This guide explains how CERN is migrating over 2,200 industrial and embedded computers to Debian 13 "Trixie" by the end of 2026. The goal is to ensure the stability and compatibility of the accelerator control system, avoiding the high costs and complexities related to the previous dependence on the Red Hat ecosystem.

This transition is crucial for engineers and technicians managing CERN's accelerator infrastructure, as it allows them to avoid costly hardware redesigns and adapt the operating system to the specific needs of the infrastructure.

This guide is useful for anyone interested in large-scale migrations of industrial and embedded systems, especially in environments where stability and compatibility are fundamental.

Prerequisites

  • Hardware: 2,200 industrial computers and embedded systems
  • Software: Debian 13 “Trixie”
  • Environment: Accelerator control infrastructure

PROCEDURE: Step-by-step numbered explanation

By the end of this guide, you will have a detailed understanding of the process of CERN's migration to Debian 13 "Trixie" for over 2,200 industrial and embedded computers.

  • 1. Assessment of the existing infrastructure: Analyze the accelerator control infrastructure covering approximately 43 square kilometers, including 2,200 computers and 17,000 devices.
  • 2. Risk analysis: Perform a risk analysis to assess the costs and complexities related to maintaining the existing operating system. For example, CERN estimated a cost of approximately CHF 5.4 million to remain compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
  • 3. Migration planning: Develop a detailed plan for migrating to Debian 13, taking into account the specific operational needs of the accelerators, including operating periods, technical stops, and commissioning windows.
  • 4. Development of a backup operating system: Prepare for the possibility of using Debian as a backup operating system, making your integration layer distribution-agnostic.
  • 5. Redesign of the support infrastructure: Modify the operating system components, distribution methods, and boot processes of the front-end computers.
  • 6. Integration of device drivers: Review the integration of specialized device drivers with Linux, avoiding reliance on distribution-specific assumptions.
  • 7. Migration of accelerator computers: Perform the migration of accelerator computers to Debian 13, ensuring that the process aligns with the accelerator schedule.
  • 8. Verification and testing: Perform thorough testing to ensure that the new operating system works correctly and that there are no hardware or software compatibility issues.
  • 9. Staff training: Provide training for technical staff and engineers to ensure they are able to manage and maintain the new operating system.
  • 10. Full implementation: Complete the migration of all 2,200 industrial and embedded computers to Debian 13 by the end of 2026.

Verification and Troubleshooting

By the end of this guide, you will be able to test the correct functioning of the system and resolve any issues.

Functionality Test

  • Boot verification: Turn on the computer and ensure that the system boots Debian 13 correctly.
  • Device check: Verify that all connected devices are recognized by the system. Use the command lsusb to list USB devices and lspci for PCI devices.
  • Network test: Ensure that the network connection works correctly. Use the command ping to test connectivity with a known IP address.
  • Driver verification: Check that the specialized drivers for acceleration hardware are correctly installed and functioning. Use the command dmesg to view kernel messages and identify any errors.

Troubleshooting

  • Boot issues: If the system does not boot correctly, check the bootloader configuration. Use the command update-grub to update the configuration.
  • Unrecognized devices: If some devices are not recognized, verify the presence of the necessary drivers. It may be necessary to install additional packages or compile drivers from source.
  • Network issues: If the network connection does not work, check the network interface configuration. Use the command ip a to view network interfaces and nmcli to manage connections.
  • Driver errors: If driver-related errors are detected, consult the specific driver documentation and verify compatibility with Debian 13. It may be necessary to update the driver or modify the kernel configuration.

Educational Summary and Call to Action

200 industrial and embedded computers. This migration is motivated by technical, economic, and operational planning needs.

  • Scale and complexity: The migration involves a 43 km² accelerator infrastructure, with 2,200 computers and 17,000 devices.
  • Motivations: The decision to switch to Debian was driven by hardware compatibility issues, high costs, and operational scheduling constraints.
  • Planning: The migration must be completed by the end of 2026, in line with the accelerator's operational calendar.
  • Innovation: CERN is redefining the support infrastructure, including device drivers and operating system distribution methods.

To learn more, watch the talk given at MiniDebConf Winterthur 2026.

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