FS PicOS® vs Cumulus Linux: Choosing the Right One for Broadcom-based Switches

After being acquired by NVIDIA, Cumulus Linux and subsequent higher versions no longer support Broadcom ASICs. Organizations that have deployed Cumulus Linux face a challenge: either replace all Broadcom-based switches with NVIDIA switches or retain the Broadcom switches but change the software system.

To address this issue, FS provides a comprehensive Linux-based network operating system PicOS® that seamlessly interoperates with existing Broadcom-based ASICs switches. This article will discuss why FS PicOS® can solve the dilemma mentioned above.

FS PicOS® vs Cumulus Linux: Similarities and Differences

Both FS PicOS® and Cumulus Linux are network operating systems based on Debian Linux and they are similar in lots of aspects. But in comparison, PicOS® has a wider range of applications and offers a more cost-effective choice.

Why Is FS PicOS® the Optimal Choice for Broadcom-based Switches?

Reducing Unnecesary Investment Risk

PicOS® offers an ideal solution for those who use Cumulus Linux on Broadcom-based switches.The PicOS® operating system supports all Broadcom-based ASICs, and FS still invests large costs to perfect this OS.

All FS PicOS® switches use Broadcom chips that have the advantages of high-speed data transmission, low latency and high throughput, which help improve the performance of campus network switches and offer efficient network infrastructure.

FS PicOS® ensures interoperability with third-party vendors such as Cisco, Juniper, Arista, HPE, Aruba, etc. through standard protocols, including Layer 2 protocols (IEEE standards, RFCs) and routing protocols (FRR open-source architecture). PicOS® also offers complete backward compatibility with your existing network, seamlessly integrating with legacy switches. This ensures that you are not compelled to undertake wholesale upgrades in one go. Instead, you can upgrade gradually, whether department by department, building by building, floor by floor, or at a pace that aligns with your IT budget.

Assured Performance and More Future-proofing

Continuously Iterative Software Protocols

Compared to Cumulus Linux which will end support for Broadcom-based ASICs, FS PicOS® provides more assured performance for HPC, data center, and enterprise networks.

FS PicOS® offers extensive protocol support, including full-featured routing protocols. It supports EVPN-VXLAN to meet the elastic scalability requirements of customer businesses, adapting to modern technology trends such as cloud computing and virtualization. Additionally, it supports MLAG for layer 2 network redundancy, ensuring uninterrupted operation even in the presence of device or connection issues, thereby safeguarding critical business operations.

Furthermore, FS is committed to continuously researching and improving the functionality of PicOS® software to meet the evolving network requirements. In the future, PicOS® will support a wide range of applications in data centers, high-performance computing (HPC), and enterprise networks.

Simple Automation Management

FS PicOS® switches support AmpCon™ management platform that automates Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP), deployment, configuration and lifecycle management. It provides a Web UI and is deployed as a software appliance that runs in a virtual machine (VM) running in the data center or cloud. FS AmpCon™ supports remote deployment and scalability for 1000s of PicOS® switches. It's a streamlined solution for effective network management, enhancing IT efficiency and ensuring stable network operation.

Click for more information about AmpCon™: FS AmpCon™: Your Network Automation Partner

Similar to Cumulus Linux, FS PicOS® also supports automation tools like Ansible, an open-source automation tool, simplifying network management processes. This enables quick deployment and configuration changes while reducing the risk of human errors, saving human costs, and minimizing operation time.

Additionally, FS PicOS® excels in network security, supporting NAC, VPNs, and seamless integration with leading security solutions. It provides network monitoring and telemetry capabilities for efficient threat detection.

Free Trail to PicOS®, Easy to Transition

To ensure every FS customer knows how PicOS® works and how it can help to simplify their network deployment, FS also provides a free virtual network operating system PicOS-V for testing.

With PicOS-V, you can experience the functionality and operational workflow of PicOS® without the need for switching hardware. It's a license-free solution that allows users to familiarize themselves with PicOS® software switches, validate configurations, prototype network operations, and test features without any risk. PicOS-V also enables testing of automation capabilities and simulates whitebox switch hardware by easily changing models and serial numbers.

Overall, FS provides a convenient and risk-free way for customers to explore and evaluate the features of PicOS®, accelerating network deployment, and reducing costs associated with testing and validation.

FS Solutions for Broadcom-based Switches with Cumulus Linux

For customers using Broadcom chip hardware white box switches and Cumulus Linux, FS recommends the following two solutions.

FS Solution 1: Keep the Broadcom-based ASICs Switches and Replace the Cumulus Linux with FS PicOS®

If you do not want to abandon your existing Broadcom switches, this solution offers cost-effectiveness and supports future network scalability.

FS PicOS® has significant advantages over Cumulus Linux. With a similar operating system foundation based on Debian Linux, PicOS® supports most data center applications. Moreover, PicOS® extends its suitability to enterprise and access networks, providing a broader range of application scenarios. With a user-friendly interface and the unified management platform AmpCon™, PicOS® simplifies network configuration, making it easy for administrators at all skill levels. In this way, you also don't need to replace each switch in your data center or campus with Nvidia switches to keep Linux, which helps minimize both time and cost expenses.

FS Solution 2: Use FS PicOS® Switches for a Complete Upgrade and Expansion

If you plan to upgrade your existing network, FS PicOS® Switches will be a nice choice.

All FS PicOS® switches are high-performance network switches powered by Broadcom chips, which remove the trouble of software transition later. They offer interoperability with third-party devices and reduce customer costs through automated configuration management platform AmpCon™. PicOS® switches also provide high reliability and scalability, enabling network stability and expansion through EVPN-VXLAN and MLAG technologies. Moreover, they enhance network security and offer scalability for future network development. In summary, FS PicOS® switches are a powerful, reliable, and cost-effective choice.

Click FS.com for more information about FS PicOS® switches and diverse network solutions.

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