Why IRLP is Different from other Amateur Radio Linking Software last updated March 02, 2003

As you may be aware there are a number of Internet based Amateur Radio applications out there using VoIP.  Many people often mistake IRLP nodes for EchoLink or other systems and then the questions comes up why IRLP over the other Windows solutions.  Here are some points to consider assembled by members of the IRLP volunteer team...

Why IRLP is different from the other 
Amateur Radio VoIP Internet Linking Software

1. IRLP runs under Linux. Many of the other systems try to point this out as a weakness of IRLP, but truly it is its strongest point. Although Linux may not be as easy to install as Windows, it is extremely robust, easy to program, and can be left unattended for months without any user intervention. We have many people willing to help with installation of Linux, as there are several hundred node owners who have installed nodes before. And Linux is "FREE".

2.  The IRLP software designers have gone out of their way to accomplish a single goal: To make your node as "maintenance free" as possible. From the basic software design which handles changing IP addresses, and simplifies operation with simple command-line commands like "key" and "unkey" (as an example only), to a server back-end that handles completely automated software upgrades, updates, and installation during normal system operation -- your node is designed to keep you from having to worry about it so you can spend more time on Amateur Radio! However, good ideas and new software are always welcomed by the software team, and many of IRLP's "standard" features were once just good ideas on the part of various system owners and software designers that have "migrated" from their nodes to the rest of the IRLP via software review and release through the back-end systems.   How many times have you been forced to reboot your Windows machine after every Microsoft update? :-(

3. By design IRLP does NOT allow access from users on PCs using a microphone and speaker. This "mode" of operation supported by the other systems has some major security issues, and their authentication means have been placed under investigation several times due to their inability to keep unlicensed radio users who are NOT hams off of YOUR link.

4.  IRLP has a dedicated group of distributed volunteers who handle everything from assisting new Linux users in getting their node's operational to writing software for our servers. There are relatively few disagreements between volunteers, but when there are, our "benevolent dictator" Dave Cameron, gives us direction and guidance while remaining aware of the desires of the majority of node owners. The "community" effort within IRLP is second-to-none.

5. The IRLP server philosophy provides much better reliability in case of server failure. Other systems have a "backup" philosophy, but the server must be running in order for the network to operate. IRLP does not require the server to maintain communication.

6. The security keeps undesirable operation off the nodes. With a combination of military grade encryption, and IP based security, IRLP ensures that the transmissions that come from your node originated from another node, and not someone else on the internet. No other system can claim this, and we have heard that some system owners of other systems have questioned whether licensed Amateurs were the source of some transmissions when using those systems. Anybody with a computer on the internet can start talking on the other systems, by simply going to qrz.com and spoofing a callsign. Reports have been made that callsigns that don't even exist on any database have been allowed access. While we cannot comment directly on those systems, we can assure you that IRLP has taken the extra steps necessary to use technology to the fullest to keep this from happening on our system. 

7. IRLP allows the node owner to customize the node in any way they see fit. You can add scripts to do almost anything you wish: 

• Play ARRL or equivalent news broadcasts

• Local voicemail system

• Clock/Time/Date features

• Automated weather condition reports

• Build your OWN features using simple scripting !

8. IRLP reflectors are hosted on high-bandwidth, robust networks that allow several simultaneous connections in a seamless manner, with no extra courtesy tones or IDs being heard during the QSOs. Reflector activity is also monitored to ensure that if a node is causing problems, they can be identified and assisted in solving their problem, without affecting the operation of the rest of the nodes connected. No other linking system "conference room" can compare to the IRLP Reflectors sound quality or features.

9. IRLP has a very active community of node owners and users who take every opportunity to discuss possible enhancements and new features for the system. Volunteers have taken advantage of the global nature of IRLP and the Internet and used mailing lists, file sharing areas, and other tools to enhance your experience with IRLP, giving a number of discussion forums and information outlets for information. While finding the information may sometimes feel like you're "drinking from the fire hose", the vast majority of IRLP node owners and "gurus" are willing to help anyone and everyone who is interested in setting up an IRLP node.

10.  IRLP is the only link system that maintains a server back-end capable of seeing and reporting the status of ALL public IRLP nodes in existence at the same time from a single web page. Our dedicated server team is committed to keeping this "feature" of IRLP working as the system continues to scale up in size, and the node list continues to grow.

11. The majority of the IRLP software is released in a format (bash shell scripts) which are easily human-readable. The "heavy hitter" portions of the software that handle the conversion of audio to a Voice-over-IP stream are currently not available as open-source, however all of the interaction between your radio, DTMF digits, and connections to other nodes or Reflectors is 100% viewable to anyone with an interest and desire to learn and/or contribute to the project -- and requires nothing more than a simple text editor to view/modify for your own projects and/or ideas. Various knowledgeable people who already have lots of experience working with the software make themselves available to answer questions and help others via e-mail due to IRLP's desire to be as open as possible to new ideas and experimentation. No expensive compiler or other tools are required.

As an IRLP node owner operator I am in full agreement with the above items  The 3 nodes that I have built and maintain do not even have monitors or keyboards. They sit in a rack and play away with all admin done remotely from my Windows machine using PuTTY, a Secure Shell (SSH) client. Two of the nodes have not been rebooted in over 1 year.

Paul VE3SY
nodes 2410, 2420, 2430