Introduction to networking¶

The OpenStack Networking service provides an API that allows users to set up and define network connectivity and addressing in the cloud. The project code-name for Networking services is neutron. OpenStack Networking handles the creation and management of a virtual networking infrastructure, including networks, switches, subnets, and routers for devices managed by the OpenStack Compute service (nova). Advanced services such as firewalls or virtual private networks (VPNs) can also be used.

OpenStack Networking consists of the neutron-server, a database for persistent storage, and any number of plug-in agents, which provide other services such as interfacing with native Linux networking mechanisms, external devices, or SDN controllers.

OpenStack Networking is entirely standalone and can be deployed to a dedicated host. If your deployment uses a controller host to run centralized Compute components, you can deploy the Networking server to that specific host instead.

OpenStack Networking integrates with various other OpenStack components:

• OpenStack Identity (keystone) is used for authentication and authorization of API requests.
• OpenStack Compute (nova) is used to plug each virtual NIC on the VM into a particular network.
• OpenStack dashboard (horizon) is used by administrators and tenant users to create and manage network services through a web-based graphical interface.