A method for providing a dynamically configurable, distributed network visibility device includes providing at least one target network visibility device for monitoring network packets, where the at least one target network visibility device includes a P4-configurable switching module. The method further includes providing a controller for receiving a P4 code package including or compilable into a P4 device image and a non-P4 plugin. The method further includes loading the P4 device image into the P4 configurable switching module of the at least one target network visibility device to configure the P4-configurable switching module to implement a desired network visibility device feature. The method further includes using the non-P4 plugin to render a user interface or to extend functionality of the at least one target network visibility device.