizations for reliable, scalable, and intelligent networking in digital workplaces.

Key Features of HPE Aruba OS:

• Centralized wired and wireless management
• AI-powered analytics and troubleshooting
• Dynamic segmentation and policy enforcement
• Zero-touch provisioning for easy deployment
• Role-based access control
• WPA3 and enhanced security
• SD-Branch capabilities
• IoT integration and device profiling
• High availability and redundancy
• AirMatch and ClientMatch for Wi-Fi optimization

HPE Aruba OS Pricing & Plans: Price on request

Conclusion

Network operating system, all in all, is the backbone of modern IT infrastructure and will continue to be so as networks evolve each day, every day. Businesses should thus, by all means, invest in a NOS, especially one that has the potential to provide secure and scalable connectivity across data centres, campuses, and the cloud.

Whilst choosing the right operating system, however, it is imperative for them to have a clear understanding of their organization’s size, technical know-how, hardware preferences, and automation needs. For there’s a specialized software solution for every networking challenge you face, and it’s only right for you to lay your hands on the right one once and for all.