
            Using the Wisconsin Network - Part One
                   by Andy Nemec, KB9ALN

     This is part one of a series of articles designed to help
packeteers understand and use the packet radio node network in
Wisconsin. In Part one, we start off with a general discussion of
nodes and networking, in basic terms. It is oriented toward the
newer packet operators, but even experienced operators may find
some useful information in here. We hope that this series adds to
your enjoyment of the packet radio, and you find it good reading.  

     What is a node?

     A node in it's basic form can be called an intellegent
digipeater. Those of you who have operated your packet stations any
time at all know that every TNC can be used as a Digital Repeater.
This is done in order to extend the distance a packet station can
send and receive packets. A digital repeater just simply repeats
packets  that are addressed to it. An intellegent digipeater has
the ability to make sure that the repeated packets reach where they
are supposed to go. Nodes are sophisticated, intellegent digi-
peaters, and some types are capable of much more than just digi-
peating. For our purposes, we will lump these nodes into 3 cata-
gories, Non-Network Nodes, Special Purpose Nodes, and Network Nodes.

     A Non-Network node is one that basically is an intellegent
Digipeater. It recieves a packet from one station, And sends it
to another, checking to see if it arrived. Alone it serves a useful
function. It will also tell you what stations it has heard, and
when. A good example of a non-network node is a Kantronics KA-Node,
sometimes called a "Wild Node". This KA-Node is part of most
Kantronics TNC's. Some nodes, including fancier Kantronics nodes,
perform special purposes, like Gateway Service.

     This brings us to the Special Purpose Nodes. These may connect
2-Meter packet radio activity to 20 Meters, connect Packet radio to
a satellite link, access to a Public Bulletin Board System, or a DX
Spotting system. Special purpose nodes may be linked to other nodes
in a Network, but not always are. Some newer nodes provide so many
features that they almost can be classified as Multi-Purpose.

     Then we come to Network Nodes. The Network Node is connected to
other Network Nodes, and together they offer one attractive feature.
That is the ability to send and receive packets over great distances
with great speeds. These nodes carry digipeating on to a science,
and even speak their own language to make sure the packets reach
their destination. There are several different kinds of Network
Nodes out there, and we will not devote the time and space to
something you aren't likely to encounter. In Wisconsin, the over-
whelming majority of Network Nodes in use are called "TheNet". This
is the type of firmware (operating system) that the node uses to
route packets to the right place. Our discussion of Network Nodes
will be oriented toward "TheNet" type nodes found in Wisonsin.

     Note that the Network Nodes know how to get "route" a packet
based on where you want to tell it to go. Each node has talked to
other network nodes, telling it what it can hear and talk to. They
exchange information on what other nodes it can connect to, and the
signal quality of these nodes. We won't get into the details of how
the process works here, but this fact is useful to know.

     Each of these nodes has a callsign, like any other Ham Radio
Station. They are sponsored by a club or an individual, like a voice
repeater. They also have another name they are known by, an alias.
This alias generally starts with the state name, and 3 to 5 letters
that give some clue to its location. Usually these are chosen from
the local airport designator. For example, here in Green Bay our
local network node is known as WIGRB, WI for Wisconsin, with GRB
the airport designator. Other nodes on the network know that
WIGRB exists, the best way to get to it, and where else it can go.

     This is valuable information for packet operators, because it
helps to get them where they want to go. In Part-2, we will discuss
how a Network is put together, so you understand how to use it in
an effective way.

*End of Part One*

 
 
