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FRRouting
What it is
FRRouting is free, open-source routing software for Linux and Unix, available for self-hosted deployments. It implements BGP, OSPF, RIP, IS-IS, PIM, LDP, BFD, Babel, PBR, OpenFabric, and VRRP, with alpha support for EIGRP and NHRP. Listed uses include connecting hosts, virtual machines, and containers to networks, advertising network services, LAN switching and routing, Internet access routers, and Internet peering. FRR works with native Linux and Unix IP networking stacks. Downloads include signed DEB and RPM packages, Snap images, best-effort Docker images, and source tarballs; documentation also covers source builds and packages from some Linux distributions. Optional build features include Sysrepo and gRPC northbound plugins plus a ZeroMQ handler. FRR can drop elevated privileges after startup and, with Linux libcap, retain only required capabilities. The free plan is free.
For and against
For
- Implements many established routing protocols
- Runs with native Linux and Unix networking
- Provides DEB, RPM, Snap, Docker, and source downloads
- Can reduce privileges after startup
- Free and open source
Against
- EIGRP and NHRP support is alpha
- Alpha protocols lack security advisories and CVE identifiers
- Linux or Unix deployment is required
The verdict
FRRouting provides a broad protocol suite and multiple Linux-oriented installation options at no charge. Review the alpha status and security limitation for EIGRP and NHRP before using them.
Who it suits
It suits network architects and administrators operating Linux or Unix infrastructure, including ISP, SaaS, web, hyperscale, and private-cloud environments.
Plans and prices
FRRouting
Free and open source routing software
Read 4 Oct 2026 · frrouting.org
On the record
- Audience
- The project says FRR is used by network architects at ISPs, SaaS infrastructure providers, web businesses, hyperscale services, and Fortune 500 private clouds.frrouting.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Build integrations
- Optional build features include Sysrepo and gRPC northbound plugins and a ZeroMQ handler.docs.frrouting.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- FRR distributes signed DEB and RPM packages, Snap images, best-effort Docker images, and source tarballs.frrouting.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- FRR integrates with native Linux and Unix IP networking stacks.frrouting.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Package platforms
- The installation documentation identifies Debian and Red Hat packages, universal Snap images, source builds, and packages from some Linux distributions.docs.frrouting.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Privilege controls
- FRR can be configured to drop elevated privileges after startup, and on Linux with libcap it retains only the minimal required capabilities and raises them briefly as needed.docs.frrouting.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Protocols
- It implements BGP, OSPF, RIP, IS-IS, PIM, LDP, BFD, Babel, PBR, OpenFabric and VRRP, with alpha support for EIGRP and NHRP.frrouting.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Release cadence
- The project says releases typically arrive roughly every four months when significant features or important bug fixes are added.frrouting.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Security limitation
- The project says alpha-state eigrpd and nhrpd will not receive security advisories or CVE identifiers.frrouting.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Security process
- The project says vulnerability reports use embargoes where appropriate and CVE identifiers when needed, and provides a security email for reports.frrouting.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support channels
- The project community uses Slack and mailing lists for discussion and announcements.frrouting.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Use cases
- The project lists connecting hosts, VMs and containers to networks, advertising network services, LAN switching and routing, Internet access routers, and Internet peering as use cases.frrouting.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- What it does
- FRRouting is a free and open source Internet routing protocol suite for Linux and Unix platforms.frrouting.org · read 4 Oct 2026
