Case Study: Clemson University achieves scalable, cost-effective OpenStack virtual desktops with Edgecore Networks

Clemson University use Big Switch Networks and Edgecore Switches

Clemson University, a public research university serving more than 20,000 students across six colleges, needed a fast, scalable way to deliver course‑specific software via a common virtual desktop, while reducing IT operating complexity and cost. To meet those goals they adopted an open SDN approach using Big Switch Networks' Big Cloud Fabric alongside Edgecore Networks bare‑metal 10G/40G switches to build a production‑grade OpenStack virtual desktop environment.

Edgecore Networks supplied ONIE‑enabled AS6712‑32X spine and AS5712‑54X leaf switches in a leaf‑spine topology that integrated with Big Cloud Fabric and OpenStack orchestration. The solution centralized provisioning for entire classes, sped delivery of lab software, and lowered capex/opex through the bare‑metal/SDN architecture; Clemson deployed two AS6712‑32X and four AS5712‑54X switches to support the scalable environment that serves coursework across its programs.

Clemson University