PF_RING is ntop’s open-source packet capture framework for Linux that accelerates capture and transmission on network adapters. It adds parsing, filtering, load-balancing, and modular extensions such as zero-copy capture (ZC), stack injection, and timeline replay from n2disk dumps through a dedicated socket API.
PF_RING is described as an open-source packet capture framework; commercial ntopng licenses are sold separately in Euro on the ntop shop.
API access
PF_RING exposes a socket-based capture API documented on the product page for integrators.
Is PF_RING right for you?
A good fit for
Network engineers and developers building high-speed traffic analysis, IDS, or custom packet processing on Linux.
Before you choose
The PF_RING product page does not list USD monthly SaaS plans; related ntop commercial licenses are priced in Euro on shop.ntop.org.
Open-source capture framework
PF_RING from ntop is presented as an open-source Linux packet capture framework with modular acceleration, filtering, and companion capture components for high-throughput monitoring apps.
What it can do
Features & capabilities
Unknown is different from unavailable. Each fact carries its own evidence.
Capability
Value
Evidence
Checked
Packet capture acceleration
Marketing copy positions PF_RING as a framework that accelerates packet capture and transmission on any adapter.
Facts sourced
2026-10-04
Modular extensions
The page lists ZC zero-copy, Stack injection, and Timeline modules alongside the core kernel module.
Facts sourced
2026-10-04
Linux socket integration
PF_RING implements a network socket type aimed at faster capture while preserving CPU for application logic.
Facts sourced
2026-10-04
Understand the total cost
PF_RING pricing & plans
Free
Free
PF_RING is described as an open-source packet capture framework; commercial ntopng licenses are sold separately in Euro on the ntop shop.
Access
PF_RING is described as an open-source packet capture framework; commercial ntopng licenses are sold separately in Euro on the ntop shop.
PF_RING is ntop’s open-source packet capture framework for Linux that accelerates capture and transmission on network adapters. It adds parsing, filtering, load-balancing, and modular extensions such as zero-copy capture (ZC), stack injection, and timeline replay from n2disk dumps through a dedicated socket API.
Does PF_RING have a free plan?
PF_RING is described as an open-source packet capture framework; commercial ntopng licenses are sold separately in Euro on the ntop shop.. This record lists ongoing free access; check the plan limits before starting.
How much does PF_RING cost?
No paid monthly price is listed; this record treats the product as free to start. See the plan cards for entitlements, billing commitments and seat minimums.
Can I use PF_RING through an API?
PF_RING exposes a socket-based capture API documented on the product page for integrators.. API access and subscription access may have different terms; consult the linked sources.
What should I check before choosing it?
The PF_RING product page does not list USD monthly SaaS plans; related ntop commercial licenses are priced in Euro on shop.ntop.org.
Price history
No retained pricing changes yet. A current price alone does not establish a historical trend.