OpenDaylight

At a glance

• Editor score
  8.0 / 10
• Pricing
  Open source
• Best for
  Open-source programmable network control
• Paid from
  Free
• Deployment
  Self_hosted
• Founded
  2013
• Facts checked
  20 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • YANG-driven configuration, monitoring, and model-based APIs
  • Broad protocol support including NETCONF, RESTCONF, BGP-LS, and gNMI
  • Topology, service chaining, path provisioning, and network testing

• Where it doesn't

  • Requires self-hosted deployment and operational ownership
  • Its broad architecture may exceed simple automation requirements
  • Advanced capabilities depend on selecting and managing relevant plugins

Our verdict on OpenDaylight

OpenDaylight is an open-source software-defined networking controller for centralized, programmable network control. It is aimed at teams managing enterprise networks, data centers, optical transport, carrier WANs, and telecom automation. Its model-driven approach uses YANG for network configuration and monitoring, while northbound REST APIs let network applications interact with the controller. The platform supports Linux, macOS, Windows, API access, and self-hosted deployment.

Its ecosystem fit is a major strength. OpenDaylight integrates with ONAP, OpenStack, Kubernetes, Open vSwitch, and SONiC, giving teams a foundation for network control across cloud, container, virtual switching, and telecom environments. Protocol plugins cover OpenFlow, NETCONF, RESTCONF, BGP-LS, PCEP, OVSDB, gNMI, OpenROADM, and SONiC. Topology management, network state data stores, and distributed data storage extend the controller beyond device configuration into broader network-state workflows.

The platform also has considerable functional breadth. Service function chaining and ordered network service paths support orchestrated service delivery, while optical transport path calculation and provisioning address specialized network requirements. NETCONF and RESTCONF simulation, stress, and performance testing add a testing layer, and clustered controller architecture supports distributed deployments. That scope makes OpenDaylight a strong fit for organizations that need programmable, extensible network control across multiple protocols and domains. Teams looking for a narrow, hosted scheduling or configuration tool may prefer a simpler product, while teams prepared to operate self-hosted controller software can use its modular architecture as a foundation for customized automation.

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OpenDaylight pricing

OpenDaylight fact sheet

OpenDaylight integrations

OpenDaylight lists 5 integrations on its own site.

• ONAP
• OpenStack
• Kubernetes
• Open vSwitch
• SONiC

Alternatives to OpenDaylight

• Arista CloudVisionBroad network automation and observability for Arista-led operations.9.3
• CCCisco Catalyst SD-WANA mature SD-WAN platform for centralized enterprise connectivity, routing, and security.9.2
• TufinA broad network security policy platform for controlled firewall change and compliance.9.1

See all OpenDaylight alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

OpenDaylight is listed in our Network Automation Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update