Unlocking the Power of Automated Networking with Cumulus Networks

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Importance of Automated and Efficient Networking Software
3. Cumulus Networks: A Cloud-Based Networking Solution
4. The Benefits of Native Linux Network Operating Systems
5. Contributions to the Linux Community
6. Support for Automation and Telemetry
7. Disaggregated Software for Increased Flexibility
8. Advanced Network Simulation
9. Enterprise-Ready Solutions
10. Customer Testimonial: Athena Healthcare
11. What is Open Networking?
12. Separating Components for Optimal Performance
13. The Evolution of Data Centers and the SDDC
14. Legacy Architectures vs. Spine and Leaf Scale-Out Architectures
15. Challenges in Network Engineering
16. Introducing Cumulus Networks as the Solution
17. BGP Unnumbered for Simplified Configuration
18. Simplifying Operations with Cumulus Networks
19. Unifying Operations between Compute and Network
20. Cumulus NetQ: A Fabric API for Enhanced Visibility
21. Conclusion

The Importance of Automated and Efficient Networking Software

In today's digital age, networking software plays a crucial role in the efficiency and scalability of IT infrastructures. Automation and efficient networking have become paramount in order to meet the demands of modern businesses. Enterprises require networking solutions that can scale massively, while being open and adaptable. This is where Cumulus Networks comes into play.

Cumulus Networks: A Cloud-Based Networking Solution

Cumulus Networks is at the forefront of providing cloud-based networking software that is automated and efficient. As the first native Linux Network Operating System (NOS) in the marketplace, Cumulus Networks stands out for its unique approach. Unlike other solutions that wrap the Linux kernel in additional layers, Cumulus leverages the full power of Linux. This has allowed Cumulus Networks to contribute significantly to the Linux community, with contributions to free range routing, open source routing suites like FRR, and advancements in EVPN technology.

The Benefits of Native Linux Network Operating Systems

The use of native Linux as the foundation of Cumulus Networks brings many benefits to the table. One of the key advantages is the built-in support for automation and telemetry. Unlike other solutions that require workarounds and complex configurations, Cumulus Networks provides out-of-the-box support for automation and telemetry. This makes it easier for organizations to monitor and manage their network infrastructure, leading to increased efficiency and operational simplicity.

Additionally, Cumulus Networks offers fully disaggregated software that can run on a variety of hardware platforms from different vendors. This means that organizations can choose hardware from vendors such as HPE, Lenovo, Mellanox, and Dell, and still benefit from the same operational behavior across their entire data center or campus. The flexibility and versatility of Cumulus Networks make it an attractive option for enterprises looking to simplify their networking infrastructure.

Contributions to the Linux Community

Cumulus Networks takes great pride in its contributions to the Linux community. By being a native Linux NOS, Cumulus has been able to share its knowledge, expertise, and technology with the wider Linux community. From leadership in free range routing to innovations in EVPN and VRF for Linux, Cumulus Networks has played a significant role in advancing the capabilities of Linux-based networking software.

Support for Automation and Telemetry

Automation and telemetry have become essential for efficient network management. Cumulus Networks understands this need and provides comprehensive support for automation and telemetry out of the box. With Cumulus Networks, organizations can easily automate any aspect of their network infrastructure and gain valuable insights through streaming telemetry. This simplifies network management, reduces human error, and enables faster troubleshooting and decision-making.

Disaggregated Software for Increased Flexibility

Cumulus Networks takes pride in its ability to provide fully disaggregated software that runs on various hardware platforms. This means that organizations have the freedom to choose hardware from different vendors without the fear of vendor lock-in. Whether it's Mellanox, Dell, HPE, or other vendors, Cumulus Networks' software ensures consistent operational behavior across the entire network. This flexibility gives organizations the freedom to build their network infrastructure based on their specific requirements, without compromise.

Advanced Network Simulation

Network simulation is a crucial tool for organizations to test and validate changes in their network infrastructure. Cumulus Networks understands this need, and provides the ability for advanced network simulation. With Cumulus Networks, organizations can easily simulate, train, and automate their network infrastructure. This enables them to make informed decisions, ensure the stability of their network, and avoid potential disruptions.

Enterprise-Ready Solutions

While Cumulus Networks is built for cloud environments, the company recognizes that enterprises may not always be on the bleeding edge of technology adoption. Therefore, Cumulus Networks ensures that its solutions are enterprise-ready. This means providing 24/7 support, offering both automation and a command-line interface, and supporting traditional protocols such as Spanning Tree and MLAG. Cumulus Networks' solutions are designed to grow with organizations as they embark on the journey of network automation and programmable networks.

Customer Testimonial: Athena Healthcare

Athena Healthcare, a long-time customer of Cumulus Networks, is a testament to the success and benefits of adopting Cumulus Networks' solutions. As an organization that transitioned from traditional networking to a modern open networking ecosystem, Athena Healthcare experienced incredible improvements in their network infrastructure. Cumulus Networks' solutions enabled them to achieve operational efficiency, reduce build times, and have greater flexibility in their network design.

For example, the ability to easily snap rails onto switches significantly reduced their data center build times. Additionally, the open networking ecosystem allowed Athena Healthcare to focus on the needs of their business, rather than being restricted by the limitations of proprietary solutions. The journey of Athena Healthcare showcases the positive impact that Cumulus Networks' solutions can have on organizations of any size.

What is Open Networking?

Open networking refers to the concept of decoupling hardware and software in network infrastructure. Traditionally, networking solutions were tightly coupled, preventing organizations from using hardware and software from different vendors. Open networking aims to separate these components, allowing organizations to choose best-in-class hardware, network operating systems, and applications. Cumulus Networks is a leading provider of open networking solutions, offering a unified and flexible approach to network design and deployment.

Separating Components for Optimal Performance

By separating the various components of network infrastructure, organizations can achieve optimal performance and flexibility. Cumulus Networks follows this approach by offering best-in-class hardware, network operating systems, and applications. This enables organizations to leverage the strengths of each layer of the network stack, resulting in a highly efficient and scalable network infrastructure.

The Evolution of Data Centers and the SDDC

Data centers have undergone a significant evolution in recent years, with the emergence of the Software-Defined Data Center (SDDC). SDDC is a paradigm shift in data center architecture, focusing on the virtualization and automation of network resources. Spine and leaf scale-out architectures have become the preferred choice for modern data centers due to their scalability, reliability, and simplified management. Cumulus Networks' solutions are designed to support the transition to the SDDC, offering the flexibility, automation, and scalability required for modern data centers.

Legacy Architectures vs. Spine and Leaf Scale-Out Architectures

Legacy architectures, characterized by big chassis switches and a hierarchical access, distribution, and core model, have limitations in terms of scalability, ease of management, and resilience. On the other HAND, spine and leaf scale-out architectures offer a more flexible and reliable solution. By adding leaf switches at the bottom for server attachment and spine switches for increased bandwidth, organizations can easily scale their network infrastructure. These scale-out architectures are based on layer three, making them highly stable, scalable, and easy to manage.

Challenges in Network Engineering

Network engineering faces various challenges, hindering the transition from legacy architectures to newer, more efficient solutions. These challenges include vendor interoperability issues, complex configurations, and the lack of automation and simulation capabilities. Cumulus Networks addresses these challenges by providing a simplified and unified approach to network design and management. With Cumulus Networks, organizations can overcome these obstacles and embrace the benefits of modern networking solutions.

Introducing Cumulus Networks as the Solution

Cumulus Networks provides the solutions needed to overcome the challenges faced by network engineers. With a focus on openness, simplicity, and automation, Cumulus Networks offers a comprehensive suite of networking solutions that empower organizations to build and manage efficient and scalable networks. By leveraging the power of Linux, embracing automation and telemetry, and providing advanced network simulation capabilities, Cumulus Networks is transforming the way networks are designed, deployed, and operated.

BGP Unnumbered for Simplified Configuration

BGP Unnumbered is a feature offered by Cumulus Networks that simplifies the configuration of Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). By leveraging this feature, organizations can eliminate the need for assigning IP addresses to each BGP Peer and reduce the complexity of configuration. BGP Unnumbered allows for a more streamlined and efficient configuration process, simplifying network management and reducing the chances of misconfiguration.

Simplifying Operations with Cumulus Networks

Cumulus Networks is committed to simplifying network operations and configuration. With their CLI, called nCLU, Cumulus Networks provides a user-friendly interface that supports tab completion and built-in documentation. The CLI uses intuitive commands starting with "net" to make it easy for users to navigate and configure their network. Additionally, Cumulus Networks offers built-in documentation, examples, commit and rollback capabilities, and a full HTTP API for automation and orchestration.

Unifying Operations between Compute and Network

Cumulus Networks recognizes the importance of unifying operations between compute and network. To achieve this, Cumulus Networks offers Linux packages that seamlessly integrate compute and network operations. With tools like MTR (My Trace Route), htop (a modern tool for CPU, memory, and disk monitoring), and bwm-ng (bandwidth monitor), administrators gain enhanced visibility and control over their network. This integration allows for more efficient troubleshooting, monitoring, and management of both compute and network resources.

Cumulus NetQ: A Fabric API for Enhanced Visibility

Cumulus NetQ is a powerful fabric API offered by Cumulus Networks that provides enhanced visibility of network resources. By running NetQ agents on network devices, organizations can stream data to a NetQ server for real-time monitoring and analytics. NetQ offers features like one-line validations, trace routes, event logging, topology visualization, and snapshot comparisons. With Cumulus NetQ, organizations can gain deep insights into their network infrastructure, identify and resolve issues quickly, and optimize network performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cumulus Networks offers a highly efficient, scalable, and open networking solution. With their native Linux NOS, support for automation and telemetry, and contributions to the Linux community, Cumulus Networks has positioned itself as a leader in the field. By simplifying network operations, embracing open networking concepts, and providing advanced simulation and monitoring capabilities, Cumulus Networks empowers organizations to build and manage modern, cloud-like networks. With Cumulus Networks, enterprises can embrace the future of networking and unlock the full potential of their IT infrastructures.