Mininet
Mininet: A focused, free emulator for OpenFlow, Open vSwitch, and SDN experimentation. Ranked #16 of 30 in Network Simulation Software by our editors (7.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for openFlow and SDN experimentation.
At a glance
- Editor score7.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forOpenFlow and SDN experimentation
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free and open source with an extensible Python topology API
- Supports virtual hosts, switches, links, controllers, and custom topologies
- Connects to remote controllers and supports a path toward hardware deployment
Where it doesn't
- Emulation is narrower in scope than general-purpose lab platforms
- Uses Linux network namespaces and virtual Ethernet links
- Designed around server-based deployment and Linux-based network software
Our verdict on Mininet
Mininet is an open-source network emulator for networking research, development, teaching, prototyping, regression testing, and experimentation. It creates virtual hosts, switches, controllers, and links, then runs real Linux network software, kernel code, applications, and OpenFlow control-plane components. That makes it a focused option for teams and learners working with software-defined networking rather than a general-purpose discrete-event simulation environment. Topologies can be created through its CLI or an extensible Python API, with support for custom and parameterized designs.
Its strongest fit is the SDN workflow. The topology-aware and OpenFlow-aware CLI, OpenFlow controller support, Open vSwitch integration, remote-controller connectivity, and network-wide testing features support development and debugging around live control-plane behavior. Mininet also connects with P4 and Wireshark, while Linux network namespaces and virtual Ethernet links provide the underlying emulation model. Users can move from virtual experiments toward physical hardware, giving the tool a useful bridge between research prototypes and deployment-oriented testing. Choose Mininet when OpenFlow, Open vSwitch, controller behavior, or Python-driven topology automation is central to the work.
Pricing is straightforward: Mininet is free and open source, with no paid tiers described. The published product details identify server deployment and describe use through a single machine, virtual machine, cloud environment, or native Linux installation. Its scope is intentionally focused, so teams seeking a broader lab platform or a conventional discrete-event simulator should consider an alternative. Mininet is the better choice for controlled SDN experimentation, regression testing, and teaching; it is less suitable when the primary requirement is a wide simulation framework beyond its emulation model.
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Mininet pricing
Mininet fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Simulation model | Emulation |
| Real-time emulation | Not verified |
| Hardware-in-the-loop | Not verified |
| Deployment options | Server |
| Documented node limit | Not verified |
| Automation API | Yes |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 4 integrations: Open vSwitch, OpenFlow, P4, Wireshark |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | mininet.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Mininet integrations
Mininet lists 4 integrations on its own site.
- Open vSwitch
- OpenFlow
- P4
- Wireshark
Alternatives to Mininet
- GNS3A free, broad multivendor lab for simulating, emulating, and connecting real networks.9.4
- Cisco Modeling LabsA Cisco-focused virtual lab with broad automation, integration, and deployment options.9.2
- EVE-NGA broad emulation platform for large, collaborative multivendor network labs.9.0
See all Mininet alternatives →
Also Ranked In
Mininet is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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