RDK

RDK, short for Reference Design Kit, is an open-source software framework used primarily in broadband devices such as set-top boxes, gateways, and IP video platforms. It provides a common, modular stack intended to speed application development, enable interoperability across devices, and simplify over‑the‑air updates. The project is stewarded by the RDK Management organization, a consortium of operators and hardware manufacturers, and is distributed as open-source software.

The architecture centers on a Linux-based base image that hosts a collection of reusable software components, a service-oriented framework for device management, and a set of APIs that product teams can extend for customer premises equipment. RDK components communicate with central management servers for provisioning, telemetry, and software updates, while remaining adaptable to vendor-specific hardware and UI layers.

RDK is organized into three main editions: RDK-B for broadband gateways and home networking, RDK-V for video delivery and set‑top boxes, and RDK-C for customer premises equipment used by cable operators. Each edition provides shared core functionality alongside domain-specific modules and interfaces.

Development and governance are collaborative, with contributions from operators, equipment vendors, and software developers. New releases are coordinated by RDK Management and propagated through member channels and public repositories. The project emphasizes openness, interoperability, and rapid deployment, while remaining constrained by the need for certified compatibility across operator networks and devices.

Adoption is global, with deployments by multiple operators across North America, Europe, and elsewhere. RDK has been credited with accelerating time-to-market for new services and enabling more consistent user experiences, though it also faces competition from platform vendors and the challenges of maintaining compatibility across diverse hardware.