Ryu SDN Framework

What Ryu SDN Framework is

Ryu SDN Framework is free, component-based software for developers building network management and control applications. It runs on Linux, through an API, or in a self-hosted, on-premises deployment. Its components expose defined APIs for creating network applications, with a northbound API and policy segmentation support. Ryu manages network devices through OpenFlow, NETCONF, and OF-Config, and its supported protocol list also includes Nicira Extensions, BGP, and Zebra. The site lists OpenFlow 1.0, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5 support, along with Nicira Extensions. Installation is available through pip or from source code. Documentation covers getting started, examples, best practices, and a Snort integration guide. The project describes continuous testing with OpenFlow 1.3 and 1.4 switches and includes a test suite using JSON scenarios. Listed tested switches include Open vSwitch, LINC, and Allied Telesis x510 and x930. Ryu’s code is available under the Apache 2.0 license, and a development mailing list handles questions, suggestions, and patches. The linked repository says the project is not currently maintained and is seeking new maintainers.

Who it suits

Ryu suits developers creating network management or control applications who need component APIs and broad OpenFlow support. It also fits teams deploying software-defined networking on Linux or self-hosted infrastructure with protocols such as NETCONF, OF-Config, BGP, or Zebra.

Limits

Ryu is free and has a free plan, but the project repository says it is not currently maintained and is seeking new maintainers.

Getting started

1. Open the Ryu website
2. Install Ryu with pip or from source code
3. Use the getting-started documentation and examples
4. Configure components through their defined APIs
5. Connect supported network protocols or devices

Verdict

Pick Ryu if you need a free, Apache-licensed framework with defined APIs for building SDN management and control applications. Its protocol coverage, installation options, and testing resources support development across several network environments. Look elsewhere if ongoing project maintenance is a requirement, because the repository says Ryu is not currently maintained.