Ryu SDN Framework
Ryu SDN Framework: A free, open-source Python framework for building OpenFlow controller applications. Ranked #20 of 24 in Software-Defined Networking Software by our editors (7.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for developers building OpenFlow controllers.
At a glance
- Editor score7.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forDevelopers building OpenFlow controllers
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Deployment modelOn-premises
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports OpenFlow 1.0 through 1.5, plus NETCONF and OF-Config
- Includes APIs, REST integration, monitoring, topology, and network examples
- Free, open-source, Apache 2.0 software for Linux and on-premises deployment
Where it doesn't
- The project is not currently maintained
- Platform coverage is limited to Linux
- Requires development work to build and operate controller applications
Our verdict on Ryu SDN Framework
Ryu SDN Framework is a free, open-source, Python-based framework for developers building network management and control applications. It is designed for teams that need reusable components and APIs to control network devices through OpenFlow, NETCONF, and OF-Config. The framework is distributed under the Apache 2.0 license and supports on-premises deployment on Linux. Its application examples cover switching hubs, firewalls, routing, quality of service, traffic monitoring, and topology.
There is no paid tier to compare: Ryu is open-source software with a free plan. Installation is available from source or with pip, and the framework exposes network management and control application APIs. REST API integration is available through WSGI. Its protocol coverage includes OpenFlow 1.0, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5, along with NETCONF, OF-Config, Nicira Extensions, BGP, and Zebra. A BGP speaker application further supports controller development involving routing functions.
Ryu’s main strength is breadth within controller development: it combines protocol support, northbound API capability, policy segmentation, monitoring, topology tools, and examples for common network functions. That breadth comes with a development-oriented operating model rather than a ready-made platform experience. The project is not currently maintained, and OpenStack os-ken is recommended as a maintained alternative. Choose Ryu when an open-source framework and broad protocol support fit the development goal; choose an alternative when ongoing maintenance is a central requirement.
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Ryu SDN Framework pricing
Ryu SDN Framework fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Deployment model | On-premises |
| Control-plane model | Not verified |
| Policy segmentation | Yes |
| Northbound API | Yes |
| Supported protocols | OpenFlow, NETCONF, OF-Config, Nicira Extensions, BGP, Zebra |
| Managed device limit | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | ryu-sdn.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Ryu SDN Framework
- VMware NSXA broad hybrid-cloud networking and security platform with contact-sales pricing.9.3
- Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric ControllerA focused controller for provisioning, automating, and governing VXLAN EVPN fabrics.9.1
- Cisco Catalyst CenterA broad Cisco network-operations platform for discovery, automation, compliance, and assurance.9.0
See all Ryu SDN Framework alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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