Why choose Cumulus Linux
Cumulus Linux is the only open network OS that allows you to affordably build and efficiently operate your network like the world’s largest data center operators, unlocking web-scale networking for businesses of all sizes.
100+ hardware platforms
Choose from an extensive list of qualified and supported hardware based on the latest innovations in merchant silicon
Complete standardization
Reduce complexities and get complete interoperability with Linux across your entire data center
Network protection
Receive additional levels of security exclusive to Cumulus Linux in addition to industry-standard security features
Flexible open architecture
Enables you to customize your network and scale seamlessly
Reduced CapEx
by lowering the cost of acquiring open switches and optics
Reduced OpEx
by leveraging existing talent and assigning more switches per engineer
Built for
automation first
Enjoy networking that’s consistent, repeatable and integrates easily with third-party tools via REST API's
Faster IT delivery
Leverage native integration and best-of-breed tools for automation, monitoring, analytics and more
How Cumulus Linux works
The figure below summarizes both the essence of the Cumulus Linux architecture as well as the philosophy that we use to guide our development.
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What you get with Cumulus Linux
Technology we innovated in-house to make your life easier:
OSPF Unnumbered
Create configs faster by no longer depending on unique IP addresses, which simplifies automation.
BGP Unnumbered
Automation gets even easier with this simplified IP approach. All you need is one IP template for leaf nodes and one for the spine nodes. Easy, right?
Redistribute Neighbor
Get VM and host mobility by plugging in your server into any RDNBR switch making it L3 discoverable on the fabric. If you have any need to move the server, there’s no need to reconfigure.
Prescriptive Topology Manager (PTM)
Efficiently go from whiteboard to physical cable. With PTM, you can program your data center to verify connections and resolve issues faster.
Virtual Routing and Forwarding
Run multiple network paths without the need for multiple switches, giving you traffic isolation and network segmentation for multiple devices.
Lightweight Network Virtualization (LNV)
Accelerate VXLAN deployments with a controllerless solution.
Ethernet Virtual Private Networks (EVPN)
Get freedom from L2 complexities with this modern, standards-based, interoperable technology that allows legacy layer 2 applications to operate over next-generation layer 3 networks. Learn more about EVPN.
Network Command Line Utility (NCLU)
Use our rich and simple command line for easy network configuration and operation
Disaggregation
Unlock the stack with open architecture using a Linux operating model.
Native security
From OpenSSH to authentication, Cumulus Linux keeps your switches secure.
Hardware your way
Launch fully-loaded with Cumulus Express or choose from our 50+ hardware partners.
Unified stack
With a unified operating model across compute and network, you'll reduce complexities and get guaranteed interoperability.
Software driven
Our software writes directly to the silicon giving you a software driven and hardware accelerated approach.
