OpenZiti
Open source zero trust overlay network that authenticates connections with cryptographic identity.
Technical Architecture & Overview
OpenZiti is a zero trust network overlay maintained by NetFoundry. Every connection authenticates through cryptographic identity rather than network location, and services stay dark to the internet until a properly identified client dials them. It can run as a self-hosted overlay network or be embedded into applications through SDKs. NetFoundry also sells licensed self-hosted and NetFoundry-hosted tiers that run the same open source software. The project releases actively and reached a 2.0 version line.
Targeted Technical Use Cases
Teams that want VPN-replacement connectivity they can self-host, or app-embedded zero trust networking.
Evaluation & Trade-offs
Core Strengths
- +Apache 2.0 licensed with an active release cadence.
- +SDK model embeds connectivity inside applications.
- +Self-hosted control of the full controller fabric.
Trade-Offs & Limitations
- -Operating a controller and routers takes networking skill.
- -Managed hosting and 24x7 enterprise support require a paid NetFoundry tier.
Defensive Security Application
Removing inbound network exposure by keeping services dark and brokering authenticated connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OpenZiti?→
OpenZiti is a zero trust network overlay maintained by NetFoundry. Every connection authenticates through cryptographic identity rather than network location, and services stay dark to the internet until a properly identified client dials them. It can run as a self-hosted overlay network or be embedded into applications through SDKs. NetFoundry also sells licensed self-hosted and NetFoundry-hosted tiers that run the same open source software. The project releases actively and reached a 2.0 version line.
What is OpenZiti used for?→
Teams that want VPN-replacement connectivity they can self-host, or app-embedded zero trust networking.
What are the strengths of OpenZiti?→
- +Apache 2.0 licensed with an active release cadence.
- +SDK model embeds connectivity inside applications.
- +Self-hosted control of the full controller fabric.
What are the limitations of OpenZiti?→
- +Operating a controller and routers takes networking skill.
- +Managed hosting and 24x7 enterprise support require a paid NetFoundry tier.
How is OpenZiti used defensively?→
Removing inbound network exposure by keeping services dark and brokering authenticated connections.