Cumulus Linux is a software distribution that runs on top of industry standard networking hardware. It enables the latest Linux applications and automation tools on networking gear while delivering new levels of innovation and flexibility to the data center.

Open Network Operating System

Cumulus Linux is THE Linux network operating system. It is not just based on Linux, it IS Linux and offers the entirety of the Linux experience on networking hardware. Existing open source and commercial Linux applications run natively on industry standard switches. Rich datacenter networking solutions are augmented to support large scale CLOS fabrics and next generation architectures.

New applications are developed and integrated rapidly, enabling time to market and further innovation.

Open Networking Gear Ecosystem

The same Cumulus Linux distribution supports a broad range of switches from different
vendors. Customers can choose from a wide range of platforms with various port densities ranging from 48x1G ports to wire-rate 32x40G ports with the latest industry leading switching
silicon, various form factors and various capabilities (see hardware compatibility list).

The industry standard hardware comes with an Open Network Install Environment (ONIE) for zero touch install of the network operating system of choice.

This open approach enables choice with the best hardware, software, applications, network architectures and no vendor lock-in.

Key Cumulus Linux Functionality

Modern Data Center Networking Solutions

Enhanced open networking solutions, including support for IPv4/v6 routing suite, Layer 2 suite, security ACLs, QoS, and VXLAN.

These features are at the foundation of traditional and modern datacenter architectures such as large-scale leaf/spine fabrics, and network virtualization.

Rich Open Source and Commercial Applications Ecosystem

Cumulus Linux leverages the Linux kernel datastructures to allow seamless integration with existing Linux applications, both open source and commercial versions, and enable rapid innovation.

Large Scale Orchestration, Automation

Leverages Linux’s extensibility to support any scripting language, enables automation with zero-touch install and provisioning, and integrates seamlessly with orchestration tools such as Chef, Puppet, CFEngine.

Efficient Troubleshooting and Monitoring

Leverages traditional Linux and networking tools such as SNMPv2/v3, SPAN/ERSPAN, integrates with advanced monitoring tools such Collectd, Ganglia, Nagios, and provides advanced troubleshooting with tools such as Cumulus Linux’s Prescriptive Topology Manager for topology consistency against a topology graph.