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OpenNOP

opennop.org

Free plan LinuxSelf-hosted
Visit opennop.org
Spec score 7.7 #10 of 19 in WAN Optimization Software

What it is

OpenNOP is a free, GPLv3 open-source Linux network accelerator for point-to-point, partially meshed, and full-meshed IP networks. Its stated aim is improving performance on low-speed links such as ISDN, DSL, DS1, frame-relay, and VPN circuits. Implemented functionality includes LZ compression of TCP segment payloads and peer discovery through custom TCP options added to IP packets. A heartbeat between the user-space daemon and kernel module lets the module switch to bypass mode. The manual describes inline deployment and out-of-line deployment with policy-based routing. A prebuilt appliance image is identified as the easiest installation option. Custom Linux hosts require libnfnetlink, libnetfilter_queue, and libnl, and the manual says any Linux distribution should work. The project is self-hosted, with hybrid deployment listed, and system administrators are its intended audience using a command-line interface. Features marked todo include block-based data reduction, a WCCPv2 client, CLI configuration and statistics, and a web interface. SourceForge labels the project Alpha and lists its last update as 2015-12-28.

Spec sheet

Purpose
OpenNOP is an open-source Linux network accelerator designed to optimize traffic over point-to-point, partially meshed, and full-meshed IP networks.Read 4 Oct 2026 · opennop.org
Deployment
The manual describes inline deployment and out-of-line deployment using policy-based routing.Read 4 Oct 2026 · opennop.org
Support
The official site links to SourceForge forums and support requests.Read 4 Oct 2026 · opennop.org
License
The SourceForge project page identifies the license as GNU General Public License version 3.0 (GPLv3).Read 4 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Appliance
The manual calls the prebuilt appliance image the easiest installation option.Read 4 Oct 2026 · opennop.org
Failure handling
A heartbeat between the user-space daemon and kernel module allows the kernel module to switch to bypass mode.Read 4 Oct 2026 · opennop.org
Integration
The overview describes a WCCPv2 client that informs Cisco routers what traffic to redirect to the accelerator.Read 4 Oct 2026 · opennop.org
Intended audience
SourceForge lists system administrators as the intended audience and command-line as the user interface.Read 4 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Intended goal
The project aims to improve performance over low-speed connections such as ISDN, DSL, DS1, frame-relay, and VPN circuits.Read 4 Oct 2026 · opennop.org
Linux requirements
The manual says any Linux distribution should work and lists libnfnetlink, libnetfilter_queue, and libnl as required software for a custom host.Read 4 Oct 2026 · opennop.org
Peer discovery
OpenNOP discovers other accelerators by detecting custom TCP options they add to IP packets.Read 4 Oct 2026 · opennop.org
Project status
SourceForge labels the project Alpha and lists its last update as 2015-12-28.Read 4 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
TCP compression
The implemented features include LZ compression of TCP segment payloads.Read 4 Oct 2026 · opennop.org
Unfinished features
The Features page lists block-based data reduction, a WCCPv2 client, CLI configuration and statistics, and a web interface as todo items.Read 4 Oct 2026 · opennop.org

Plans and prices

OpenNOP Free GPLv3 open-source Linux network accelerator Read 4 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net

Every OpenNOP plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free GPLv3 open source
  • Compresses TCP payloads
  • Supports inline and out-of-line deployment
  • Prebuilt appliance image available
  • Linux distribution independent in manual

Limits

  • Project is labeled Alpha
  • Last update listed as 2015-12-28
  • Web interface remains todo
  • CLI configuration and statistics remain todo

Who it suits

OpenNOP suits system administrators working with Linux and low-speed or meshed IP links who can manage self-hosted, command-line software. It supports inline or policy-routed out-of-line deployment.

Verdict

OpenNOP provides Linux-based TCP compression and accelerator peer discovery for several network layouts and low-speed circuits. Its Alpha status and unfinished management features should be considered before deployment.

Where Specifiction places it

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