Foundations: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 22:28, 28 September 2026

Foundations is a guided path from creating a 44Net account to running a service. Start with one device; add a local network when you need one. You will learn how DNS names, addresses, tunnels, and routes fit together by using them.

You need an amateur radio license, an email address, and a computer with Internet access. The first lesson uses a web browser; later guides explain the software needed for your device.

1. Create your identity and a hostname

Follow Identity and DNS to register, verify your callsign, claim an ampr.org subdomain, and create a DNS record.

Check: A DNS lookup returns the address you entered. At this stage, that can be a test address; it need not belong to your own device yet.

2. Connect one device

Follow the Connect Quick Start to create a tunnel, install its configuration, and connect. Use the platform guides for instructions specific to your device.

Check: Your WireGuard client reports a recent handshake, showing that your device and the Connect node can communicate. Review Firewalling Basics before making services reachable.

3. Run a service

Choose a small project, such as a Minecraft server or Home Assistant. Follow its guide to configure the service and permit the traffic it needs. Update your DNS record to point to the device's 44Net address.

Check: From another Internet connection, reach the service by its 44Net address, then by its hostname. This tests the service, routing, firewall, and DNS together.

4. Add a local network

When you want to connect several devices, or one that cannot run WireGuard, follow a routed-subnet guide. One gateway carries the tunnel and forwards traffic for the devices behind it.

Check: Reach a service on a device behind the gateway from outside your network. The service device should work without its own WireGuard tunnel.

Explore other connections

BGP and IPIP Mesh are separate connection options you can explore as your project requires. The BGP Quick Start covers arranging an announcement through a provider; IPIP Mesh/Quick Start introduces mesh participation.

For project ideas, browse What People Build. If a step fails, use the routing checks or Get Help.

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-'''Foundations''' is a practical introduction to using and building systems on 44Net. It is a series of articles written for people who want to get from “What is 44Net” to “I have something running that works.” You do not need to be a network engineer to start, but it helps to have some curiosity and a willingness to try things.
-Each section leaves you with a working result: a DNS hostname that resolves, a mobile device that gets a 44Net IP, or a web page visible to the world. You can read it straight through, or jump straight to the point that matches what you want to do.
+Foundations is a guided path from creating a 44Net account to running a service. Start with one device; add a local network when you need one. You will learn how DNS names, addresses, tunnels, and routes fit together by using them.
-== How this is organized ==
+You need an amateur radio license, an email address, and a computer with Internet access. The first lesson uses a web browser; later guides explain the software needed for your device.
-The material is arranged as a series of small, cumulative milestones. Each one builds on the one before it, but each also stands on its own. If you complete the whole sequence, you will have:
+== 1. Create your identity and a hostname ==
+Follow [[Foundations/Identity and DNS|Identity and DNS]] to register, verify your callsign, claim an ampr.org subdomain, and create a DNS record.
-* A verified identity in the Portal
+'''Check:''' A DNS lookup returns the address you entered. At this stage, that can be a test address; it need not belong to your own device yet.
-* Your own DNS subdomain and resource records
-* At least one connected device
-* Routed address space
-* A service reachable from the public Internet
-Along the way, you will learn how naming, tunnelling, addressing, subnetting, and routing fit together in practice — using the real Internet.
+== 2. Connect one device ==
+Follow the [[44Net Connect/Quick Start|Connect Quick Start]] to create a tunnel, install its configuration, and connect. Use the [[44Net Connect/Supported Platforms|platform guides]] for instructions specific to your device.
-== The path ==
+'''Check:''' Your WireGuard client reports a recent handshake, showing that your device and the Connect node can communicate. Review [[Firewalling Basics]] before making services reachable.
-=== 1. Identity and DNS ===
+== 3. Run a service ==
+Choose a small project, such as [[Minecraft|a Minecraft server]] or [[Home Assistant]]. Follow its guide to configure the service and permit the traffic it needs. Update your [[DNS/Portal/Records|DNS record]] to point to the device's 44Net address.
-''Establish your presence''
+'''Check:''' From another Internet connection, reach the service by its 44Net address, then by its hostname. This tests the service, routing, firewall, and DNS together.
-* Access the Portal
+== 4. Add a local network ==
-* Verify your callsign
+When you want to connect several devices, or one that cannot run WireGuard, follow a [[44Net Connect/Routed Subnet|routed-subnet guide]]. One gateway carries the tunnel and forwards traffic for the devices behind it.
-* Claim your subdomain
-* Create your first DNS records
-'''Outcome:''' You have a public hostname that points to something you control.
+'''Check:''' Reach a service on a device behind the gateway from outside your network. The service device should work without its own WireGuard tunnel.
-[[Foundations/Identity_and_DNS|Foundations: Identity and DNS]] →
+== Explore other connections ==
+BGP and IPIP Mesh are separate connection options you can explore as your project requires. The [[BGP/Quick Start|BGP Quick Start]] covers arranging an announcement through a provider; [[IPIP Mesh/Quick Start]] introduces mesh participation.
-=== 2. First contact ===
+For project ideas, browse [[What People Build]]. If a step fails, use [[Routing#Finding a broken path|the routing checks]] or [[Get Help]].
-''Make the first connection''
-* Sign in to 44Net Connect
-* Create a tunnel
-* Bring up a device
-* Test reachability
-'''Outcome:''' You have a working node on the Internet with a 44Net IP address.
-[[Foundations/Connect|Foundations: First Connection]] →
-=== 3. A small network ===
-''Get to know a subnet''
-* Request a subnet through 44Net Connect
-* Assign addresses to more devices
-* Route internally
-'''Outcome:''' You have ''multiple'' devices on the Internet with a 44Net IP address.
-[[Foundations/Subnets_and_Routing|Foundations: Subnets and Routing]] →
-=== 4. Public routing ===
-''Participate in BGP''
-* Verify your location
-* Request a /24 subnet
-* Establish peering
-* Announce your prefix
-* Confirm reachability
-'''Outcome:''' Your network is visble to the global Internet.
-[[Foundations/BGP|Foundations: BGP]] →
-=== 5. Applied projects ===
-''Assemble the puzzle''
-These projects bring it all together. Choose one, or try them all:
-* Host a personal website over 44Net Connect
-* Host a public service on a BGP-announced subnet
-* Connect a local club
-* Build an experimental lab network
-[[Foundations/Projects|Foundations: Projects]] →
-== Who this is for ==
-You might find Foundations useful if you are:
-* New to 44Net and unsure where to start
-* Comfortable with computers but new to networking
-* Helping someone else discover 44Net
-* Building a club or community network
-== Getting started ==
-* A good place to start for many people: [[Foundations/Identity_and_DNS|Identity and DNS]]
-* If you are already registered and verified on the Portal: [[Foundations/Connect|Connect]]
-== Help and feedback ==
-These pages are maintained by volunteers and staff who use the network. If you find anything unclear, you can ask the 44Net community, suggest an edit, or open a ticket in the Portal. Foundations is built from what others before you have learned. Your contributions can help those who come after you.
 [[Category:Tutorial]]
-[[Category:Explanation]]
 [[Category:Foundations]]