AllStarLink

AllStarLink is an open source internet repeater linking system that uses the Asterisk PBX software internally, and provides a web interface for management. It can be used both for connecting repeaters to the internet and for creating reflectors that internet-linked repeaters can connect to. An AllStarLink installation consists of multiple pieces of software: The Asterisk PBX, the app_rpt application made by AllStarLink, and the Allmon3 web interface.

Step 1: Sign up for AllStarLink

Follow AllStarLink's [instructions for the sign up process](https://allstarlink.github.io/basics/portal/). They'll guide you through signing up for an account, registering a server, and registering a node. This will allocate a node number to you, or a set of node numbers if you choose to immediately extend your node number as suggested.

During registration, United States amateur radio operators will need an official copy of their license, obtained by logging in to the FCC website with their FRN. The publicly available reference copy is not sufficient. After signing up, wait for your account to be verified, which should take at most 24 hours.

Take note of the IAX port you select when creating your server. This can be changed later, but the portal setting must line up with your firewall settings later. The default is 4569.

Step 2: Install AllStarLink

AllStarLink3 can be installed on Debian or Raspberry Pi OS. The asl3-appliance package is available for Debian 13 (trixie). It includes Asterisk, app_rpt, and Allmon3. The asl3-appliance-pc package includes the same, and additional functionality for mDNS broadcasts and swapfile management. The ASL3 appliance for Raspberry Pi OS can be installed with the Raspberry Pi Imager for ease of installation, which lets you preload Wi-Fi configuration. It also supports managing the Pi's serial port at /dev/serial0, as well as using the GPIO pins for PTT triggering. The Pi image keeps logs and temp files only in memory to reduce writes to the SD card.

Raspberry Pi Appliance

To install the Raspberry Pi ASL3 appliance, see the ASL3 guide to setting up the Pi appliance. This guide is primarily for flashing a fresh image on your Pi. If you want to add an ASL3 appliance to an existing Pi, follow the steps for the Debian appliance.

Debian PC or Appliance

To install ASL3 on Debian, via any of asl3-appliance, asl3-appliance-pc, or a non-appliance Debian install (asl3), follow the ASL3 Debian install guide. It covers all three methods, and notes each point where the installation methods diverge.

Step 3: Configure firewall

Warning

When using a 44Net Connect tunnel with AllStarLink and firewalld, don't put the 44Net WireGuard interface in the allstarlink zone provided by the appliance. This will make your web management interface publicly available on the internet. Instead, create a 44Net zone, and add the requisite services to that zone.

For security, the firewall should be configured before bringing up the VPN tunnel. The AllStarLink manual has a page about 44Net Connect with recommendations for firewall configuration. If you installed one of the appliance packages, it comes with custom firewalld service definitions.