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Latest revision as of 20:41, 26 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.

@@ 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 learn, experiment, and operate their own networked systems.}}
+{{Lead|44Net is a community of licensed amateur radio operators building and connecting real networks using shared public address space.}}
-== What is 44Net? ==
+== 44Net in brief ==
-[[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.]]
+{{Section|class=mw-section--brief|1=
-'''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 IP address, just like traditional Internet hosts and services, without needing to use private address space behind NAT.
+{{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.
+Projects vary in scale and technical depth, from individual servers and stations to regional networks and volunteer-run independent systems.
-Net predates the Internet as we know it today, and its history is worth exploring; see [[About 44Net]] for background and origins.
+{{SectionLayout|min=16rem|class=mw-section__layout--build|
+{{SectionCard|
+=== Individual projects ===
+Remote station operation, self-hosted services, cloud services with {{Term|BYOIP}}.
-{{CardRow|
+==== Examples: ====
- | title = Where to Start
+* [https://ni2o.ampr.org NI2O’s bit of Cyberspace]
- | 1 =
+* [https://yo2loj.ampr.org YO2LOJ’s map of 44Net]
-<div style="grid-column: 1 / -1;"><p>The right starting point depends on what you want to build and how deeply you engage with networking. </p>
-<p>Most participants use one of three approaches: 44Net Connect, IPIP Mesh, or BGP-announced subnet.</p></div>
+{{SectionMoreLink|page=What People Build|label=See more projects →}}
-{{Card
-  |44Net Connect
-  |<p>A WireGuard-based system designed to provide the shortest path to your first packet.</p>
-  <p>[[GetStarted#Get_Started_with_44Net_Connect|Get Started with 44Net Connect →]]</p>
 }}
-{{Card
+{{SectionCard|
-  |IPIP Mesh
+=== Shared infrastructure ===
-  |<p>A community-driven network built on IP-in-IP tunnels, used for learning and experimentation.</p>
+Club networks, linked repeaters, and services for the wider community.
-  <p>[[GetStarted#Get_Started_with_IPIP_Mesh|Get Started with IPIP Mesh →]]</p>
+==== 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 ===
-  |<p>A 44Net subnet can be announced to the global [[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 →}}
 }}
 }}
-{{Card
-  | Community Projects
+See [[What People Build|What People Build on 44Net]] for more examples.
-  | <p>Many participants also connect through community‑run projects that use 44Net. Various groups operate regional networks, shared gateways, wireless links, VPN services, and experimental setups. Joining one of these community-led efforts is a great way to get involved without building from scratch. See [[What People Build|What People Build on 44Net]] and [[Contributing|Ways to Participate]].</p>
 }}
+== How people participate ==
+People arrive at 44Net by joining an existing project, contributing to a shared effort, or creating something new of their own.
-= Experiment Freely =
+Anyone interested can join one of the [https://ardc.groups.io/ mailing lists] to follow what people are actively doing with 44Net.
-Many participants begin with a single system or small subnet and grow from there. You do not need a large network or deep routing experience to take part. Curiosity and a willingness to try things are enough to get started.
+{{Section|variant=secondary|
+=== Common paths into 44Net ===
+{{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.
-Address space on 44Net is meant to be used, explored, and learned from. You are not "using it up" by trying something. If a project ends or you decide not to continue, returning a subnet is simple, and requesting space again later is okay. Many participants adjust, exchange, or return allocations as their interests change.
+===== Examples: =====
+Local packet and microwave networks, regional mesh projects, and shared access systems operated by volunteer groups.
+}}
+{{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.
-= What People Build on 44Net =
+===== Examples: =====
+IRLP nodes, shared monitoring or DNS services, research collaborations, repeater linking systems, and community experimentation platforms.
+}}
-People come to 44Net with different goals. Some want to access a system remotely; others join community projects or build routed networks of their own. Rather than one prescribed setup, 44Net offers several practical paths into the network.
+{{SectionCard|
+==== 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.
-{{CardGrid|
+===== Examples: =====
-  | 1 =
+New club networks, independent routing experiments, novel services, or radio-linked systems exploring new technical ideas.
-{{CardGrid_Card|
+}}
-  | heading = Personal station and home services
-  | body = <p>Remote access to stations, self-hosted services, and always-reachable endpoints</p>
-  <p style="font-size: 0.9em; text-transform: uppercase; margin-top: 1em;">In Practice:</p>
-  [http://yo2loj.ampr.org YO2LOJ] operates a page with resources for 44Net users and other amateur radio enthusiasts.
 }}
-{{CardGrid_Card|
-  | heading = Shared infrastructure
-  | body = <p>Repeaters, gateways, and group-operated systems with stable public addressing</p>
-  <p style="font-size: 0.9em; text-transform: uppercase; margin-top: 1em;">In Practice:</p>
-  [[IRLP|The Internet Radio Linking Project]] is a worldwide voice-over-IP network of amateur radio repeaters and stations that uses public IP addresses from 44Net.
 }}
-{{CardGrid_Card|
-  | heading = Routed and experimental networks
-  | body = <p>Overlay networks, inter-site links, and BGP-operated subnets for advanced operators</p>
-  <p style="font-size: 0.9em; text-transform: uppercase; margin-top: 1em;">In Practice:</p>
-  [[IRLP|The Internet Radio Linking Project]] is a worldwide voice-over-IP network of amateur radio repeaters and stations that uses public IP addresses from 44Net.
+== 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 →]]
 }}
-See [[What People Build|What People Build on 44Net]] for more examples and build paths.
+{{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 →]]
+}}
+}}
+}}
-= Stewardship and Participation =
+== 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.
-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.
+== 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.
-If you are interested in how decisions are made or how to participate more deeply, see [[About 44Net]], [[Governance]], [[Policies]], and [[Contributing]].
+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.
-= Status of this Documentation =
+To learn more about how decisions are made or how to take part, see [[About 44Net]], [[Governance]], [[Policies]], and [[Contributing]].
-This documentation is actively evolving. Some areas are well established, while others are being reorganized or expanded as new tools and participation models develop.
+== 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]].
-= Next Steps =
+== 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.
-If you are ready to continue, these are common next steps:
+== Joining the discussion ==
+You do not need a project or subnet to start. Many people begin just by listening.
-* Choose your first path and get connected: [[GetStarted|Getting started]]
+* [[Community|Community and Mailing Lists]]: Subscribe to community discussions
-* Compare path fit before you configure anything: [[Ways to Connect|Ways to Connect]]
+* Introduce yourself or follow ongoing projects.
-* Sign in and manage requests: [https://portal.ampr.org/ Portal sign-in]
+* See what others are building, and share ideas of your own.
-* Understand context and stewardship: [[About 44Net|About 44Net]]
-* Explore use cases and examples: [[What People Build|What People Build on 44Net]]
-* Build and operate your network: [[DNS|DNS and naming]] and [[Routing|Routing and connectivity]]
-* Contributing knowledge, tools, or support: [[Contributing|How to get involved]]