Building a Secure and Reliable SONiC Image: A Step-by-Step Guide

Summary: This article provides a detailed guide on building a secure and reliable SONiC image using NVIDIA’s verified process. It covers the importance of reproducible builds, the benefits of using a verified NVIDIA hash, and a step-by-step guide on building a custom ONIE compatible SONiC image.

Understanding Reproducible Builds

Reproducible builds are a crucial aspect of open-source software development. They ensure that the same binary can be built from the same source code and external dependencies, providing an extra layer of security and trustworthiness. In the context of SONiC, reproducible builds allow users to build a secure and reliable image that is free from vendor dependence.

Benefits of Using a Verified NVIDIA Hash

Using a verified NVIDIA hash provides several benefits, including:

  • Security: A verified hash ensures that the source code and external dependencies are secure and trustworthy.
  • Stability: A verified hash ensures that the build process is consistent and reliable, reducing the risk of failures due to changes in external dependencies.
  • Development: A verified hash makes it easier to debug and fix issues, as the build process is consistent and reproducible.

Building a Custom ONIE Compatible SONiC Image

To build a custom ONIE compatible SONiC image, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Build Server

  • Use a virtual Ubuntu 20.04 server with 8 CPU cores, 32GB RAM, and 300GB hard disk space.
  • Install Docker version 27.0.3.
  • Clone the SONiC repository and checkout a specific branch and hash using git checkout 202311 156b067c.

Step 2: Configure the Build Process

  • Edit the rules/config file to enable ZTP and specify the ASIC platform.
  • Use the make init command to initialize the build process.
  • Use the make configure command to configure the ASIC platform.

Step 3: Build the Image

  • Use the make command to build the image, specifying the target target/sonic-vs.bin.
  • Enable ZTP and specify the number of parallel build jobs using ENABLE_ZTP=y SONIC_CONFIG_BUILD_JOBS=8.

Example Build Instruction

sudo modprobe overlay
cd sonic-buildimage
git checkout 202311 156b067c
make init
make configure PLATFORM=mellanox
ENABLE_ZTP=y SONIC_CONFIG_BUILD_JOBS=8 make target/sonic-vs.bin

Open Networking with SONiC

Building a custom ONIE compatible SONiC image demonstrates the power of open networking. By using a verified NVIDIA hash and a reproducible build process, users can create a secure and reliable image that is free from vendor dependence.

Table: Benefits of Using a Verified NVIDIA Hash

Benefit Description
Security Ensures that the source code and external dependencies are secure and trustworthy.
Stability Ensures that the build process is consistent and reliable, reducing the risk of failures due to changes in external dependencies.
Development Makes it easier to debug and fix issues, as the build process is consistent and reproducible.

Table: Hardware Recommendations for Building a SONiC Image

Component Recommendation
CPU 8 CPU cores
RAM 32GB RAM
Hard Disk Space 300GB hard disk space
Docker Version 27.0.3
Operating System Virtual Ubuntu 20.04 server

Conclusion

Building a secure and reliable SONiC image requires a verified NVIDIA hash and a reproducible build process. By following the steps outlined in this article, users can create a custom ONIE compatible SONiC image that meets their specific needs. With SONiC, users can experience the benefits of open networking, including reduced vendor dependence and increased security and reliability.