Spectrum Linux Switch enables users to natively install and use any standard Linux distribution as the switch operating system on the Open Ethernet Mellanox Spectrum switch platforms and ASIC.

Spectrum Linux switch is based on Switchdev, a Linux kernel driver model for Ethernet switches. It breaks the dependency of using vendor-specific, closed-source software development kits (SDK). The open-source Linux driver is developed and maintained in the Linux kernel, replacing proprietary APIs with standard Linux kernel interfaces to control the switch hardware. This allows off-the-shelf Linux-based networking applications to operate on the Spectrum switch, including L2 switching and L3 routing.

The combination of the Open Ethernet Spectrum switch and Switchdev driver provides users with the flexibility to choose the best hardware platform and software solution for their needs, resulting in optimized data center performance, lower cost of ownership and higher return on investment.