Why Cumulus Linux Is Popular Among White Box Switches

The network switch has now grown in the same way that the server was developed in the market. Proprietary switches are now challenged by the white box switches that bring open source software. There are many network operation systems that can be accessed through ONIE for bare metal switches. Among them, Cumulus Linux is the most popular one. How does it develop and why does it stand out from the rest?

Cumulus Linux Overview

Cumulus linux is a version of the open source operating system built to run on bare-metal switch hardware. Cumulus Linux is a software distribution that runs on top of industry standard networking hardware. Linux has a very full-featured networking stack and the mature linux operating system has already been in use for implementation of technologies from most networking vendors prior to incorporating it into their proprietary platforms. Sysadmins have access to and get familiar with a huge variety of tools for managing and operating linux platforms. It is said that 34% of the Fortune 50 have already adopted Cumulus linux. Then why Cumulus linux is popular among white box switches?

Analysis on White Box Switch Market

Over the years, consumers have bought proprietary network switches from well-known vendors who installed their operating system on the original hardware. Now with the advent of white box switches, customers have found a more flexible approach to create their own switches. They can get hardware directly from the ODM at a discounted rate compared to similar switches from traditional networking vendors, because there are no network operating system installed in it. Vendors like Cumulus Networks and Big Switch Networks offer operating systems that can run on a variety of hardware switching platforms. These platforms can be installed into multiple bare metal hardware that come from different suppliers.

The white box switch which enables people to purchase hardware and software independently is gaining popularity. It excels traditional switches in cost and the flexibility. Cumulus linux gives programmers and developers the ability to customize the platform to their needs.

Why Cumulus Linux Is Popular Among White Box Switches?

Built for automation, scalability and flexibility, Cumulus Linux is the world’s most flexible open network operating system for bare metal switches which allow you to build a data center network that ideally suits your business needs.

Cumulus Linux Provides Economical Scalability.

Since Cumulus Linux is Linux, all applications available with a Linux operating system are also available with Cumulus Linux. With off the rack hardware and a standardized linux stack, people can increase efficiency in operation by reducing production time. Both CapEx and OpEx can be lowered.

Cumulus Linux Is Built for the Automation Age.

Cumulus linux is a powerful, networking-focused linux based free operating system that offers a complete open architecture and is designed for easy automation. With automation, all of your configurations are stored in one place. No longer need to log into a dozen switches and start typing to make changes on multiple switches. Using automation, you can accomplish the change in one centralized repository and push them out to your switches with the flip of a switch.

Cumulus Linux Provides Choice and Flexibility.

Cumulus Linux currently runs on 50+ hardware platforms from 9 different vendors, and boasts two different types of silicon. It greatly increases the choices of hardware and avoids any potential hardware lock in or supply chain issues. Build your network based on your needs and you budget, and pivot easily as the industry changes.

Conclusion

Providing economical scalability and choice flexibility, Cumulus Linux, the leading network operating system, greatly boosts the adoption of white box switch. Unless you try Cumulus Linux, you can never taste its charming.

CMR vs. CMP: When to Use Them in Your House?

Lots of customers have found the letters “CM”, “CMR” and CMP” in the product description when purchasing copper cables like Cat5e cable and Cat6 cable. These terms are the most common cable jacket ratings specified by the National Electric Code (NEC). CM rated cables that are designed for general use won’t be covered in this article. Let’s see the difference between CMR vs. CMP in their applications.

Introduction of CMR vs. CMP

CMR cable stands for “Communications Multipurpose Cable, Riser”. It is also referred to as “riser-rated cable” and designed to prevent fires from spreading between floors through risers or vertical shafts, that is to say, it can self-extinguish when ignited. As for flame-resistance, it does better than the CM cable, so CMR cable can be used where CM cable would be required. Consequently, CMR cable is more expensive than CM cable.

CMP cable stands for “Communications Multipurpose Cable, Plenum”, which is the so-called plenum cable. It is constructed to limit the amount of smoke emitted in case of a fire and prevent flame from spreading to more than five feet. In some places where air travels throughout a building via plenum spaces, it is critical that Ethernet cable is made of the material that doesn’t give off toxic fumes if burned. CMP cable is the one suitable for installation into air plenum spaces.

When it comes to the difference between CMR vs. CMP, as the flammability requirements for CMP cables are stricter than CMR cables, plenum cables can always replace riser cables, but not the reverse. Plenum rated cable is always twice as expensive as riser cable.

CMR vs. CMP: When to Use Them in Your House?

Even though we have read lots of materials telling what is CMR vs. CMP, the knowledge about when to use these cables truly matters for the mass people. Only being applied to the practice, can the theory be tasted. Let’s see the following illustration. In the picture, the CMP plenum cables run horizontally in the structured ceiling and the dropped ceiling or under a raised floor where is typically considered plenum. This is largely due to the fact that this place is full of fast-moving air as it facilitates air circulation for heating and conditioning systems. The presence of fresh air can bring dander of rapid flame spreading or dangerous gases distribution, thus causing damage to the furniture and threatening people’s lives. Therefore, CMP must be used in air ducts or vents. Typically, it is the prime choice for cabling construction in train station, airport and other public people-intensive places where we must prevent hazards to human health and safety from wiring.

CMR riser cable runs between floors in non-plenum areas as the red line indicates. They are usually run vertically from the basement to the upper floor, so long as the cable does not need to run through an air duct.

CMP, CMR and the like are the NEC’s ratings for the cable jacket. Different types of copper cables like Cat5, Cat5e and Cat6 cables all have CM, CMR, CMP versions. They have the same exact copper inside. The difference is the outer casing or “jacket” that surrounds a cable’s internal wiring and insulation.

Conclusion

This article covers what is riser cable and plenum cable, when to use plenum cable and riser cable. Choosing the right CMR vs. CMP cable is really important. It not only helps prevent dangers but also avoid unnecessary interference by local authorities if you fail to meet the fire codes. If there are any problem or puzzle during cables selecting or application, FS excellent tech team and sales team would like to offer help.