Open Virtual Network review
A focused, open-source overlay network layer for Linux-based virtualized environments.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Open Virtual Network (OVN) adds logical network abstraction to Open vSwitch for virtual machines and containers. It is designed for teams building virtualized infrastructure that need logical L2 and L3 overlays, distributed switching and routing, policy segmentation, gateway connectivity, and centralized network control. OVN is open source and supports self-hosted deployment, with Linux listed as a supported platform. Its fit is strongest where network virtualization is part of a broader cloud, container, or hypervisor architecture.
Its feature depth centers on virtual network construction and control. OVN provides distributed logical switches, distributed virtual routers, access-control lists, security groups, DHCP, DNS, and IPsec encryption for tunnel traffic. Central Northbound and Southbound databases provide the control-plane structure, while ovn-controller handles OpenFlow flow translation. Gateway connectivity links virtual and physical networks, and OVN interconnection supports connections between deployments. Supported protocols include Geneve, VXLAN, OpenFlow, OVSDB, and IPsec.
The ecosystem fit is a practical strength: OVN is intended to integrate with OpenStack and OVN-Kubernetes, and Docker is also listed as an integration. Its deployment model is on-premises and self-hosted, so organizations must plan and operate the surrounding infrastructure rather than adopt it as a vendor-hosted service. Choose OVN when open-source virtual networking, overlay control, and integration with cloud or container platforms are priorities. Choose an alternative when you need broad device management or a hosted networking service instead.
Open Virtual Network pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Logical L2/L3 overlays with distributed switches and routers
- Built-in ACLs, security groups, DHCP, DNS, and IPsec
- Integrates with OpenStack, OVN-Kubernetes, and Docker
- Where it doesn't
- Requires self-hosted, on-premises deployment
- Focused on virtual-network infrastructure rather than device management
- Centralized control plane adds architectural planning requirements
Open Virtual Network fact sheet, pricing and score →
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