Getting Started with NVIDIA Networking

Preview and test Cumulus Linux in your own environment, at your own pace, without organizational or economic barriers.

Ania Rolland
2 min readbeginner
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Overview

The article introduces NVIDIA Cumulus VX, a free virtual appliance that allows users to explore open networking without barriers. It highlights the features of Cumulus VX, its compatibility with popular hypervisors, and provides resources for installation and advanced configurations.

What You'll Learn

1

How to set up NVIDIA Cumulus VX on your preferred hypervisor

2

Why using Cumulus VX can help in prototype assessment and script development

3

How to utilize traditional networking protocols like BGP and MLAG with Cumulus Linux

Key Questions Answered

What is NVIDIA Cumulus VX and how can I use it for free?
NVIDIA Cumulus VX is a free virtual appliance that provides all features of NVIDIA Cumulus Linux, allowing users to test and preview it in their own environments. It is designed to help users create sandbox environments for prototype assessment and script development without organizational or economic barriers.
What hypervisors and orchestrators are compatible with Cumulus VX?
Cumulus VX runs on popular hypervisors such as VirtualBox and VMware vSphere, as well as orchestrators like Vagrant and GNS3. This compatibility allows users to easily set up and manage their virtual networking environments.
What features can I explore with NVIDIA Cumulus VX?
With NVIDIA Cumulus VX, users can explore features such as traditional networking protocols like BGP and MLAG, and NVIDIA-specific technologies like ONIE and Prescriptive Topology Manager (PTM). This enables a comprehensive understanding of networking capabilities.

Technologies & Tools

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Virtual Appliance
Nvidia Cumulus Vx
Used for testing and exploring open networking features in a virtual environment.
Hypervisor
Virtualbox
One of the hypervisors on which Cumulus VX can run.
Hypervisor
Vmware Vsphere
Another hypervisor compatible with Cumulus VX.
Orchestrator
Vagrant
Used for managing virtual machine environments with Cumulus VX.
Orchestrator
Gns3
Another orchestrator that supports Cumulus VX.

Key Actionable Insights

1
Download and install NVIDIA Cumulus VX to start experimenting with networking protocols.
This hands-on experience is crucial for understanding how to implement and manage networking solutions effectively.
2
Utilize the detailed guide provided on the NVIDIA website for setting up Cumulus VX.
Following the guide will streamline the installation process and help you establish a functional networking environment quickly.
3
Engage with the community Slack channel for support and knowledge sharing.
Connecting with other users can provide valuable insights and troubleshooting assistance as you explore Cumulus VX.