DATASHEET

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Product DescriptionThe new network is open and characterized by innovative applications. Juniper Networks®

Junos® Software Development Kit (SDK) is the product that developers use to build these

applications to run at the network device layer on the Junos OS platform. Applications

running on the Junos operating system enhance the network at its most intimate layer

as they run in the control and services planes directly on the systems that connect the

network. The APIs exposed in the Junos SDK allow applications to use the network and its

traffic in new and dynamic ways.

The common set of tools and APIs for rapid development across all Juniper systems is

inherited from the “one Junos” story—a single network operating system unified across

the Juniper routing, switching, and security portfolio. The Junos SDK further evolves Junos

OS, a proven, carrier-grade, high-performance network operating system, into a platform

whose popularity can be tapped by application developers. A trusted platform is crucial.

The Junos SDK exposes platform and system functions without compromise, while in fact

enhancing the robustness and security that have always been paramount to the Junos

operating system.

Network programmability is the essence of the new network open to applications

that amplify feature velocity and the innovation quotient for network operators. The

contributions of applications bring smarter functions to the network for its users and more

efficient differentiated use of the network and its services, ultimately allowing operators

to lower total cost of ownership and extract more value. Juniper now actively develops

internally with the Junos SDK.

Architecture and Key ComponentsRouting Engine SDK—The Routing Engine SDK APIs and tools are used to build

applications to extend the control plane software on Routing Engines. Because a Routing

Engine is always present in any device, Routing Engine SDK-based applications are always

deployable without the addition of any extra hardware or software.

Applications can programmatically manipulate the platform software in dynamic ways in

the form of daemons and other ephemeral processes that run as utilities. User interface

extensions usually accompany such software so that applications can be configured and

administered in the same ways as the Junos platform applications.

Product Overview

Juniper Networks Junos SDK enables

developers to innovate on top of

Juniper systems and the Junos

operating system by building, deploying,

and validating innovative network

applications. The Junos SDK challenges

the paradigm of the industry’s existing

network offerings based on closed

and nonextensible software powering

network devices.

Through programmability with the

Junos SDK, systems running Junos

OS can host customized software

applications that expand upon the

network’s abilities and open it to

innovation. Offering the opportunity to

build on top of a unified carrier-grade

platform, the Junos SDK brings to life

the promise of extracting more value

from a new intelligent network.

Applications embedded in the network

are contributing tremendous value for

the users and operators of networks

through new and optimized services and

by offering new business opportunities.

JUNOS SDK

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1000386-001-EN July 2011

Copyright 2011 Juniper Networks, Inc. All rights reserved. Juniper Networks, the Juniper Networks logo, Junos, NetScreen, and ScreenOS are registered trademarks of Juniper Networks, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks, service marks, registered marks, or registered service marks are the property of their respective owners. Juniper Networks assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies in this document. Juniper Networks reserves the right to change, modify, transfer, or otherwise revise this publication without notice.

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www.juniper.net

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authorized reseller.

Services SDK—The Services SDK encompasses the APIs and tools

to build applications that run on the services hardware modules.

Applications may resemble control plane-based components

or tap directly into the services plane with “zero-copy” packet

manipulation APIs that can access selected packet streams

from the packet forwarding engine (data plane). Applications in

the services plane can take on two roles related to inline packet

processing—transforming and monitoring.

Application ComponentsControl plane programs—These central control-style applications

can access Junos operating system state, as well as routing,

switching, and security features.

User interface extensions—User interface plug-ins can seamlessly

extend the user interface with new operational commands and

object nodes in the configuration database. This capability allows

the operator to administer an application with new syntax through

any one of the Junos platform user interfaces such as Juniper

Networks Junos Space, or with Junos OS scripting technologies.

SNMP and system logging extensions are implemented directly

through the programs themselves.

Service plane programs—Service plane programs operate with

many real-time POSIX threads, each executing a packet polling

loop. They are granted exclusive use of an entire multiprocessing

services engine on a services hardware module. Applications are

generally optimized for low latency and high throughput for their

important task of receiving, processing, and sending packets.

Service plane plug-ins—Service plane plug-ins are also

components that can access packets at line speeds. Their packet,

event-driven model allows for application chaining within a

single services engine. These components can be developed

more quickly as well by taking advantage of generic session

management infrastructure and APIs.

Features and BenefitsFEAtURE BEnEFitS

Platform routing, switching, and security C and C++ APIs with POSIX compliance

Two API sets enable two classes of applications to dynamically manipulate platform and system features with high performance at scale.

• New management, UI, signaling, and protocols can run in the control plane.

• Inline traffic processing and monitoring along with signaling can run in the services plane.

• Many APIs are common to both sets and useful for both styles of applications.

Junos SDK plug-in for the Eclipse development environment

A plug-in for the Eclipse development environment greatly facilitates the coding through debugging workflows.

Install wizard The installer tool sets up and helps to maintain the Junos SDK APIs and tools so that developers can get productive as quickly as possible without cumbersome administration.

Application build and simulation tools Tools to build, package, sign, test, and debug applications for Junos OS are included, as well as tools to simulate the Junos OS user interface with newly developed extensions.

Virtual build environment A virtual machine image runs a build environment and the user interface testing tools.

Learning and support The Junos SDK offers comprehensive topical and reference documentation. Online and live training as well as a development support staff are also available to developers.

Program informationFor more information on the Junos SDK, please visit

www.juniper.net/developer.

About Juniper networksJuniper Networks is in the business of network innovation. From

devices to data centers, from consumers to cloud providers,

Juniper Networks delivers the software, silicon and systems that

transform the experience and economics of networking. The

company serves customers and partners worldwide. Additional

information can be found at www.juniper.net.