Arrcus ArcOS review
A broad routing and automation feature set for teams building software-defined networks.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
For network operators building software-defined routers and switches, Arrcus ArcOS combines routing, VPN services and programmable management in a Linux-based, microservices network operating system. It is positioned for enterprises, service providers and large-scale network operators, with deployments spanning data centers, edge sites and multi-cloud environments. Its hardware-agnostic approach is intended for teams that want routing software to run on white-box or merchant-silicon platforms rather than depend on a single appliance type.
ArcOS covers a substantial range of network functions: IPv4 and IPv6 routing with BGP, OSPF and IS-IS; MPLS, segment routing and EVPN/VXLAN; and IPSec, L2VPN and L3VPN services. Process restartability, graceful restart and hitless upgrades address continuity during operational changes. For teams building automation and observability workflows, management interfaces include OpenConfig/YANG, REST, NETCONF and RESTCONF, while telemetry can stream through gNMI, Kafka, sFlow and IPFIX. Integrations include Ansible, Prometheus and Kubernetes.
Deployment flexibility is a central part of the product’s fit: ArcOS runs on bare metal, virtual machines and containers, and supports cloud deployment across AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud. Zero-touch provisioning and automation integrations can support repeatable rollouts, while the breadth of routing and service features makes ArcOS a focused choice for teams operating complex networks. Pricing requires a sales engagement, and ArcOS is not open source. Teams seeking programmable routing across varied infrastructure may find its scope appropriate; those looking for general-purpose IT software or an open-source network operating system should consider alternatives.
Arrcus ArcOS pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Supports BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, MPLS, EVPN/VXLAN and VPN services
- Runs on bare metal, virtual machines, containers and cloud deployments
- Offers APIs and streaming telemetry for network automation and monitoring
- Where it doesn't
- Pricing requires a sales engagement
- ArcOS is not open source
- Its network operating-system focus may not suit teams seeking general IT software
Arrcus ArcOS fact sheet, pricing and score →
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