PyRIC
Python Wireless Library
Decision gist · record as of 2026-08-14
No, not recommended for new projects. The package is abandoned (no updates since 2016, last commit 2022), targets obsolete Python versions (2.7, 3.0, 3.5), and its Netlink-based approach to kernel interaction is likely broken on modern systems. Use only if you are maintaining legacy code that already depends on it and cannot migrate to a maintained alternative.AI-flagged interpretation of the facts on this page — verify before relying
Before you install
- Linux-only; requires kernel nl80211 support and appropriate permissions (typically root) to manipulate wireless devices.
- Package is abandoned and untested on Python versions after 3.5.
- High install friction: the package is abandoned (last commit 2022-08-21, no releases since 2016-12-04) and targets Python 2.7 and early Python 3 versions.
License · maintenance · safety
GPLv3 (copyleft) — GPLv3 copyleft license means any derivative work or software that links this library must also be released under GPLv3. This is a strong constraint for proprietary or permissively-licensed projects.
last release 2016-12-04 (3540 days) · last repo commit 2022-08-21 · 102 stars
0 known vulnerabilities (OSV.dev, 2026-08-14) · 294,486 downloads/mo, #7,946 on PyPI
Alternatives
Verify before relying
pip install PyRIC
from PyRIC import pyw
# Enumerate wireless interfaces
for iface in pyw.interfaces():
print(iface)- Whether the package works on modern Python 3 versions (3.8+) or current Linux kernel APIs
- Current state of nl80211 Netlink interface compatibility with recent kernel versions
- Whether the package's socket-based approach to kernel communication still functions reliably
What it is and what it does
PyRIC is a Python library that wraps Linux kernel nl80211 wireless functionality, allowing developers to control WiFi interfaces programmatically instead of shelling out to command-line tools like iw, ifconfig, and airmon-ng. It handles Netlink communication internally and exposes a Python API for tasks like enumerating interfaces, setting MAC addresses, changing regulatory domains, managing rfkill state, and switching interface modes.
The library was designed for wireless developers and pentesters who want to avoid subprocess calls and regex parsing of tool output. It has no third-party runtime dependencies and communicates directly with the kernel via sockets. However, the project is abandoned—last released in December 2016 and last committed in August 2022—with no updates for modern Python or kernel versions.
Use it for
- Automated wireless penetration testing scripts that need to configure multiple interfaces without shelling out to iw or airmon-ng
- Wireless device enumeration and chipset identification in system administration or inventory tools
- Programmatic WiFi interface mode switching (monitor, managed, AP) in custom network utilities
- MAC address spoofing and interface manipulation in security research or testing frameworks
- Regulatory domain and channel enumeration for compliance or radio frequency analysis
Worth the install?
AI-flagged interpretation of the facts on this page. Verify before relying on it.
No, not recommended for new projects.
The package is abandoned (no updates since 2016, last commit 2022), targets obsolete Python versions (2.7, 3.0, 3.5), and its Netlink-based approach to kernel interaction is likely broken on modern systems. Use only if you are maintaining legacy code that already depends on it and cannot migrate to a maintained alternative.
Install
pyric on PyPI
Before you install
High install friction: the package is abandoned (last commit 2022-08-21, no releases since 2016-12-04) and targets Python 2.7 and early Python 3 versions. It has no runtime dependencies but requires direct kernel interaction via Netlink, making it Linux-specific and potentially fragile on modern systems.
Linux-only; requires kernel nl80211 support and appropriate permissions (typically root) to manipulate wireless devices. Package is abandoned and untested on Python versions after 3.5.
License in practice
GPLv3 copyleft license means any derivative work or software that links this library must also be released under GPLv3. This is a strong constraint for proprietary or permissively-licensed projects.
Quickstart
pip install PyRIC
from PyRIC import pyw
# Enumerate wireless interfaces
for iface in pyw.interfaces():
print(iface)Verify before relying
- Whether the package works on modern Python 3 versions (3.8+) or current Linux kernel APIs
- Current state of nl80211 Netlink interface compatibility with recent kernel versions
- Whether the package's socket-based approach to kernel communication still functions reliably
Package facts
| License | GPLv3 copyleft |
| Python support | Not specified |
| Install friction | High. Source build required |
| Runtime dependencies | None |
| Maintenance | Abandoned 3,540 days since the last release |
| Last repo commit | |
| First released | |
| Downloads | 294,486 / month, #7,946 on PyPI 30-day window, as of 2026-08-14 |
| Known vulnerabilities | None known OSV.dev, checked 2026-08-14 |
| Classifiers | Development Status :: 5 - Production/StableIntended Audience :: DevelopersIntended Audience :: System AdministratorsLicense :: OSI Approved :: GNU General Public License v3 (GPLv3)Operating System :: POSIX :: LinuxProgramming Language :: PythonProgramming Language :: Python :: 2.7Programming Language :: Python :: 3.0Programming Language :: Python :: 3.5Topic :: SecurityTopic :: Software DevelopmentTopic :: Software Development :: LibrariesTopic :: System :: NetworkingTopic :: Utilities |
Evidence: PyRIC-0.1.6.3.tar.gz
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