Compare the Top On-Premises Network Operating Systems (NOS) as of November 2025

What are On-Premises Network Operating Systems (NOS)?

A Network Operating System (NOS) is specialized software designed to manage and coordinate networked devices, ensuring efficient communication and resource sharing. It provides services such as file and print sharing, network security, and centralized user management, enabling seamless collaboration in a multi-user environment. NOS platforms are integral for managing local area networks (LANs) or wide area networks (WANs) and support both client-server and peer-to-peer architectures. Commonly used in enterprise environments, they offer robust tools for system administration, fault tolerance, and data backup. By enabling centralized control over network resources, a NOS ensures optimal performance, security, and scalability for networked systems. Compare and read user reviews of the best On-Premises Network Operating Systems (NOS) currently available using the table below. This list is updated regularly.

  • 1
    CacheGuard

    CacheGuard

    CacheGuard Technologies

    CacheGuard-OS transforms a virtual or bare metal machine into a powerful and easy to handle network appliance. It's a Linux based Operating System built from scratch and especially designed to Secure and Optimize the network traffic. Great care has been taken by CacheGuard-OS developers to select the best of the best Open Source technologies to integrate into CacheGuard-OS. The result is a robust and trustworthy solution that can be up and running within minutes. CacheGuard-OS integrates Open Source software such as but not limited to OpenSSL, NetFilter, IProute2, StrongSwan, ClamAV, Apache, ModSecurity, Squid and Open Source developments made by CacheGuard-OS developers.
    Starting Price: $9.99 per month
  • 2
    VyOS

    VyOS

    VyOS Networks

    Democratizing how we access networks through a universal router and open source software. Our vision at VyOS is to dramatically change how we access networks so that we can all build the solutions we always dreamed of, without restrictions, limitations, or prohibitive costs. We fundamentally believe that internet access is as vital to our human development as air, food, water, and healthcare. Built by engineers for engineers, VyOS is an open source software company that democratizes how we access networks so that the many, not the few, benefit from building solutions without limitations and prohibitive fees. We do this as VyOS through our open source software and virtual platforms. Stateful firewalls, zone-based firewall, all types of source and destination NAT (one to one, one to many, many to many). The entire codebase and build toolchain are available to everyone for auditing, building customized images and contributing.
    Starting Price: $1000
  • 3
    Cisco IOS XR
    A simple, modern, and trustworthy network operating system. Simplify network operations with the new modernized Cisco IOS XR Software. Greater modularity, a simplified networking stack, and cloud-enhanced automation make network programming easy. Unleash your team's potential with better insights, improved performance, and boosted security—so you can spend less time troubleshooting and more time meeting business goals. IOS XR uses less memory, boots faster, and works well with a core or access-level device—all part of a modular design. Let your engineers focus on revenue-generating tasks and streamline their work with a single operating system across the network. Prevent compromises to hardware and firmware with advanced security features. Protect against malicious actors and bugs with a signing technology and multiple runtime defenses, including Integrated Measurement Architecture (IMA).
  • 4
    Cisco IOS XE
    Cisco IOS XE is a versatile, modern, and modular operating system designed to power Cisco's enterprise networking products, including routers, switches, and wireless controllers. Built on a Linux-based architecture, IOS XE offers advanced programmability, scalability, and security to support dynamic network environments. It provides rich features like automation through APIs, application hosting, and support for software-defined networking (SDN), enabling organizations to adapt quickly to evolving technological demands. With its support for virtualization and multi-core processing, IOS XE ensures high performance and reliability while simplifying management through intuitive tools and centralized control. This makes it an ideal choice for enterprises seeking robust, future-ready network solutions.
  • Previous
  • You're on page 1
  • Next