The battle between the OVS (Open vSwitch) and Linux Bridge has lasted for a while in the field of virtual switch technologies. Someone hold that the Open vSwitch owns more functions and better performance, which plays the most important role in virtual switch now. While others consider that the Linux Bridge has been used for years, which is matured than…

With the demands for resiliency and security for today’s networks, modern enterprises and data center networks are becoming more complex to manage and operate. MLAG and stacking both are the scalable solutions that can reduce network complexity and improve network performance. Are they the same? Can users consider MLAG as an alternative to stacking switches? This article explains this by introducing MLAG…

In previous posts, we have introduced lots of details about Cumulus Linux, a network operating system. Also, we have talked about how to install Cumulus Linux on FS N-series switches like the 100GbE switch. In this post, we will solve another Cumulus Linux related question concerned by most of our users: how to upgrade Cumulus Linux on an N-series network…

Open source software allows the source code to be shared, viewed and modified by users, while proprietary software doesn’t. Open source software provides more flexibilities like programming the network or adding applications, but proprietary is designed for out-of-the-box usage. When it comes to choosing one for business purposes, IT staff generally come across the question, open source vs proprietary software,…

When working with switches, you may meet some interface configuration mode commands such as swtichport mode access, no switchport, etc. Well, do you know what the no switchport command is? Could it be supported by Layer 2 switch or Layer 3 switch? How to use no switchport command? In this article, we will share some insights and help solve the…

Nowadays, managed PoE switches are getting more and more popular among network users. Many people are likely to choose a managed switch with PoE function rather than an unmanaged one. Why does this appear? Are there special reasons? Look at this post to learn why you should use a managed switch with PoE as well as the difference between an…

As the first full-featured Linux based operating system (OS), Cumulus Linux has injected great possibilities and new vitality in the networking field in these two years. Due to its great effort in open networking, Cumulus Linux has been one of the three leading OSs in the market. The other two are IP Infusion OcNOS and Pica8 PICOS. Recently, the collaboration…

Traditional Linux networking is satisfied for most situations when employed in a network switch, router or other network devices. However, it still has some limitations such as the problem of UNIX file permissions, which affects network security. Luckily, Access Control List (ACL) has been developed, which is designed to make a flexible permission mechanism in Linux. Well, what is ACL…