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perfSONAR
What it is
perfSONAR is a free, open-source network measurement toolkit for establishing end-to-end performance expectations and finding problems as they occur. It offers a common interface for scheduling measurements, storing results in uniform formats, retrieving data at scale, and creating visualizations. Operators coordinate tests across multiple nodes with a shared JSON mesh configuration; results can stay on each node or move to a central dashboard server. Standard nodes run throughput or latency tests on one network interface, although simultaneous tests on that interface may affect accuracy. Documentation covers Docker and Ansible deployment, a central archive with Grafana, and perfSONAR Client and esmond APIs for raw data access. The software runs on local servers controlled by operators, so teams maintain nodes and test configuration themselves. Components are licensed under Apache License, Version 2.0 and distributed without warranty. Intended users include science facilities, campuses, laboratories, network providers, exchange points, virtual organizations, researchers, and software or service developers. Mailing lists provide deployment questions, releases, and security announcements.
For and against
For
- Open-source Apache License 2.0 toolkit
- Coordinates tests across multiple nodes
- Uniform storage, retrieval, and visualization interfaces
- Docker, Ansible, Grafana, and API guidance
- Supports throughput and latency measurements
Against
- Requires user-managed local infrastructure
- Operators maintain nodes and test configuration
- Simultaneous tests may affect interface accuracy
- Distributed without warranty
The verdict
perfSONAR provides coordinated, scalable network measurement for teams willing to operate the underlying infrastructure. Its shared mesh model, APIs, and visualization guidance support varied deployments, while maintenance remains the operator’s responsibility.
Who it suits
perfSONAR suits organizations that operate their own measurement nodes and need coordinated path testing. Its listed audiences include campuses, laboratories, network providers, exchange points, researchers, and science facilities.
Plans and prices
perfSONAR
Open-source network measurement toolkit; installation and operation require user-managed infrastructure
Read 3 Oct 2026 · perfsonar.net
On the record
- Data access
- The documentation provides a perfSONAR Client API and an esmond API reference for accessing raw data.docs.perfsonar.net · read 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.perfsonar.net · read 3 Oct 2026
- Development
- perfSONAR is developed through a partnership that includes ESnet, GÉANT, Indiana University, Internet2, the University of Michigan, and RNP.perfsonar.net · read 3 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The documentation includes deployment guidance for Docker and Ansible, and a cookbook for a central archive with Grafana.docs.perfsonar.net · read 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.perfsonar.net · read 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.perfsonar.net · read 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.perfsonar.net · read 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.perfsonar.net · read 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.perfsonar.net · read 3 Oct 2026
- Problem diagnosis
- It helps engineering teams identify and isolate network performance problems as they happen.perfsonar.net · read 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.perfsonar.net · read 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.perfsonar.net · read 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.docs.perfsonar.net · read 3 Oct 2026
