Introduction

The OpenStack Networking service (neutron) 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 network (VPN) 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 OpenStack components:

  • OpenStack Identity service (keystone) is used for authentication and authorization of API requests.

  • OpenStack Compute service (nova) is used to plug each virtual NIC on the VM into a particular network.

  • OpenStack Dashboard (horizon) is used by administrators and project users to create and manage network services through a web-based graphical interface.

Note

The network address ranges used in this guide are chosen in accordance with RFC 5737 and RFC 3849, and as such are restricted to the following:

IPv4:

  • 192.0.2.0/24

  • 198.51.100.0/24

  • 203.0.113.0/24

IPv6:

  • 2001:DB8::/32

The network address ranges in the examples of this guide should not be used for any purpose other than documentation.

Note

To reduce clutter, this guide removes command output without relevance to the particular action.