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perfSONAR

perfsonar.net

Free plan LinuxAPISelf-hosted
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Spec score 7.6 #8 of 18 in Network Troubleshooting Software

What it is

perfSONAR is a free, open-source network measurement toolkit for assessing performance across network paths and finding problems as they occur. It offers a common interface for scheduling measurements, storing results in uniform formats, retrieving data at scale, and generating visualizations. Operators coordinate tests across multiple nodes with a shared JSON mesh configuration; results can remain on each node or go to a central dashboard server. A standard node runs throughput or latency tests on one network interface, although simultaneous testing there may affect accuracy. The documentation covers Docker and Ansible deployment, a central archive with Grafana, and Client and esmond APIs for raw data access. perfSONAR is installed on an operator-controlled local server, so maintaining nodes and test configuration is required. It monitors packet loss and jitter, supports path visualization and synthetic tests, and is licensed under Apache License 2.0. The listed plan costs nothing.

Spec sheet

Purpose
perfSONAR is a network measurement toolkit designed to provide federated path coverage and help establish end-to-end network performance expectations.Read 3 Oct 2026 · perfsonar.net
Intended users
The project describes use by science facilities, campuses, laboratories, network providers, exchange points, virtual organizations, network researchers, and software and service developers.Read 3 Oct 2026 · perfsonar.net
Integrations
The documentation includes deployment guidance for Docker and Ansible, and a cookbook for a central archive with Grafana.Read 3 Oct 2026 · docs.perfsonar.net
Security
The project directs users to its documentation for security considerations and lists firewall and security software configuration guidance in the user guide.Read 3 Oct 2026 · perfsonar.net
Support
The project provides a user mailing list for questions about deployments and an announcement mailing list for releases and security updates.Read 3 Oct 2026 · docs.perfsonar.net
License
perfSONAR components and tools are licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0, and distributed without warranty as described on the license page.Read 3 Oct 2026 · perfsonar.net
Founded
2005Read 23 Sep 2026 · perfsonar.net
Data access
The documentation provides a perfSONAR Client API and an esmond API reference for accessing raw data.Read 3 Oct 2026 · docs.perfsonar.net
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.Read 3 Oct 2026 · perfsonar.net
Development
perfSONAR is developed through a partnership that includes ESnet, GÉANT, Indiana University, Internet2, the University of Michigan, and RNP.Read 3 Oct 2026 · perfsonar.net
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.Read 3 Oct 2026 · perfsonar.net
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.Read 3 Oct 2026 · perfsonar.net
Measurements and visualization
It provides a uniform interface for scheduling measurements, storing data in uniform formats, retrieving data at scale, and generating visualizations.Read 3 Oct 2026 · perfsonar.net
Problem diagnosis
It helps engineering teams identify and isolate network performance problems as they happen.Read 3 Oct 2026 · perfsonar.net

Plans and prices

perfSONAR Free Open-source network measurement toolkit; installation and operation require user-managed infrastructure Read 3 Oct 2026 · perfsonar.net

Every perfSONAR plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free open-source toolkit
  • Coordinates tests across multiple nodes
  • Provides packet-loss and jitter monitoring
  • Offers APIs for raw data access
  • Supports Docker, Ansible, and Grafana

Limits

  • Requires operator-managed local servers
  • Nodes and test configuration need maintenance
  • Concurrent tests can affect interface accuracy
  • Distributed without warranty

Who it suits

perfSONAR suits science facilities, campuses, laboratories, network providers, exchange points, virtual organizations, researchers, and software or service developers. It is for teams able to operate local measurement infrastructure.

Verdict

perfSONAR provides coordinated, visualized network measurements with APIs and deployment guidance for self-managed infrastructure. Choose it when your team can maintain nodes and wants federated path-performance testing.

Where Specifiction places it

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