Choosing the right networking solution can make or break your infrastructure’s efficiency and scalability. With Netmaker, you have two powerful options: Community Edition and Professional Editions (SaaS & On-Prem). Each is tailored to specific needs, but which one is right for you? Let’s dive into their features and differences to help you make the right choice.
What is Netmaker Community Edition?
The Community Edition (CE) is Netmaker’s open-source offering, designed for developers, small teams, and those who value simplicity and cost-effectiveness. It includes essential features for building and managing VPNs, making it ideal for basic setups and experimental deployments.
Key Features:
Build & manage multiple VPNs
Integrated DNS server
Egress traffic capabilities
Network Topology
Remote Access
However, as networks expand or requirements evolve, users may face restrictions in the Community Edition.
What is Netmaker Professional Edition?
The Professional Editions (available as SaaS or On-Prem) take networking to the next level by adding enterprise-grade features, scalability, and management tools. It’s built for organizations needing enhanced performance, control, and advanced functionality.
Sophisticated Features:
Full-Tunnel Internet Gateways
Dedicated Traffic Relays
FailOver Servers
Advanced ACLs
Remote Access Client
Network Traffic Metrics
User Management (including non-admin users)
OAuth Integration
White labeling
Tag Management
Whether you choose SaaS for ease of use or On-Prem for complete control, the Professional Editions deliver unmatched versatility.
Feature Comparison: Community vs. Professional Editions
Feature | Community Edition (CE) | Professional Editions (SaaS & On-Prem) |
Build & Manage Multiple VPNs | ✔ | ✔ |
BYO WireGuard | ✔ | ✔ |
Egress Traffic to External Networks | ✔ | ✔ |
Access Controls | ✔ | ✔ |
Integrated DNS Server | ✔ | ✔ |
Full-Tunnel Internet Gateways | — | ✔ |
Dedicated Traffic Relays | — | ✔ |
Non-Admin Users & User Management | — | ✔ |
Remote Access Client | — | ✔ |
Network Traffic Metrics | — | ✔ |
White Labeling | — | ✔ |
BYO Auth Provider | — | ✔ |
Managed Endpoint Service | — | ✔ |
When to Choose Community Edition
Choose the Community Edition if:
You’re a small team or developer experimenting with VPNs.
You need a basic setup without additional costs.
Open-source flexibility and simplicity suit your requirements.
When to Choose Professional Editions
Opt for the Professional Editions if:
You require advanced features like Relays, Gateways, or Metrics.
You want seamless scalability and reliability.
You manage larger teams needing advanced user control.
You prefer minimal maintenance (SaaS) or complete control (On-Prem).
Conclusion
Netmaker’s Community and Professional Editions cater to different use cases, ensuring a solution for everyone. Whether you need a simple, open-source platform or an advanced, enterprise-grade solution, Netmaker has you covered.
Ready to upgrade? Explore the Professional Edition today and unlock your network’s full potential.