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Training / NCP-AIN / Cumulus

Unit 1: Modern Data Center Networks

Per-unit concept, checklist, and command drill page

Unit 1 of 14

Objective

Understand why AI-era network behavior is different and why Spectrum-X plus Cumulus operations tooling exists.

Concept Notes

AI clusters create synchronized traffic bursts instead of smooth enterprise-style flows. That shift changes the network design target from “average utilization” to deterministic tail-latency and drop control during collective operations.

This unit frames Cumulus Linux as an operational layer in a larger Spectrum-X system. Use it to build a cause-and-effect mental model before touching CLI: GPU workload behavior is directly coupled to fabric loss, congestion response, and control-plane consistency.

Coverage Checklist

  • AI east-west traffic patterns, latency sensitivity, and jitter impact.
  • Spectrum-X platform context: Spectrum switches and BlueField-3 SuperNIC.
  • SN5600 positioning: density, throughput envelope, and power efficiency.
  • Cumulus Linux and Cumulus VX role in open Ethernet workflows.
  • NVIDIA Air as digital-twin validation environment.
  • NetQ as visibility and troubleshooting foundation.

Practice Outcomes

  • Explain why classical best-effort Ethernet behavior fails under synchronized AI collectives.
  • Describe how platform hardware, NOS, and telemetry fit into one operational system.
  • Differentiate test/lab tooling (Cumulus VX/Air) from production fabric behavior.

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