perfSONAR
perfSONAR is a free, open-source network measurement toolkit for examining performance across network paths and helping identify problems as they occur.
What perfSONAR is
perfSONAR is a free, open-source network measurement toolkit for examining performance across network paths and helping identify problems as they occur. It provides a shared approach to scheduling tests, storing measurements in consistent formats, retrieving data at scale and creating visualizations. Operators can coordinate tests across nodes using a shared JSON mesh configuration. Results can stay on individual nodes or be sent to a central dashboard server. A standard node runs throughput or latency tests on one network interface; running tests simultaneously on that interface may reduce accuracy. Documentation covers Docker and Ansible deployment, a central archive with Grafana, and APIs for accessing raw data. The software is installed on a local server controlled by the operator, so the deployment requires maintaining nodes and test configuration. It is licensed under Apache License, Version 2.0 and distributed without warranty. The project identifies science facilities, campuses, laboratories, network providers, exchange points, virtual organizations, researchers, and software and service developers as users. Support includes mailing lists for deployment questions and announcements.
Good
- Free and open source under Apache License 2.0.
- Coordinates tests across nodes using JSON mesh configuration.
- Offers throughput and latency measurements.
- Includes APIs for raw data access.
Watch out
- Requires user-managed local infrastructure.
- Operators must maintain nodes and test configuration.
- Simultaneous tests on one interface may affect accuracy.
Who it suits
It suits network engineering and research teams that need coordinated measurements across multiple nodes. The operator must manage the local infrastructure and test configuration.
Verdict
perfSONAR provides measurement coordination, data access and visualization for teams managing network performance. Its local-server deployment requires ongoing infrastructure and configuration work.
Plans and prices
From perfSONAR's own pricing page, checked 3 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| perfSONAR | Free | Open-source network measurement toolkit; installation and operation require user-managed infrastructure |
The facts
Each one read from perfSONAR's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Data access
- The documentation provides a perfSONAR Client API and an esmond API reference for accessing raw data.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Deployment limits
- The project describes perfSONAR as software installed on a local server controlled by the operator, and its deployment models require maintaining the nodes and test configuration.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Development
- perfSONAR is developed through a partnership that includes ESnet, GÉANT, Indiana University, Internet2, the University of Michigan, and RNP.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The documentation includes deployment guidance for Docker and Ansible, and a cookbook for a central archive with Grafana.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The project describes use by science facilities, campuses, laboratories, network providers, exchange points, virtual organizations, network researchers, and software and service developers.checked 3 Oct 2026
- License
- perfSONAR components and tools are licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0, and distributed without warranty as described on the license page.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Measurement coordination
- Operators can coordinate tests among multiple nodes using a shared JSON mesh configuration, with results stored on each node or sent to a central dashboard server.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Measurements and visualization
- It provides a uniform interface for scheduling measurements, storing data in uniform formats, retrieving data at scale, and generating visualizations.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Measurement types
- A standard node can run throughput or latency tests on a single network interface, while simultaneous testing on one interface may affect accuracy.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Problem diagnosis
- It helps engineering teams identify and isolate network performance problems as they happen.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- perfSONAR is a network measurement toolkit designed to provide federated path coverage and help establish end-to-end network performance expectations.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Security
- The project directs users to its documentation for security considerations and lists firewall and security software configuration guidance in the user guide.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project provides a user mailing list for questions about deployments and an announcement mailing list for releases and security updates.checked 3 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 2005checked 23 Sep 2026
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