Cloonix review

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Cloonix is an AGPLv3 Linux framework for creating virtual networks from KVM virtual machines and crun containers. It is designed for network experimentation, emulation, and testing on Linux hosts, with a graphical topology canvas for interactive network design. Command-line tools support demo startup and network management, while an optional browser-based remote GUI provides another way to access the graphical interface. Its strongest fit is for engineers and learners building repeatable Linux-based topology labs around virtualization and containers.

The platform’s main depth is its emulation-oriented networking workflow. Cloonix connects networks through Open vSwitch in a Linux network namespace and supports Wi-Fi interface emulation through mac80211_hwsim. It also integrates with QEMU/KVM, crun, Open vSwitch, and Wireshark, giving the tool a practical ecosystem for virtual network inspection and experimentation. Support for qcow2, zip, and cvm filesystem formats adds flexibility for QEMU/KVM environments, while bundle and unprivileged “toy” installations offer different installation approaches.

Cloonix is free and open source, with no paid plan structure described. Its scope is deliberately centered on Linux server environments, KVM virtual machines, crun containers, and related Linux networking components rather than broad multi-platform coverage. The published capabilities describe emulation, automation through a network API, topology design, and command-line management, but do not position Cloonix as a discrete-event simulator or a hardware-in-the-loop platform. Choose it for Linux KVM and container topology labs; consider another category tool if you need broader operating-system coverage or a different simulation model.

Cloonix pros and cons

• Where it wins
  • Supports KVM virtual machines and crun containers
  • Interactive topology canvas with optional browser GUI access
  • Emulates Wi-Fi interfaces with mac80211_hwsim
• Where it doesn't
  • Focused on Linux hosts and server deployment
  • Uses emulation rather than a discrete-event simulation model
  • Requires a Linux-centered KVM, crun, and Open vSwitch stack

Cloonix fact sheet, pricing and score →

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update