OpenStack Neutron
OpenStack Neutron: A broad, modular networking layer for OpenStack deployments. Ranked #7 of 24 in Software-Defined Networking Software by our editors (8.4/10); pricing: Open source; best for openStack cloud networking.
At a glance
- Editor score8.4 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forOpenStack cloud networking
- Paid fromFree
- Deployment modelHybrid
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Covers routing, NAT, VPN, QoS, IPAM, and security groups
- Integrates with Open vSwitch, OVN, Nova, and Keystone
- Supports VLAN, VXLAN, GRE, and Geneve networking
Where it doesn't
- Designed for OpenStack rather than general network control
- Requires self-hosted deployment on Linux or through APIs
- Its broad modular scope can exceed a narrow networking need
Our verdict on OpenStack Neutron
OpenStack Neutron provides networking as a service for OpenStack clouds. It exposes APIs for creating and managing networks, subnets, ports, addresses, routers, and related services. The component is aimed at teams operating OpenStack environments that need Layer 2 networking, IP address management, Layer 3 forwarding, NAT, firewalls, VPNs, security groups, and quality-of-service policies in one networking layer.
Its strongest advantage is ecosystem fit. Neutron integrates with OpenStack Keystone and Nova, while its Modular Layer 2 driver framework connects mechanism drivers and agents such as Open vSwitch, OVN, SR-IOV, and Linux-based networking components. The published capabilities also include DHCP and metadata agents, floating IPs, policy segmentation, a northbound API, and support for VLAN, VXLAN, GRE, and Geneve. This makes it suitable for OpenStack architectures that need pluggable networking technologies rather than a fixed implementation.
The trade-off is focus: Neutron is an OpenStack networking component, not a standalone hosted SaaS product. Its open-source model supports self-hosted use across Linux and API-based environments, but it is not positioned as a general network-control product for organizations outside the OpenStack ecosystem. Choose Neutron when OpenStack integration, modular drivers, and a wide set of cloud networking services are central requirements. Consider an alternative when the priority is a hosted service or network management without an OpenStack control plane.
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OpenStack Neutron pricing
OpenStack Neutron fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Deployment model | Hybrid |
| Control-plane model | Hybrid |
| Policy segmentation | Yes |
| Northbound API | Yes |
| Supported protocols | VLAN, VXLAN, GRE, Geneve |
| Managed device limit | Not verified |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Docs, Community |
| Built for | Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 4 integrations: OpenStack Keystone, OpenStack Nova, Open vSwitch, Open Virtual Network (OVN) |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | docs.openstack.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
OpenStack Neutron integrations
OpenStack Neutron lists 4 integrations on its own site.
- OpenStack Keystone
- OpenStack Nova
- Open vSwitch
- Open Virtual Network (OVN)
Alternatives to OpenStack Neutron
- VMware NSXA broad hybrid-cloud networking and security platform with contact-sales pricing.9.3
- Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric ControllerA focused controller for provisioning, automating, and governing VXLAN EVPN fabrics.9.1
- Cisco Catalyst CenterA broad Cisco network-operations platform for discovery, automation, compliance, and assurance.9.0
See all OpenStack Neutron alternatives →
OpenStack Neutron vs the competition
- OpenStack Neutron vs VMware NSX
- OpenStack Neutron vs Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller
- OpenStack Neutron vs Cisco Catalyst Center
- OpenStack Neutron vs Huawei iMaster NCE-Fabric
- OpenStack Neutron vs Nutanix Flow Virtual Networking
- OpenStack Neutron vs HPE Aruba Networking Fabric Composer
Compare OpenStack Neutron with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
OpenStack Neutron is ranked in 3 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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