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{{DISPLAYTITLE:44Net: Build Networks Together with Public IP Space}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:44Net Main Page}}
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{{Lead|44Net is a community of licensed amateur radio operators connecting systems and operating networks using shared, publicly routable IPv4 address space.}}
{{Lead|44Net is a community of licensed amateur radio operators building and connecting real networks using shared public address space.}}


= 44Net in Brief =
== 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''' provides publicly routable IPv4 address space for experimentation and education. Amateur radio operators and groups use it to build systems that are directly reachable on the Internet using stable public addresses.
{{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.


Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) maintains the address space, while operators and groups shape the network by building systems on it.
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.


The address block traces its origins to the early days of the Internet, when space was set aside for an emerging packet radio network known as "AMPRNet." That legacy continues today; see [[About 44Net]] for history and context.
Projects vary in scale and technical depth, from individual servers and stations to regional networks and volunteer-run independent systems.  


= What People Build =
{{SectionLayout|min=16rem|class=mw-section__layout--build|
{{SectionCard|
=== Individual projects ===
Remote station operation, self-hosted services, cloud services with {{Term|BYOIP}}.


Operators put 44Net space to work in different ways. Some connect a single system; others collaborate through shared projects or build networks of their own. There is no single "right" way to participate. Projects vary widely in scale and technical depth. Participants shape the network through what they build and share.
==== Examples: ====
* [https://ni2o.ampr.org NI2O’s bit of Cyberspace]
* [https://yo2loj.ampr.org YO2LOJ’s map of 44Net]


{{CardGrid|
{{SectionMoreLink|page=What People Build|label=See more projects →}}
  | 1 =
{{CardGrid_Card|
  | heading = Personal station and home services
  | body = <p>Many participants begin by making a single system reachable: a home station operable remotely, a server in the shack or home lab, or a service hosted with a cloud provider that offers bring-your-own-IP.</p>
  <p style="font-size: 0.9em; text-transform: uppercase; margin-top: 1em;">In Practice:</p>
  [http://yo2loj.ampr.org YO2LOJ] maintains a site sharing resources, tools, and information for 44Net users and amateur radio operators.
}}
{{CardGrid_Card|
  | heading = Shared infrastructure
  | body = <p>Groups use 44Net to operate shared systems: repeaters, gateways, and services maintained collaboratively and relied on by many operators.</p>
  <p style="font-size: 0.9em; text-transform: uppercase; margin-top: 1em;">In Practice:</p>
  [[IRLP|The Internet Radio Linking Project]] connects repeaters and stations worldwide using publicly reachable systems built on 44Net addresses.
}}
{{CardGrid_Card|
  | heading = Routed and experimental networks
  | body = <p>Some participants take on larger projects: site-to-site links, resilient backbones, or independent emergency‑communications networks. Many projects use modern equipment, though plenty use older or repurposed gear.</p>
  <p style="font-size: 0.9em; text-transform: uppercase; margin-top: 1em;">In Practice:</p>
  The [[Center for Applied Internet Data Analysis|CAIDA]] measurement infrastructure at UC San Diego receives a passive optical feed of global Internet traffic directed to 44Net address space, supporting large‑scale research on Internet traffic patterns and network behavior.
}}
}}
}}


See [[What People Build|What People Build on 44Net]] for more examples and build paths.
{{SectionCard|
=== Shared infrastructure ===
Club networks, linked repeaters, and services for the wider community.


= How People Participate =
==== Examples: ====
* [https://www.irlp.net The Internet Radio Linking Project]
* [https://hamgate.ampr.org HamGate Northeast US Networks]


People engage with 44Net in different ways. A club might use 44Net space to make a repeater controller reachable for remote maintenance. An individual operator might publish a station status page from a home server. A regional group might link microwave sites across a city. Much like repeaters, packet networks, or club infrastructure, projects grow through shared experimentation and volunteer effort.
{{SectionMoreLink|page=What People Build|label=See more projects →}}
}}


Many operators discover 44Net while helping with someone else’s project and gradually find themselves running one.
{{SectionCard|
=== Autonomous networks ===
Multi-site links, resilient backbones, and  
globally-routed independent systems.


{{CardRow|
==== Examples: ====
| title = Common paths into 44Net
* [https://www.darc.de/der-club/distrikte/c/hamnet/ HamNET broadband RF network]
| 1 =
* [https://www.arednmesh.org AREDN Emergency Data Network]


{{Card
{{SectionMoreLink|page=What People Build|label=See more projects →}}
|Join a Network
}}
|body = <p>Many participants begin by connecting to an existing network or local effort. Regional RF networks, shared gateways, and other volunteer-run systems provide immediate ways to participate while learning how systems operate in practice.</p>
}}


<p style="font-size:0.9em; text-transform:uppercase; margin-top:1em;">Examples:</p>
See [[What People Build|What People Build on 44Net]] for more examples.
Local packet and microwave networks, regional mesh projects, and shared access systems operated by volunteer groups.
}}
}}


{{Card
== How people participate ==
|Contribute to a Shared Project
People arrive at 44Net by joining an existing project, contributing to a shared effort, or creating something new of their own.
|body = <p>Others participate by helping operate systems used by the wider community. These systems depend on volunteers who keep them running and make them better.</p>


<p style="font-size:0.9em; text-transform:uppercase; margin-top:1em;">Examples:</p>
Anyone interested can join one of the [https://ardc.groups.io/ mailing lists] to follow what people are actively doing with 44Net.
IRLP nodes, shared monitoring or DNS services, research collaborations, repeater linking systems, and community experimentation platforms.
}}


{{Card
{{Section|variant=secondary|
| Create Something New
=== Common paths into 44Net ===
| body = <p>Some participants begin by building something entirely new: a reachable host, a local RF deployment, an experimental network, or a research project. Many long-running parts of 44Net started as one operator trying something out.</p>
{{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.


<p style="font-size:0.9em; text-transform:uppercase; margin-top:1em;">Examples:</p>
===== Examples: =====
New club networks, independent routing experiments, novel services, or radio-linked systems exploring new technical ideas.
Local packet and microwave networks, regional mesh projects, and shared access systems operated by volunteer groups.
}}
}}
}}


When you’re ready to run your own system, request address space and choose the connectivity approach that fits your project.
{{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.  


{{CardRow|
===== Examples: =====
| title = Common ways projects connect
IRLP nodes, shared monitoring or DNS services, research collaborations, repeater linking systems, and community experimentation platforms.
| 1 =  
{{Card
  |44Net Connect
  |<p>A WireGuard-based approach that makes it easy to experiment with publicly reachable services using existing Internet connectivity.</p>
  <p>[[GetStarted#Get_Started_with_44Net_Connect|Get Started with 44Net Connect →]]</p>
}}
}}


{{Card
{{SectionCard|
  |IPIP Mesh
==== Create something new ====
  |<p>A community-operated mesh built with IP-in-IP tunnels, allowing independently run systems to interconnect across the Internet for experimentation and collaboration.</p>
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.
  <p>[[GetStarted#Get_Started_with_IPIP_Mesh|Get Started with IPIP Mesh →]]</p>
 
===== Examples: =====
New club networks, independent routing experiments, novel services, or radio-linked systems exploring new technical ideas.
}}
}}
{{Card
  |BGP-Announced Subnet
  |<p>Projects that operate their own routing infrastructure may announce 44Net address space using BGP, integrating directly with global Internet routing. This is the path for groups already running their own ASN or upstream connections.</p>
  <p>[[GetStarted#Get_Started_with_BGP-Announced_Subnets|Get Started with BGP-Announced Subnets →]]</p>
}}
}}
}}
}}
= A Culture of Experimentation =


44Net address space exists to be used. Experimenting, learning, and occasionally changing direction are normal parts of participation. Many operators start with a small idea just to see what happens. Some of those ideas have grown into long-running projects that still serve the community today.
== 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.


Some projects naturally conclude once operators have explored the idea. If a project winds down, returning or exchanging a subnet is straightforward, and operators are always welcome to try something new later. You do not need a fully formed plan before you begin. Trying things out is encouraged.
{{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.


= Shared Stewardship =
[[44Net Connect|Learn more about 44Net Connect →]]
}}


ARDC maintains the address space and the core infrastructure that keeps 44Net available over time. Participants create the network by building and operating their own systems.  
{{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.


Participants practice stewardship by building things, keeping them running, and contributing to healthy dialogue. In keeping with amateur radio tradition, operators have wide freedom to experiment while using the shared space thoughtfully so others can build and explore as well.
[[GetStarted#Get_Started_with_IPIP_Mesh|Get Started with IPIP Mesh →]]
}}


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


= Before You Connect =
[[GetStarted#Get_Started_with_BGP-Announced_Subnets|Get Started with BGP-Announced Subnets →]]
}}
}}
}}


44Net supports non-commercial amateur radio experimentation. Operators participate independently and build and operate their own systems within the shared space. Participation generally requires an amateur radio license.
== 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.


[[Eligibility|Learn how eligibility works →]]
== 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.


= Further Reading =
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.


'''Ways to keep learning:'''
To learn more about how decisions are made or how to take part, see [[About 44Net]], [[Governance]], [[Policies]], and [[Contributing]].
 
* Understand history and stewardship: [[About 44Net|About 44Net]]
* Explore examples and existing efforts: [[What People Build|What People Build on 44Net]]
* Learn how connectivity approaches compare: [[Ways to Connect|Ways to Connect]]
 
'''More ways to participate:'''
 
* Join or contribute to community projects: [[Contributing|Ways to Participate]]
* Start your own project: [[GetStarted|Getting Started]]
* Dive deeper into infrastructure topics: [[DNS|DNS and naming]] and [[Routing|Routing and connectivity]]


= Joining the Discussion =
== 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 [[Eligibility|Learn how eligibility works]].


You do not need a project or subnet to participate in 44Net. Many people begin by simply listening and asking questions.
== 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.


Participants use mailing lists and discussion spaces to compare notes, test ideas, and watch projects take shape in real time. Joining the conversation is often the easiest way to start.
== Joining the discussion ==
You do not need a project or subnet to start. Many people begin just by listening.


* Subscribe to community discussions: [[Community|Community and Mailing Lists]]
* [[Community|Community and Mailing Lists]]: Subscribe to community discussions
* Introduce yourself, ask questions, or follow ongoing projects
* Introduce yourself or follow ongoing projects.
* Learn how others are experimenting and collaborating across the network
* See what others are building, and share ideas of your own.


You are welcome to listen, ask questions, and share what you’ve learned.  
{{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.}}


People continue to evolve 44Net through the projects they build and the knowledge they share. If you’re licensed, curious, and ready to try something, there is a place for you here.
== Older docs and notes ==
Earlier pages that may still be useful:
* [[Archive/Main Page]]
* [[Archive/Home]]
* [[Quickstart]]
* [[Requesting a block]]
* See [[Archive]] for more.

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 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, 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.

Further reading

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:

Retrieved from "https://wiki.ampr.org/w/index.php?title=Main_Page&oldid=2169"