Introduction

The OpenStack Networking service (neutron) provides an API that
allows users to set up and define network connectivity and addressing in
the cloud. The project code-name for Networking services is neutron.
OpenStack Networking handles the creation and management of a virtual
networking infrastructure, including networks, switches, subnets, and
routers for devices managed by the OpenStack Compute service (nova).
Advanced services such as firewalls or virtual private network (VPN) can
also be used.

OpenStack Networking consists of the neutron-server, a database for
persistent storage, and any number of plug-in agents, which provide
other services such as interfacing with native Linux networking
mechanisms, external devices, or SDN controllers.

OpenStack Networking is entirely standalone and can be deployed to a
dedicated host. If your deployment uses a controller host to run
centralized Compute components, you can deploy the Networking server to
that specific host instead.

OpenStack Networking integrates with various OpenStack
components:

• OpenStack Identity service (keystone) is used for authentication and
  authorization of API requests.
• OpenStack Compute service (nova) is used to plug each virtual NIC on
  the VM into a particular network.
• OpenStack Dashboard (horizon) is used by administrators and project
  users to create and manage network services through a web-based
  graphical interface.