Faucet review
A free, focused controller for Linux-based OpenFlow switching and routing.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Faucet is an open-source, self-hosted software-defined networking controller for production networks. It is designed for teams managing OpenFlow 1.3 hardware or software switches in Linux environments. The controller centralizes switching and network policy, covering Layer 2 switching, VLAN management, IPv4 and IPv6 routing, static and BGP routing, Layer 2 and Layer 3 ACLs, policy-based forwarding, and vendor-neutral switch stacking. Its free plan and on-premises deployment model make it a focused option for organizations that want direct control over the control plane without a paid subscription.
Its strongest case is feature depth within OpenFlow switching control. Faucet supports multi-table OpenFlow 1.3 control alongside VLANs, routing, access controls, stacking, and policy forwarding. Monitoring can extend through Prometheus metrics export and Grafana integration. The wider integration set includes Mininet, Open vSwitch, hostapd, and ISC DHCPD, while supported protocols include BGP, LLDP, LACP, RADIUS, and TLS. Authentication is addressed through 802.1X with RADIUS, giving the platform a useful mix of forwarding, segmentation, observability, and access-control capabilities.
The trade-off is operational scope rather than a lack of core networking functions. Faucet is Linux-based and self-hosted, with installation through APT, pip, or Docker on supported Linux environments and configuration through YAML files. Its smaller integration set can constrain enterprise breadth compared with broader SDN ecosystems. Choose Faucet when free OpenFlow control, on-premises deployment, and configurable network policy are priorities. Look elsewhere if your team needs a wider enterprise integration ecosystem or prefers a managed platform instead of operating the controller on Linux.
Faucet pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free, open-source control for OpenFlow 1.3 switches
- Combines switching, VLANs, routing, ACLs, and policy forwarding
- Exports Prometheus metrics and integrates with Grafana
- Where it doesn't
- Requires Linux and a self-hosted, on-premises deployment
- Enterprise breadth is limited by its smaller integration set
- Configuration is managed through YAML files rather than a hosted interface
Faucet fact sheet, pricing and score →
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