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gnbdev/opengnb

Free

GNB is open source de-centralized SDVN to achieve layer3 network via p2p with the ultimate capability of NAT Traversal.GNB是一个开源的去中心化的具有极致内网穿透能力的通过P2P进行三层网络交换的SDVN。

FreeFree tier
Type
Open Source

About gnbdev/opengnb

OpenGNB is an open-source decentralized Software Defined Virtual Network (SDVN) that provides P2P connectivity with extreme intranet penetration, enabling direct-access LANs across different networks. Written in C, it has no third-party library dependencies and runs on Linux, Windows, macOS, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Raspberry Pi, and OpenWRT. It uses elliptic curve cryptography for node authentication and supports multiple forwarding modes including standard, NAT traversal, relay, and unified forwarding. The project aims to combine corporate and home networks into a single direct-access LAN without requiring a public IP address.

Key Features

Intranet penetration (NAT traversal) without public IP
P2P decentralized Software Defined Virtual Network (SDVN) at layer 3
Elliptic curve digital signature (ECDSA) for node authentication
Multiple forwarding modes: standard, NAT traversal, relay, unified
Multi-platform support: Linux, Windows, macOS, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Raspberry Pi, OpenWRT
Lightweight C implementation, no third-party dependencies, runs on devices with 32MB RAM
Unlimited speed (limited only by network conditions)
Open source with all code publicly available

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Fully open source with transparent codebase
  • Decentralized architecture eliminates single point of failure
  • Extreme NAT traversal capabilities work without public IP
  • Multi-platform support covers desktops, servers, and embedded devices
  • Lightweight enough to run on low-resource routers (32MB RAM)
  • Uses strong elliptic curve cryptography for authentication
  • Supports various forwarding modes for flexible network topologies
Cons
  • Documentation is primarily in Chinese; English version may be incomplete or machine-translated
  • Requires technical expertise to set up and configure nodes
  • Limited community support compared to mainstream VPN solutions
  • No built-in GUI; configuration is via command line and text files

Best For

Combine company and home networks into a direct-access LANSecure remote access to devices behind NATBuild a private decentralized VPN for multiple locationsInterconnect LANs across different geographical sites without a central server

FAQ

What is OpenGNB?
OpenGNB is an open-source decentralized Software Defined Virtual Network (SDVN) that uses P2P connections with extreme NAT traversal to create a direct-access layer 3 network between nodes, such as combining home and office LANs.
What platforms are supported?
OpenGNB supports Linux, Windows (x86_64), macOS, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Raspberry Pi, and OpenWRT. It is written in C and compiles without third-party libraries.
Does OpenGNB require a public IP address?
No, one of its key features is extreme NAT traversal, allowing nodes behind NAT to communicate directly without a public IP.
Is OpenGNB free to use?
Yes, OpenGNB is completely free and open source. All code is publicly available on GitHub under the project repository opengnb/opengnb.
How does OpenGNB handle security?
Authentication between GNB nodes uses elliptic curve digital signatures (ECDSA). The actual payload forwarding can be encrypted or relayed depending on the mode.