Main Page: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 00:24, 27 February 2026

44Net is a community of licensed amateur radio operators building and connecting real networks using shared public address space.

44Net in brief

44Net makes publicly reachable networking available for experimentation and learning. Amateur radio operators and groups use it to run systems that are directly accessible from the Internet using stable public IP addresses.

The resource that makes this possible is a block of over 12 million IP addresses tracing its origins to early packet radio. Today, Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) maintains the address space in service to the community. See About 44Net for background and history.

What people build

People use 44Net in many ways. Some run a single system; others collaborate on shared projects or build independent networks. There is no single “right” way to participate.

Projects vary in scale and technical depth, from individual servers and stations to regional networks and volunteer-run independent systems.

Individual projects

Remote station operation, self-hosted services, cloud services with BYOIP .

Examples:

See more projects →

Shared infrastructure

Club networks, linked repeaters, and services for the wider community.

Examples:

See more projects →

Autonomous networks

Multi-site links, resilient backbones, and globally-routed independent systems.

Examples:

See more projects →

See What People Build on 44Net for more examples.

How people participate

People arrive at 44Net by joining an existing project, contributing to a shared effort, or creating something new of their own.

Anyone interested can join one of the mailing lists to follow what people are actively doing with 44Net.

Common paths into 44Net

Join a network

Many participants begin by joining an existing project. Regional RF networks, overlay networks, and other volunteer-run systems offer ways to learn and practice.

Examples:

Local packet and microwave networks, regional mesh projects, and shared access systems operated by volunteer groups.

Contribute to a shared project

Others participate by contributing to an active project. Technicians, designers, tower climbers, and system administrators — time and skills are always in demand.

Examples:

IRLP nodes, shared monitoring or DNS services, research collaborations, repeater linking systems, and community experimentation platforms.

Create something new

Some participants begin by building systems or tools of their own. Many parts of 44Net running today started as something one person built that others found useful.

Examples:

New club networks, independent routing experiments, novel services, or radio-linked systems exploring new technical ideas.

How people connect

When an operator is ready to run their own system, they choose a connectivity approach that fits their project, request address space, and get building.

Common ways projects connect

44Net Connect

A WireGuard-based approach that uses secure tunnels over existing Internet links to bring 44Net to common, modern devices. Developed and maintained by volunteers with support from ARDC.

Learn more about 44Net Connect →

IPIP Mesh

A community-operated overlay network built with IP-in-IP tunnels, allowing independently run systems to interconnect across the Internet. It’s a living descendant of the original AMPRNet packet networks.

Get Started with IPIP Mesh →

BGP-announced subnet

Projects integrate directly with the Internet’s global routing system by announcing 44Net subnets via BGP. Groups with ASNs, upstream peers, or datacenter facilities join the core of the Internet this way.

Get Started with BGP-Announced Subnets →

A culture of experimentation

44Net is meant to be explored. Many operators begin with a small experiment and discover new ideas along the way. Projects may grow, change direction, or conclude entirely. Returning address space when a project ends keeps the resource available for others to try something new.

Shared stewardship

ARDC maintains the address space and supporting infrastructure, while participants steward the network by building systems, maintaining projects, and supporting one another. As with amateur radio, wide freedom to experiment comes with shared responsibility to care for the resource and keep it useful for future builders.

ARDC maintains the address space and the core infrastructure that keeps 44Net available over time. Participants help care for the network by building things, keeping them running, and supporting one another’s work. In keeping with amateur radio tradition, operators have wide freedom to experiment, provided they help protect the resource and use it thoughtfully so others can build and explore as well.

To learn more about how decisions are made or how to take part, see About 44Net, Governance, Policies, and Contributing.

Before starting

44Net is maintained as a community service for non-commercial projects and generally requires an amateur radio operating license. Community expectations follow amateur radio traditions. To learn more about eligibility, see Learn how eligibility works.

Joining the discussion

You do not need a project or subnet to start. Many people begin just by listening.

Community and Mailing Lists: Subscribe to community discussions
Introduce yourself or follow ongoing projects.
See what others are building, and share ideas of your own.

Note

The 44Net Wiki is being updated and expanded. You may notice new sections and stub pages while this work is in progress. If you have suggestions or comments, please share them on the mailing list or help make contributions yourself.

Older docs and notes

Earlier pages that may still be useful:

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{DISPLAYTITLE:44Net: Public IP Space for Amateur Radio Operators}}
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:44Net Main Page}}
+<div class="toclimit-3">
+__TOC__
+</div>
-{{Lead|44Net provides publicly routable IP address space for amateur radio operators who want to build, experiment, and operate their own networked systems, from a single reachable host to routed network infrastructure}}
+{{Lead|44Net is a community of licensed amateur radio operators building and connecting real networks using shared public address space.}}
-[[File:Network_map_illustration.png|thumb|right|400px|class=mw-thumb-card|44Net IP addresses are globally routable, enabling direct connectivity on the public Internet.]]
+== 44Net in brief ==
+{{Section|class=mw-section--brief|1=
+{{SectionAside|
+{{SectionFigure|file=Network_map_illustration.png|width=400px|caption=44Net IP addresses are globally routable, enabling direct accessibility from the public Internet.}}
+}}
+'''44Net''' makes publicly reachable networking available for experimentation and learning. Amateur radio operators and groups use it to run systems that are directly accessible from the Internet using stable public IP addresses.
+The resource that makes this possible is a block of over 12 million IP addresses tracing its origins to early packet radio. Today, [https://ardc.net/ Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC)] maintains the address space in service to the community. See [[About 44Net]] for background and history.
+}}
+<!-- {{Section|class=mw-section--quickpaths-strip|1=
+''Quick links:'' [[GetStarted|Get Started]] • [[Ways to Connect|Ways to Connect]] • Run a Project: [[DNS|DNS]], [[Routing|Routing]] • [[Community|Community]]
+}} -->
+{{Section|
+== What people build ==
+People use 44Net in many ways. Some run a single system; others collaborate on shared projects or build independent networks. There is no single “right” way to participate.
-'''44Net''' is a shared pool of Internet address space set aside for experimentation, learning, and community-built infrastructure. It lets individuals and groups run systems that are directly reachable on the Internet using a stable public address, just like traditional Internet hosts and services.
+Projects vary in scale and technical depth, from individual servers and stations to regional networks and volunteer-run independent systems.
-People come to 44Net with a variety of goals. Some want a single system online and reachable; others build shared infrastructure, regional networks, or long‑running technical projects. 44Net participants have a wide range of technical interests and skill levels, from beginners to experienced network operators.
+{{SectionLayout|min=16rem|class=mw-section__layout--build|
+{{SectionCard|
+=== Individual projects ===
+Remote station operation, self-hosted services, cloud services with {{Term|BYOIP}}.
-This page focuses on getting connected and finding your way around. For history, governance, and stewardship of the network, see [[About 44Net]].
+==== Examples: ====
+* [https://ni2o.ampr.org NI2O’s bit of Cyberspace]
+* [https://yo2loj.ampr.org YO2LOJ’s map of 44Net]
-{{CardRow|
+{{SectionMoreLink|page=What People Build|label=See more projects →}}
- | title = Three Ways to Connect
- | 1 =
-Net is not a single product or service. It is shared infrastructure that people can employ in different ways, depending on their goals. 44Net IP addresses and subnets are accessible in three main ways:
-{{Card
-  |IPIP Mesh
-  |Best for: linking systems through the community tunnel mesh.<br>Need: basic host and tunnel setup.<br>[[GetStarted#Get_Started_with_IPIP_Mesh|Get Started with IPIP Mesh]]
 }}
-{{Card
+{{SectionCard|
-  |44Net Connect (WireGuard)
+=== Shared infrastructure ===
-  |Best for: fastest first setup on your own computer.<br>Need: WireGuard and a portal-issued config.<br>[[GetStarted#Get_Started_with_44Net_Connect|Get Started with 44Net Connect]]
+Club networks, linked repeaters, and services for the wider community.
+==== Examples: ====
+* [https://www.irlp.net The Internet Radio Linking Project]
+* [https://hamgate.ampr.org HamGate Northeast US Networks]
+{{SectionMoreLink|page=What People Build|label=See more projects →}}
 }}
-{{Card
+{{SectionCard|
-  |BGP-Announced Subnet
+=== Autonomous networks ===
-  |Best for: operators announcing and routing their own subnet.<br>Need: routing knowledge and network equipment.<br>[[GetStarted#Get_Started_with_BGP-Announced_Subnets|Get Started with BGP-Announced Subnets]]
+Multi-site links, resilient backbones, and
+globally-routed independent systems.
+==== Examples: ====
+* [https://www.darc.de/der-club/distrikte/c/hamnet/ HamNET broadband RF network]
+* [https://www.arednmesh.org AREDN Emergency Data Network]
+{{SectionMoreLink|page=What People Build|label=See more projects →}}
 }}
 }}
-You do not need routing experience to begin. Most people start with 44Net Connect and move to other approaches only if their projects require it.
+See [[What People Build|What People Build on 44Net]] for more examples.
+}}
-= Why Use 44Net =
+== How people participate ==
+People arrive at 44Net by joining an existing project, contributing to a shared effort, or creating something new of their own.
-Net removes a few common obstacles that make experimentation harder on today’s Internet:
+Anyone interested can join one of the [https://ardc.groups.io/ mailing lists] to follow what people are actively doing with 44Net.
-* Your systems can be directly reachable without negotiating NAT or ISP limitations.
+{{Section|variant=secondary|
-* Projects can start small and grow naturally into multi‑host or multi‑site networks.
+=== Common paths into 44Net ===
-* You can work with real routing, naming, and services in an environment intended for learning and experimentation.
+{{SectionLayout|min=16rem|gap=0.75rem|
+{{SectionCard|
+==== Join a network ====
+Many participants begin by joining an existing project. Regional RF networks, overlay networks, and other volunteer-run systems offer ways to learn and practice.
-Nothing about 44Net requires large infrastructure. Many participants begin with a single machine and expand only if they want to.
+===== Examples: =====
+Local packet and microwave networks, regional mesh projects, and shared access systems operated by volunteer groups.
+}}
-= What People Build on 44Net =
+{{SectionCard|
+==== Contribute to a shared project ====
+Others participate by contributing to an active project. Technicians, designers, tower climbers, and system administrators — time and skills are always in demand.
-{{CardGrid|
+===== Examples: =====
-  | 1 =
+IRLP nodes, shared monitoring or DNS services, research collaborations, repeater linking systems, and community experimentation platforms.
-{{CardGrid_Card|
-  | heading = Personal station and home services
-  | body = Remote access to stations, self-hosted services, and always-reachable endpoints
 }}
-{{CardGrid_Card|
-  | heading = Club and shared infrastructure
+{{SectionCard|
-  | body = Repeaters, gateways, and group-operated systems with stable public addressing
+==== Create something new ====
+Some participants begin by building systems or tools of their own. Many parts of 44Net running today started as something one person built that others found useful.
+===== Examples: =====
+New club networks, independent routing experiments, novel services, or radio-linked systems exploring new technical ideas.
 }}
-{{CardGrid_Card|
-  | heading = Routed and experimental networks
-  | body = Tunnel meshes, inter-site links, and BGP-operated subnets for advanced operators
 }}
 }}
-See [[What People Build|What People Build on 44Net]] for more examples and build paths.
+== How people connect ==
+When an operator is ready to run their own system, they choose a connectivity approach that fits their project, request address space, and get building.
+{{Section|variant=secondary|
+=== Common ways projects connect ===
+{{SectionLayout|min=16rem|gap=0.75rem|
+{{SectionCard|
+==== 44Net Connect ====
+A WireGuard-based approach that uses secure tunnels over existing Internet links to bring 44Net to common, modern devices. Developed and maintained by volunteers with support from ARDC.
+[[44Net Connect|Learn more about 44Net Connect →]]
+}}
+{{SectionCard|
+==== IPIP Mesh ====
+A community-operated overlay network built with IP-in-IP tunnels, allowing independently run systems to interconnect across the Internet. It’s a living descendant of the original AMPRNet packet networks.
+[[GetStarted#Get_Started_with_IPIP_Mesh|Get Started with IPIP Mesh →]]
+}}
+{{SectionCard|
+==== BGP-announced subnet ====
+Projects integrate directly with the Internet’s global routing system by announcing 44Net subnets via BGP. Groups with ASNs, upstream peers, or datacenter facilities join the core of the Internet this way.
+[[GetStarted#Get_Started_with_BGP-Announced_Subnets|Get Started with BGP-Announced Subnets →]]
+}}
+}}
+}}
+== A culture of experimentation ==
+Net is meant to be explored. Many operators begin with a small experiment and discover new ideas along the way. Projects may grow, change direction, or conclude entirely. Returning address space when a project ends keeps the resource available for others to try something new.
+== Shared stewardship ==
+ARDC maintains the address space and supporting infrastructure, while participants steward the network by building systems, maintaining projects, and supporting one another. As with amateur radio, wide freedom to experiment comes with shared responsibility to care for the resource and keep it useful for future builders.
-= Stewardship and Participation =
+ARDC maintains the address space and the core infrastructure that keeps 44Net available over time. Participants help care for the network by building things, keeping them running, and supporting one another’s work. In keeping with amateur radio tradition, operators have wide freedom to experiment, provided they help protect the resource and use it thoughtfully so others can build and explore as well.
-Net is operated through a mix of community participation and organizational stewardship. ARDC provides long‑term care of the address space and supporting infrastructure, while participants build and operate their own systems and help one another.
+To learn more about how decisions are made or how to take part, see [[About 44Net]], [[Governance]], [[Policies]], and [[Contributing]].
-If you are interested in how decisions are made or how to participate more deeply, see [[About 44Net]], [[Governance]], [[Policies]], and [[Contributing]].
+== Before starting ==
+Net is maintained as a community service for non-commercial projects and generally requires an amateur radio operating license. Community expectations follow amateur radio traditions. To learn more about eligibility, see [[Eligibility|Learn how eligibility works]].
-= Status of this Documentation =
+== Further reading ==
+* [[About 44Net|About 44Net]]: Understand history and stewardship
+* [[What People Build|What People Build on 44Net]]: Project examples
+* [[Ways to Connect|Ways to Provision 44Net]]: Get 44Net on your device or network.
-This documentation is actively evolving. Some areas are well established, while others are being reorganized or expanded as new tools and participation models develop.
+== Joining the discussion ==
+You do not need a project or subnet to start. Many people begin just by listening.
-= Next Steps =
+* [[Community|Community and Mailing Lists]]: Subscribe to community discussions
+* Introduce yourself or follow ongoing projects.
+* See what others are building, and share ideas of your own.
-If you are ready to continue, these are common next steps:
+{{Info|Note|The 44Net Wiki is being updated and expanded. You may notice new sections and stub pages while this work is in progress. If you have suggestions or comments, please share them on the [https://ardc.groups.io/g/44net mailing list] or help make contributions yourself.}}
-* Choose your first path and get connected: [[GetStarted|Getting started]]
+== Older docs and notes ==
-* Compare path fit before you configure anything: [[Ways to Connect|Ways to Connect]]
+Earlier pages that may still be useful:
-* Sign in and manage requests: [https://portal.ampr.org/ Portal sign-in]
+* [[Archive/Main Page]]
-* Understand context and stewardship: [[About 44Net|About 44Net]]
+* [[Archive/Home]]
-* Explore use cases and examples: [[What People Build|What People Build on 44Net]]
+* [[Quickstart]]
-* Build and operate your network: [[DNS|DNS and naming]] and [[Routing|Routing and connectivity]]
+* [[Requesting a block]]
-* Contributing knowledge, tools, or support: [[Contributing|How to get involved]]
+* See [[Archive]] for more.