Side by side
NVIDIA Config Manager vs PacketFence
Both stand on network provisioning software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted+1
Config Manager covers network provisioning and ongoing operations with workflow, change-control, and deployment options. Its Developer Preview status and stated requirements are important considerations before deployment.
Visit NVIDIA Config Manager
Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+5
PacketFence combines access enforcement, authentication, onboarding, and device compliance controls. Organizations considering self-hosting should account for the stated system requirements and plan device limits.
Visit PacketFenceThe facts
| NVIDIA Config Manager | PacketFence | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Self-hosted, Web | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Starter: $5,000 a year |
| Plans published | 1 | 7 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | docs.nvidia.com | packetfence.com |
| On network provisioning software | #3 of 24 | #1 of 24 |
NVIDIA Config Manager: what it does well
- Supports cloud-hosted and on-premises Kubernetes deployments.
- Includes zero-touch provisioning and configuration storage.
- Documents approval workflows and configuration audit trails.
- Offers an airgapped deployment bundle.
- Provides API access with bearer-token authentication.
What to know first
- Developer Preview; not recommended for production use.
- Requires Kubernetes, kubectl, Helm 3.x, Python 3.13 or later, and uv.
- Large production sizing specifies 96 vCPUs and 256 GB RAM.
PacketFence: what it does well
- Supports wired, wireless, and VPN access control.
- Guest workflows include self-registration and sponsored access.
- Can quarantine devices that fail security policy.
- Community Edition includes unlimited devices and full source code.
What to know first
- Self-hosted minimum is 16 GB RAM and 200 GB disk.
- Starter supports up to 250 registered devices.
- Paid plans start at $5,000 per year.
Alternatives to NVIDIA Config Manager Alternatives to PacketFence The whole list