API network

The API network is used to expose OpenStack APIs to users of the cloud and services within the cloud and can be considered as part of the control plane. Endpoint addresses for API services such as Keystone, Neutron, Glance, and Horizon are procured from the API network.

It is common practice to utilize a single interface and IP address for API endpoints and management access to the host itself over SSH. A diagram of this configuration is provided later in this chapter.

It is recommended, though not required, that you physically separate management and API traffic from other traffic types, such as storage traffic, to avoid issues with network congestion that may affect operational stability.