MontaVista® OpenCGX: Open Carrier-Grade Linux for Rapid Embedded Development
Embedded Linux
OpenCGX® is a free-to-use, openly available embedded Linux distribution from MontaVista, based on the eleventh generation of its Carrier Grade Linux platform and built on a customisable Yocto foundation.
It is built for embedded engineers evaluating a carrier-grade Linux base before committing to a platform; the commercially supported production equivalent is CGX Linux.
- Free to use, with a current Linux kernel and GNU toolchain
- Ready-to-use BSPs for QEMU, Cavium ARMv8 OCTEON TX, Intel x86, Raspberry Pi 4 and SiFive Freedom 540 (RISC-V)
- Supports both ILP32 and 64-bit userland
- Proof-of-concept targets include switch, router, firewall, base station, and VNF/gateway
- Tracks the Yocto Project, with MontaVista engineering services available on top
Key Features & Benefits
Customizable Yocto foundation
Build from a Yocto™ framework base with a current Linux® kernel and GNU toolchain, then tune the image for your board, workload, and target product.
Carrier-grade capabilities
Bring high uptime, diagnostics, resiliency, real-time extensions, and support for both ILP32 and 64-bit userland into early platform work.
Faster market velocity
Use the integrated cross compiler and software development environment to rapidly try new applications, solution stacks, and embedded scenarios.
Container-ready isolation
Run applications inside Linux Containers so dependencies are initialized while keeping apps insulated from system components and other workloads.
Open ecosystem fit
SoC providers and SPEED partners can extend embedded Linux coverage to OpenCGX for popular and emerging SoCs at no cost.
Continuously updated
OpenCGX is intended to keep pace with the Yocto Project while providing a familiar MontaVista platform for long-term engineering services.
Proof of Concept Targets
OpenCGX supports early development for complex embedded Linux systems where reliability, isolation, and portability matter.
Switch
Prototype switching software stacks on a familiar Linux base.
Router
Explore routing services, platform capabilities, and target readiness.
Firewall
Evaluate secure network appliance concepts and isolated workloads.
Base Station
Use carrier-grade Linux capabilities as a practical base for telecom proof-of-concept work.
VNF & Gateway
Combine Linux KVM, containers, and embedded services to validate virtualized network functions and gateway designs.
Ready to Use Board Support Packages
OpenCGX is available for multiple BSPs, with repositories shared by MontaVista for additional targets.
Get Started With CGX Linux
Follow the platform readme for your selected BSP, build your image, and begin experimenting with carrier-grade embedded Linux features, containers, and application stacks.
