Cumulus

Container networking software

Data center networking solutions

DevOps software

Containerization software

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What is Cumulus

Cumulus (commonly referring to Cumulus Linux) is a network operating system for data center switches that brings Linux tooling and automation practices to switching. It targets network and infrastructure teams that want to operate leaf-spine fabrics and integrate network changes into DevOps-style workflows. The product focuses on open networking hardware compatibility and standard Linux interfaces for configuration, automation, and troubleshooting.

Linux-based network operations

It exposes a Linux environment on switches, enabling familiar tools, package management, and scripting for network operations. This can reduce the gap between server and network administration practices in environments that already standardize on Linux. It also supports automation approaches that align with infrastructure-as-code workflows.

Data center fabric focus

It is designed for modern data center switching use cases such as leaf-spine architectures and high-throughput east-west traffic. The platform emphasizes operational workflows for switching rather than application-layer traffic management. This makes it a fit when the primary requirement is switch OS functionality and fabric operations.

Integrates with automation tooling

It is commonly used with configuration management and automation frameworks to standardize switch provisioning and ongoing changes. This supports repeatable deployments and reduces reliance on manual CLI-driven operations. Compared with service-mesh or ingress-focused tools in the reference space, it addresses lower-level network device lifecycle and configuration.

Not a Kubernetes networking layer

It does not function as a Kubernetes CNI plugin, ingress controller, or service mesh for container-to-container traffic policy and observability. Teams still need separate components for cluster networking, traffic routing, and service-to-service security. As a result, it complements rather than replaces container networking software in the reference set.

Hardware and ecosystem dependencies

Capabilities and supportability depend on the specific switch hardware, ASIC, and vendor support matrix. Organizations may need to validate compatibility for features, optics, and operational tooling before standardizing. This can add procurement and qualification work compared with purely software-based networking components.

Operational learning curve

Network teams accustomed to traditional switch operating systems may need to adopt Linux administration concepts and new automation patterns. Troubleshooting and change management can shift toward Linux logs, packages, and system services. This transition can require training and updated operational runbooks.

Plan & Pricing

Pricing model: Per-switch perpetual license (one-time license per supported switch).
Support / Updates: Optional Software Updates & Support subscriptions available for 1-, 3-, and 5-year terms (includes software upgrades, maintenance/security patches, and enterprise support).
How to buy / published pricing: NVIDIA does not publish list prices on its public product pages; Cumulus Linux and licenses are sold through NVIDIA partners/authorized resellers or via NVIDIA sales—contact partner or sales for quotes.
Free evaluation / free VM: Cumulus VX is provided as a free virtual machine for testing; NVIDIA Air is a free, personal virtual data center for simulation and evaluation.
Example costs: Not published on official NVIDIA product/docs pages (no example SKUs/prices found on vendor site).
Discounts / terms: The official site describes support term options (1/3/5 years) and purchasing through partners; volume/term discounts are not published on the vendor site and require contacting sales.

Seller details

NVIDIA Corporation

Santa Clara, California, USA

1993

Public

https://www.nvidia.com/

https://x.com/nvidia

https://www.linkedin.com/company/nvidia/

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Cumulus

What is Cumulus

Linux-based network operations

Data center fabric focus

Integrates with automation tooling

Not a Kubernetes networking layer

Hardware and ecosystem dependencies

Operational learning curve

Plan & Pricing

Seller details

Tools by NVIDIA Corporation

Popular categories

Generative AI & LLM

Agents, autonomous & workflow automation

Vertical AI

Sales

Marketing

Security

Analytics

Collaboration & productivity

Commerce

Content management

Customer service

Development

ERP

HR

IT infrastructure

IT management

Generative AI & LLM

Agents, autonomous & workflow automation

Vertical AI

Sales

Marketing

Security

Analytics

Collaboration & productivity

Commerce

Content management

Customer service

Development

ERP

HR

IT infrastructure

IT management