44Net: Public IP Space for Amateur Radio Operators
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
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.
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.
This page focuses on getting connected and finding your way around. For history, governance, and stewardship of the network, see About 44Net.
44Net 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:
Need: basic host and tunnel setup.
Get Started with IPIP Mesh
Need: WireGuard and a portal-issued config.
Get Started with 44Net Connect
Need: routing knowledge and network equipment.
Get Started with BGP-Announced Subnets
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.
Why Use 44Net
44Net removes a few common obstacles that make experimentation harder on today’s Internet:
- Your systems can be directly reachable without negotiating NAT or ISP limitations.
- Projects can start small and grow naturally into multi‑host or multi‑site networks.
- You can work with real routing, naming, and services in an environment intended for learning and experimentation.
Nothing about 44Net requires large infrastructure. Many participants begin with a single machine and expand only if they want to.
What People Build on 44Net
Personal station and home services
Remote access to stations, self-hosted services, and always-reachable endpoints
Repeaters, gateways, and group-operated systems with stable public addressing
Routed and experimental networks
Tunnel meshes, inter-site links, and BGP-operated subnets for advanced operators
See What People Build on 44Net for more examples and build paths.
Stewardship and Participation
44Net 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.
If you are interested in how decisions are made or how to participate more deeply, see About 44Net, Governance, Policies, and Contributing.
Status of this Documentation
This documentation is actively evolving. Some areas are well established, while others are being reorganized or expanded as new tools and participation models develop.
Next Steps
If you are ready to continue, these are common next steps:
- Choose your first path and get connected: Getting started
- Compare path fit before you configure anything: Ways to Connect
- Sign in and manage requests: Portal sign-in
- Understand context and stewardship: About 44Net
- Explore use cases and examples: What People Build on 44Net
- Build and operate your network: DNS and naming and Routing and connectivity
- Contributing knowledge, tools, or support: How to get involved