OpenNetAdmin

OpenNetAdmin is a self-hosted IP address management system for organizations that want a maintained, authoritative network inventory. It suits administrators who need configuration generation alongside record keeping and are comfortable operating a web server. Its broad network model and free, open-source licensing are compelling, but MySQL is the only tested database and several integrations remain unfinished.

Overview

OpenNetAdmin (ONA) consolidates IP addresses, subnets, DNS names, MAC addresses, and other network attributes in one database. The system is designed for people to maintain that inventory as the source of truth, while discovery tools assist with population and auditing. This is a good fit for controlled change: teams decide what belongs in the authoritative record before generating production configuration. It is less suitable for organizations expecting automatic discovery to replace operational ownership of network data.

The project targets both small and large organizations. Its feature page cites a deployment managing more than 40,000 subnets, 670,000 hosts, and 721,000 IP interfaces on a 400 MHz PPC server with 2 GB of memory. That example indicates substantial scale is possible, although the administrative discipline required to keep such an inventory accurate remains significant.

Key features

Inventory, subnet planning, and DNS

ONA handles IPv6 addressing, subnets, VLANs, DHCP pools, NAT tracking, custom attributes, and DNS records such as A, CNAME, PTR, NS, MX, TXT, and SRV. Overlapping DNS views are useful where different network contexts need distinct answers. This is a considerably broader record model than a simple address list, making it appropriate for teams coordinating IPAM, DNS, and DHCP data in one place.

Interfaces and automation

An AJAX web interface provides centralized administration, while the command-line interface supports scripting, batch changes, and repeatable operational tasks. Backend processes and templates can generate DHCP, DNS, and router configurations, including output for distributed servers. That can reduce repeated manual edits, but generated files are only as dependable as the inventory and templates behind them.

History, plugins, and integrations

Configuration archives retain multiple device versions and provide syntax-highlighted comparisons, giving teams a practical way to review changes and investigate regressions. A plugin framework allows extensions and authentication backends; local authentication and LDAP are supported, alongside locally stored users, groups, and configurable group rights. Host actions can connect with Splunk, Nagios, Cacti, and Base, and BIND-DLZ can let BIND query the ONA database directly.

Puppet and MCollective integration, continuing DNS and DHCP configuration work, and several discovery tools are still in progress. Those gaps matter if your rollout depends on those workflows immediately rather than on the mature inventory and generation functions.

Database and deployment considerations

The ADODB abstraction layer can work with many database backends, but MySQL is the only backend identified as tested. Treat alternative databases as an operational risk until validated in your environment. Deployment is self-hosted on a web server; downloads include the current release, tagged releases, and add-ons. The project README reports compatibility updates for newer PHP, MySQL, and operating-system versions, while noting that little else has fundamentally changed. Core code is GPLv2.0, with some modules or plugins potentially carrying separate licenses. Support is handled through GitHub issues and project documentation.

Pricing

Plan	Price	What you get
OpenNetAdmin	free	Open-source IPAM system; no paid plans or usage limits stated

There is no trial period because the software is free to deploy, and no seat or quota charge is stated. The trade-off is self-hosting: your organization handles the web server, database, upgrades, and ongoing administration rather than buying a managed service.

Platforms

ONA is delivered as a self-hosted web application with API, Linux, and web support. It also provides a command-line interface for scripting and bulk management. This model favors infrastructure teams able to operate server software; it is not a native desktop or mobile package.

Who it's for

Choose ONA when your organization needs subnet planning, DNS and DHCP management, IPv6 support, API access, audit history, and configuration generation under one manually governed inventory. It can serve small teams that want an open-source foundation as well as larger environments with extensive address and host records. Look elsewhere if you require a turnkey hosted service, a database other than MySQL without qualification, or integrations currently marked as in progress.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Wide network model: IPv6, VLANs, NAT, DHCP pools, custom attributes, and multiple DNS record types cover more than basic IP tracking.
• Configuration-led workflow: Templates and backend generation turn maintained records into DNS, DHCP, and router configurations.
• Useful change control: Archived configurations and syntax-highlighted diffs support review and troubleshooting.
• Flexible access: Web, CLI, API, LDAP, local authentication, and group rights accommodate scripted and delegated administration.
• No license fee or stated usage cap: GPLv2.0 core software can be deployed without a subscription.

Cons

• Self-hosting burden: Your team must run the web server, database, upgrades, and operational support.
• MySQL testing caveat: Other ADODB-compatible databases are not identified as tested.
• Manual authority model: Accurate generated configuration depends on people maintaining the inventory.
• Incomplete integrations: Puppet, MCollective, some discovery tooling, and ongoing DNS/DHCP work may not meet immediate automation requirements.
• Project evolution is limited: Recent updates addressed compatibility, while little else fundamentally changed.

Alternatives

Subnetly is a better fit for teams wanting hosted-style flexibility across iOS, Linux, Windows, web, and API, with a free plan capped at 256 IPAM addresses, 10 subnets, two DHCP pools, one private DNS zone, one public DNS zone, and 100 DNS records.

Tidal LightMesh suits a small deployment needing DHCP discovery and basic IPAM across more platforms; its free tier allows one user and fewer than 1,000 IPs, while Pro costs $35 a month.

ManageEngine OpUtils is worth considering for a mixed-device footprint and basic scanning, though its free plan is limited to one Class C subnet and one switch; Professional is from $138 (priced on request).

GestióIP offers free software with a standard package and a separately priced configuration-management module for up to 50 devices at $400 a year.

.NET is an open-source option with a free tier for up to 1,000 nodes and broader desktop and mobile platform coverage.

Azure IPAM is a free open-source project for Azure-oriented deployments, with infrastructure and hosting costs separate.

IPplan is a free GPL self-hosted web application for Linux, Windows, and web environments.

NIPAP is a free, MIT-licensed open-source IPAM system with API, Linux, self-hosted, and web support.

Verdict

OpenNetAdmin is a strong choice for infrastructure teams that want a free, self-hosted authoritative inventory to drive DNS, DHCP, and router configuration while retaining history and access controls. Choose it for breadth, scripting, and ownership of the data; look elsewhere if you need managed hosting, a validated non-MySQL database, or fully completed discovery and automation integrations.