pox: Build Python-Based Network Controllers and Software
Summary
POX is a Python platform for building network software, including OpenFlow controllers and switches. It suits developers and learners who want to prototype or extend network behavior through loadable components.
At a glance
- Language
- Python
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Stars
- 648
- Forks
- 483
- Added to OSRepos
- April 3, 2026
- Last analyzed
- October 3, 2026
Topics
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Overview
POX is a Python platform for writing networking software. It began as an OpenFlow controller and can also operate as an OpenFlow switch, giving developers a component-based way to build and run network functionality.
It is aimed at people developing or experimenting with network control software, especially where OpenFlow 1.0 support is appropriate. Components can be launched together from the command line, and the project provides full documentation for further details.
Key Features
- Runs Python components through a shared platform and launcher.
- Supports OpenFlow 1.0 controller functionality.
- Can also function as an OpenFlow switch.
- Includes special support for Open vSwitch/Nicira extensions.
- Loads components by name and passes command-line options to their
launch()functions. - Supports Linux, macOS, and Windows, with some features varying by platform.
Use Cases
- Network developers can prototype an OpenFlow controller by combining existing components or writing new ones.
- Networking students can experiment with controller behavior and component-based network software.
- Developers working with Open vSwitch/Nicira extensions can use POX's stated support for those extensions.
- Researchers can run network software experiments where OpenFlow 1.0 is sufficient.
Project Facts
- Language: Python
- License: Apache-2.0
- Stars: 648
- Forks: 483
- Topics: none listed
- Archived: no
Getting Started
Run a component from the repository directory:
./pox.py forwarding.l2_learning
See the README and full documentation for setup and component details.
Considerations
- The documented OpenFlow support is for version 1.0, so check compatibility before choosing POX for networks that require other protocol versions.
- The
garversion requires Python 3; the README identifiesfangtoothas the last version supporting Python 2. - Some features are not available on every supported platform, and Linux is described as the most featureful.
- The default branch is
gar-experimental, so check the branch and documentation when assessing suitability for a particular deployment.
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