Dell Networking OS 9 powered by NetBSD
I've stumbled across this somewhere on Facebook in the
japanese version, but this information is
available in english as well
from the Dell website:
``Designed to deliver high performance in the largest and most demanding IT environments in the world, Dell Networking OS 9 has been tested and hardened to meet stringent requirements for reliability, scalability and serviceability. OS 9 supports the full portfolio of Dell Networking data center switch products and enables you to build cost-effective, end-to-end networks while reducing operational complexity.
[...]
OS 9 leverages a distributed multiprocessor architecture that ensures reliability and delivers scalable protocols in each Dell Networking product line. Dell Networking E-Series and Z-Series route processor modules (RPMs) are designed with separate control-plane CPUs for Layer 2, Layer 3 and management functions, with distributed processing on line-card CPUs. Dell Networking C-Series RPMs and S-Series switches and routers use one control-plane CPU, with distributed processing on C-Series line cards and S-Series stack members.
The NetBSD kernel provides a stable operating system and performs efficient resource management via the HAL architecture, allowing it to deliver superior levels of concurrency, memory allocation and process scheduling. All other applications run as independent and modular processes in their own protected memory space.''
WiMAX and LTE enabled Router: CradlePoint MBR95 (Updated)
Found via Google News and citing
the EVDOinfo article:
``The CradlePoint MBR95 is the successor to the popular MBR900, which was very popular amongst home users. The next generation NetBSD based MBR95 is designed to build onto what MBR900 users have enjoyed for years as well as add exciting new features. The NetBSD platform is the next generation platform and designed specifically to handle current and future Sprint WiMAX and Verizon LTE modem speeds. This is achieved through the new MIPS Processor, additional memory and RF engineering to reduce system noise. With the MBR900 system noise was a common problem with 4G LTE and WiMAX equipment and users must use a USB extension cable if they want the best performance out of their devices. After addressing these issues CradlePoint didn't stop and also decided to enhance the systems WiFi performance too. Also, the NetBSD interface offers a simplified user interfac, which allows users to easily configure their router via a basic mode and and an advanced mode for those that want to see all the features of their router.
The MBR95 features WiFi 'N' with a 2x2 internal antenna configuration, which allows it to be much more portable than the MBR900 that had two antennas the stuck up in the air. This also removes the concern of breaking your WiFi antenna and you still receive the same 100-150' (Real world tests) wireless range you'd receive with the MBR900. You'll also have the ability to do dual SSIDs (Wireless Network Name), which can allow you to create a business end for private users and a guest network for public users. This feature will also allow you to create multiple categories for different devices; in example: QoS (Quality of Service), VoIP and more. The new NetBSD is also the only platform that will allow users to use WiFi as WAN, which allows them to use another WiFi source as failover or connect their hotspot enabled smartphone. ''
See the
full article
for more information. The system is available
for about $110US in
the 3G Store,
there's also a longer list of features and techincal details.
GraceTech builds human-friendly computer with wood and NetBSD
Google News pointed me at Austrian company
Gracetech
today, founded by a long-time visionaire and NetBSD
user Raphael Langerhorst.
The website is currently only available in German
language, but the product in focus here is announced
under the label "Unified Computing". It unifies
hardware, operating system and the user environment
in a unique experience.
This is implemented with a hardware that's built of
a wooden(!) case around an ARM CPU running the NetBSD
operating system. The user environment is built by
GraceTech's own G Universe system. See
the flyer
for more information.
NetBSD ketchup - news from my mailbox
Here's another bunch of NetBSD-related news that has
been lingering in my inbox for far too long:
Izumi Tsutsui's
NetBSD/cobalt
restore CD is available based on NetBSD versions
5.0.25.1_RC2.
See the
for information on what it is and how to use it.
A negative symbol lookup cache was added
to NetBSD's loader
for shared libraries and shared objects, ld.so_elf, by
Roy Marples:
``I've been researching why Evolution from GNOME takes over 5 minutes to load on my quad core amd64 beast. It boils down to dlsym looking for a symbol that does not exist directly and as such examining every needed library. However, the current implementation does not remember what libraries it as already checked. Normally this isn't a problem, but with the way Evolution is built the search chain is massive.
[...]
With this patch, Evolution (without the patches to and a glib I added to pkgsrc a few days ago) loads in under 2 seconds (5 seconds with initial disk thrashing). ''
The NetBSD Logo
is available in many variants, but a new variant was submitted
via www@ these days by "Tim" - which is actually plain HTML,
no image:
⚑NetBSD Powered!
SafeNet's ProtectDrive is
``a full disk encryption solution that encrypts the entire hard drive of laptops, workstations and servers, as well as USB flash drives, to protect data in the case of the theft or loss of a hardware device.''
How do you implement such preboot authentication and
harddisk encryption software,
esp. if you want to provide thinks like LDAP integration for
the user/key handling and two-factor authentication?
Little is known, but rumors say the 32bit version of the software
is based on NetBSD, as is backed by
this worker bio info:
``Duties: Working on pre-boot restricted environment with loads before operation system and implemented on NetBSD.
Ported and optimized the KDrive X server to NetBSD.
Developed and implemented user secure authentication interface with smart card support.
Environment and tools : NetBSD (3.0), C/C++, FLTK''
A german-language introduction of pkgsrc on OpenSolaris
was given by Michael 'kvedulv' Moll at the Munich
OpenSolaris User Group back in march.
Slides
and a
video
are available.
Are you still looking for a nice small
ARM-based board to start hacking on NetBSD/arm?
The http://www.friendlyarm.net/products/mini2440
may be a good start, esp. after
Paul Fleischer is reaching completion of NetBSD support
for the board. Citing from
his mail to port-arm:
``I have now fairly good (i.e., it works for me) support for the
MINI2440 on NetBSD with support for the following:
- S3C2440 UART
- DM9000 (MAC+PHY)
- S3C2440 SD Controller
- S3C2440 DMA Controller
- S3C2440 IIS Controller
- FriendlyArm 3,5" LCD Display
- S3C2440 USB Host Controller (OHCI)
- S3C2440 Touch Screen
- UDA1341TS audio codec
Currently, support for three things on the S3C2440 are missing:
- S3C2440 NAND Controller
- S3C2440 USB Device Controller
- S3C2440 RTC
I've also created a stage2 bootloader for use with u-boot, which
ensures that the value of bootargs is passed to the NetBSD kernel.
At this point I have only tested the code with the 64Mb version of the
FriendlyArm MINI2440.
While talking about NetBSD on cool hardware:
How about NetBSD/hpcarm on
WILLCOM | W-ZERO3 (WS004SH) mobile devices?
Here is a screenshot of Ebihara-san's WS011SH with CCW screen,
and there is also a video "booting NetBSD/hpcarm on WILLCOM | W-ZERO3(WS004SH)"
posted on YouTube:
Googling for the NetBSD advertizing clause finds ... products based on NetBSD!
NetBSD used to publish code under a license that asks people
to mention that they use NetBSD code if they do so. Now
searching for the corresponding license string on Google
scores about 20.000 hits, and there a number of hits in
that that lead to products which use NetBSD that I haven't
seen before yet:
Codian IP VCR 2200 Series: ``The IP VCR 2200 series of IP Video Conference Recorders allow you to record video and slides from standard video conferencing equipment. The content can be streamed live or played back on demand at multiple speeds to a PC or any video conferencing endpoint. ''
[license notice]
Adobe / Macromedia Fireworks MX 2004:
``Rapidly prototype websites and application interfaces with Adobe® Fireworks® CS4 software. Create and optimize images for the web more quickly and accurately than ever before with an enhanced toolset.''
[license notice]
Thecus NAS:
``A look under the hood shows that the N8800 means business. Equipped with eight 3.5" SATA hard disk bays, the N8800 offers massive storage capacity in a 2U rack mount form factor. This combination brings a powerful yet cost-effective network attached storage solution that is perfect for medium-to-large organizations.'' - this one is probably thanks to Wasabi Systems
[PDF with license notice]
MyProxy:
``MyProxy is open source software for managing X.509 Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) security credentials (certificates and private keys). MyProxy combines an online credential repository with an online certificate authority to allow users to securely obtain credentials when and where needed.''
[license notice]
MediaPack 20x:
``The MP-20x series of Analog Telephone Adapters are cost-effective, advanced products, which allow the connection of ordinary analog telephones or fax machines to a Voice over Broadband (VoBB) service.''
Tulip AC494 ATA:
``The Tulip AC494 ATA is a complete, ready-to-use reference design of an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) with data routing capabilities. Utilizing AudioCodes field-proven DSP VoIP software and the integrated AC494 System on Chip (SoC), the Tulip AC494 ATA offers OEMs and ODMs an excellent and cost-effective solution for the rapidly growing residential and Small Office / Home Office (SOHO) VoIP market.''
Mediant 1000 MSBG:
``The Mediant 1000 MSBG is an all-in-one multi-service access solution for Service Providers offering managed services and distributed Enterprises. This multi-service business gateway is designed to provide converged Voice & Data services for business customers at wire speed, while maintaining SLA parameters for superior voice quality.
The Mediant 1000 MSBG is based on AudioCodes? VoIPerfect best-of-breed Media Gateway technology, combined with Enterprise class Session Border Controller, Data & Voice security elements, Data Routing, LAN Switching and WAN Access.''
PTP Spider (PRO and zero):
``The SPIDER is a DVR which can record and index a week's worth of broadcasts of up to 8 T.V. channels.
The SPIDER is the fast, easy, and cost-effective way to monitor what is being said on television about your organization, products, services, and competitors. ''
[Brochure and page with license notice]
(Side note:
Siemens' BS2000 is among the dinosaurs of
mainframe operating systems on this planet... seeing NetBSD being
used to get modern Open Source software like Apache
migrated to such a beast makes me feel funny :-)
StereoStream:
``StereoStream streams music from your iTunes library on your Mac over WiFi to your iPhone or iPod Touch. ''
[license notice]
This goes in a long list of software that apparently was
made to work on Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch... which
are known to make heavy use of NetBSD inside.
This goes in the same tradition as there are
numerous games for Sony's Playstation which all use
NetBSD code.
F5 BIG-IP product family:
``BIG-IP product modules let you easily incorporate new functionality -- everything from Web acceleration to topology-based load balancing -- so you can quickly adapt to changing application and business challenges.''
[Features guide with license notice. See also this file from a product reselled by Dell :-]
IIJ to develop new SEIL/B1 router
I haven't seen
this press release
mentioned anywhere, even if it's already a few
weeks old: ``Internet Initiative Japan, Inc. (IIJ, NASDAQ: IIJI, TSE1: 3774), one of Japan's leading Internet access and comprehensive network solutions providers, today announced the development of the new SEIL/B1, the latest in the next-generation series of high-performance routers. The new SEIL/B1 will go on sale in November 2008 and will also be available to rent. [...]
The SEIL/B1 was designed as a small VPN router that continues to provide all the advanced features of the SEIL series with the addition of multiple ports at a low price. In addition to the Fast Ethernet port, there is a USB port for connecting a mobile data communications card and a BRI port for use with ISDN and other dedicated access services. These additional ports allow for the use of a variety of access lines, which makes this router compatible with a variety of network environments such as redundancy configured networks. The SEIL/B1 is small (250g), has a small space/power requirement, and is compliant with the European RoHS directives, which gives this unit superior environmental performance. It can be used as a low-cost access router at smaller locations and as a VPN router on a multi-location network. ''
Sidekick LX 2009 to use NetBSD as native operating system
There's news on
Boygeniousreport,
Hiptop3, and
Engadget
that the Sidekick LX 2009 will use NetBSD as native operating system.
What's a Sidekick? Wikipedia knows that
``The Danger Hiptop, also re-branded as the
T-Mobile Sidekick,
is a luxury GPRS/EDGE smartphone manufactured by Danger Incorporated. ''
See the image on the right for more details and features.
After Danger was bought by Microsoft in 2008, one would expect that
their upcoming models will run Microsoft's embedded operating system
Windows CE as operating system. Apparrently that's not the case, and
the new Sidekick will rather run NetBSD as operating system.
It seems Danger did too much work that they didn't want to throw
away. :-)
So where's the actual news from on those websites?
Besides some "internal sources", there were some job posts
by Microsoft seeking a NetBSD programmer in
severalplaces.
I guess we'll have to wait for the final product to hit the store to
confirm this, unless we get hold of someone at Danger^WMicrosoft to
tell us what's going on. Nevertheless, NetBSD and its BSD license can
be used fine in a commercial product like the Sidekick, it gives
the company full protection of investment.
I guess when time comes by, we (NetBSD) will see how we can
cooperate to support development and code maintenance, and also
get the word out about another major company using NetBSD.
Book: BSD UNIX Toolbox: 1000+ Commands for FreeBSD, OpenBSD and NetBSD
From the
Business Wire press release:
`` This handy, compact guide teaches you to use BSD UNIX systems as the experts do: from the command line. Try out more than 1,000 commands to find and get
software, monitor system health and security, and access network resources. Apply the skills you learn from this book to use and administer servers and desktops running FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD, or any other BSD flavor.
Expand your BSD UNIX expertise in these and other areas:
NetBSD-based Force10 switch receives 2008 Product Innovation Award
From the
Business Wire press release:
``Force10 Networks(R), the pioneer in building and securing reliable networks, today announced that Network Products Guide, a Silicon Valley Communications publication and leader on technologies and solutions, has named the C300 resilient switch a winner of the 2008 Product Innovation Award for the Ethernet switch category. The award recognizes vendors worldwide whose product innovation brings critical evolutionary changes to
business and the IT industry.
[...]
The Force10 C300 was recognized for innovations that enable enterprises to cost effectively bring performance characteristics typically reserved for enterprise-class data centers to the enterprise LAN and mid-sized data centers. The passive copper backplane of the C300 incorporates patented technology originally designed for Force10's high performance E-Series family of switch/routers and eliminates a single point of failure as well as reduces system-level power consumption.
In addition to the resilient design, the C300 also supports FTOS, bringing additional reliability to the network. Based on a NetBSD kernel, FTOS is inherently stable with modular processes that provide a highly fault tolerant environment by limiting faults to a single process without impacting the performance of others. With advanced inline diagnostics and service tools, FTOS also simplifies troubleshooting and software upgrades while mitigating configuration errors that result from human error.
Plat'Home's SSD Linux: Linux Kernel + NetBSD Userland
Google News has pointed this outa few times, but as the
NetBSD/evbppc
port runs on their
OpenBlockS
for some time, I haven't paid much attention to
Plat'Home's new
OpenMicroServer.
Timo Schoeler has pointed me at an interesting article in
The Register, though
(part one /
two), which
mentions a funny detail on what the machines ship with as
operating system: ``The unit runs the SSD Linux operating system, which straps NetBSD userland functions onto the Linux kernel.''
From the
SSD/Linux homepage:
``SSD/Linux is the Linux distribution developed by Plat'Home, for use with the MicroServer series. The distribution is optimized to fit on a small internal ROM, while offering all necessary functions for networking and peripheral devices.
The name of the distribution is derived from its place of development, Sotokanda in Tokyo, in imitation of BSD. It is published under a BSD-style open license. See the User's Guide for more information.
While the OS uses a Linux kernel, most of the userland is taken from NetBSD.''
I've stumbled across this somewhere on Facebook in the
Found via Google News and citing
From the
From the