Real-time Ubuntu Linux now available

Canonical has released its real-time Ubuntu 22.04 LTS Linux platform, aimed at delivering end-to-end security and reliability for time-limited workloads.

Released on February 14 and positioned for use in telecommunications, aerospace, defense, and public sector applications, version 22.04 provides deterministic responses to real-time events and seeks to minimize response time guarantees within a specified timeframe. Based on Linux kernel version 5.15, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS integrates the PREEMPT_RT patch set outside of the tree for Arm and x86 architectures. This set of patches reduces kernel latencies to ensure predictable task execution. Canonical said PREEMP_RT makes the kernel more preemptive than mainline Linux. Ubuntu Realtime is intended to deliver performance, low latency, and security for telecom infrastructure, with the kernel designed to meet the needs of telecom transformation for 5G.

The real-time kernel is available on all variants of the Ubuntu operating system. There are two deployment options available:

• Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS with real-time kernel is available through a subscription to Ubuntu Pro. This release offers cloud images for AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform; support for OpenSSL cryptography and secure communication; network acceleration improvements; and general support for GlusterFS, FRRouting, and realmd/adcli.
• Ubuntu Core 22 with real-time kernel is available for enterprise customers with an app store. Ubuntu Core is a containerized variant of Ubuntu designed for edge devices. Canonical will keep Ubuntu Core with the real-time kernel for the long term.