Country
United StatesIndustry
TelecomNetwork Type
Service Provider Data CentersSolutions
Internet Data Center
Updated on Mar 06, 2025
DownloadHighlights
Experience PicOS-V Virtual Operating System, client preview and test all functions of PicOS® at their own pace at zero cost, and verify whether it supports all features and functions previously provided by Cumulus.
Real POC testing ensures 100% compatibility of the new network operating system with existing hardware, achieving seamless integration with current network infrastructure, tools, and applications.
A detailed migration plan and network infrastructure assessment created by FS helped the customer transition smoothly from Cumulus to PicOS®, significantly reducing downtime and ensuring operational continuity.
With the AmpCon-DC SDN Controller, clients can automate, centrally manage, and securely scale nearly a thousand network devices. Its powerful graphical user interfaces (GUIs) allow for easy network performance and status monitoring, enabling even non-technical personnel to operate it effortlessly.
IT staff received comprehensive training on the new network operating system, enabling the customer’s team to operate and manage the new system proficiently, enhancing internal management efficiency and technical support capabilities.
Key Stats
POC testing validated 100% compatibility of PicOS® with existing Broadcom hardware, ensuring seamless integration.
Nearly 60 1G and 10G switches were replaced with the new PicOS® system.
Saving 35% to 40% in costs, the customer chose a NOS system with a minimal learning curve.
Overview
The client is a global communications services provider based in Silicon Valley, focused on driving business growth by connecting people, data, and applications quickly, securely, and seamlessly. Their network, edge cloud, collaboration, and cybersecurity solutions, along with managed services, offer a user-friendly, intuitive, and efficient technology environment.
Following NVIDIA’s acquisition of Cumulus and the cessation of support for Broadcom device operating systems, the client faced the issue of service termination for their operating system. They adopted PicOS® Switch Software as the new operating system to replace the unsupported switch network operating system. PicOS® is very similar to Cumulus Linux in software platform, management interface, and hardware compatibility, supporting most data center applications and suitable for enterprise campus and access networks. FS assisted the client in completing the system replacement, ensuring network stability and efficiency.
Challenges
Customers are facing the end of support for Cumulus switches. If they continue to use the existing system, they will lack new technology support and security updates, which may lead to network security vulnerabilities and performance degradation. If they switch all devices to Mellanox switches and adopt NVIDIA's new solutions, although they can obtain more advanced technology and support, it will be costly and time-consuming, posing a huge challenge to operational continuity and budget.
In this context, the customer decided to replace the existing Broadcom chip switch system with PicOS® software, but had multiple concerns about the system replacement process:
Compatibility is critical. The new network operating system (NOS) needs to ensure seamless integration with existing hardware to avoid operational disruptions and system compatibility issues.
Comprehensive verification of PicOS®’s functionality was required. The client wanted to confirm that the new NOS could fully support all features previously available on the Cumulus system. Incomplete functionality verification could lead to operational interruptions or inability to meet business needs, resulting in negative impacts.
Reduce downtime during the transition period. The continued operation of the business is of vital importance to customers, and they expect to minimize any downtime during the system replacement to ensure business continuity and stability.
It is crucial to ensure that the new NOS seamlessly integrates with the existing network infrastructure, tools, and applications. Poor integration could disrupt business processes, reduce efficiency, and increase management costs and risks.
The client wanted their IT team to receive training, as the new system might involve different configuration and management interfaces.
Solutions
To assist customers transition to a new network operating system, we invite them to experience PicOS®-V, a free platform to test PicOS®’s L2, L3, reliability, management, and monitoring capabilities risk-free without a license. By running PicOS®-V on a hypervisor, customers confirmed that PicOS® is highly similar to Cumulus, and even offers more features and comprehensive support.
The client pilot-tested PicOS® software for 1G and 10G switches to replace Cumulus software on Broadcom switches, experiencing PicOS®’s superior performance. Through real-world testing and FS’s 100% device compatibility POC test, the client gained confidence in PicOS® software and planned to purchase more licenses to gradually replace the network operating system on existing devices.
At the project's outset, FS team conducted a comprehensive assessment of the client’s current network infrastructure, including hardware, software, and operational needs. We developed a detailed migration plan outlining the steps, timeline, and resources required for transitioning from Cumulus to PicOS®. A pilot test was conducted in the client's environment, deploying PicOS® on a small scale to verify its full compatibility and performance with the existing switches. During the pilot phase, we gathered client feedback and made necessary adjustments to ensure a smooth full deployment.
During the replacement execution, FS team engineers provided step-by-step guidance to the client’s IT team, utilizing automated migration tools and rollback plans to achieve seamless migration of software switches and other devices, minimizing downtime. Throughout the process, we worked closely with the client’s IT team to ensure a smooth transition.
Post-migration, the client used the AmpCon-DC SDN Controller to automate, centrally manage, and securely scale management of nearly a thousand network devices. The management platform offers a graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that simplifies operations for non-technical personnel, streamlining common workflows and significantly reducing the learning curve for IT staff.
FS provided detailed PicOS® software documentation on FS.com, including installation guides, configuration manuals, and troubleshooting resources, allowing the client to access necessary resources at any time. We also offered training courses and workshops for the client’s IT staff to familiarize them with PicOS® features, management tools, and best practices. Through online training materials, webinars, and certification programs, we provided comprehensive technical service support to the client.
Results
After replacing their Cumulus switches with PicOS® software, the client gained a fully-featured open network and received comprehensive technical support from FS.
Reliable Vendor Support: With PicOS®, the client benefited from FS’s continuous technical support. FS’s knowledgeable professionals were available 24/7 to assist with any issues, quickly resolving problems and improving operational efficiency.
Regular Updates and Patches: FS ensured PicOS® remained up-to-date with the latest features and security improvements, keeping the client’s network in optimal condition and protecting against potential threats.
Network Performance Optimization: The installed PicOS® switches, equipped with PFC and ECN features, supported RDMA, significantly optimizing data flow, reducing latency, and providing high throughput to ensure efficient business operations.
Enhanced Network Stability and Reliability: After the system replacement, the client’s devices benefited from EVPN-VXLAN and MLAG technology support, significantly improving network redundancy and scalability. The client experienced a more stable and reliable network with minimized downtime and disruption risks.
Simplified Network Management: AmpCon-DC supports automated Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP) deployment and lifecycle management for PicOS® software switches. It offers a web-based UI and comprehensive management tools that simplify common workflows, enabling scalable orchestration and management of highly available networks.
Reduced Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): By improving performance and reliability, the client reduced the total cost of ownership (TCO) related to network management and maintenance, saving operational expenses and achieving overall cost savings of 35% to 40%.
Comprehensive Training: FS provided extensive training for the client’s IT staff, ensuring they were well-versed in the new PicOS® and capable of effective management. FS also offered detailed documentation and resources to assist with installation, configuration, and troubleshooting.
The client successfully completed the replacement of 60 devices' network operating systems, achieving a smooth transition from Cumulus to PicOS®, significantly enhancing network performance and stability, reducing operational costs, and increasing network management flexibility and control.
The client, having worked closely with FS, fully understood and was satisfied with PicOS®’s performance. Based on this successful experience, the client is considering replacing switches in some devices with PicOS® switches for an even more stable and secure network environment.