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- USER IP ADDRESS
- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- Every user of the Internet Protocol network is issued
- with a unique IP number. This number gives the
- network information about what the network is, where
- it is, and where to find you.
-
- Let's look at a typical Amateur Radio IP address in
- detail.
-
- Example: 44.131.19.168
-
- The first number, 44, denotes that this is the Amateur
- Radio IP network.
-
- The second number, 131, indicates that it is the
- United Kingdom network.
-
- The third number, 19, says that the user can be found
- in area 19 of the United Kingdom.
-
- The fourth number, 168, is the number of the user in
- area 19.
-
- When mail, or direct connections, pass through HUB
- stations, these numbers are used to determine where
- the next connection will be made.
-
- e.g. If in Australia, a station receives mail for
- 44.131.19.168, he looks at the 131 and says
- "Struth! This one's for a limey!" and routes the
- mail towards the coast or a station that has
- access to fibre optic links or whatever. He
- doesn't take any notice of the third and fourth
- numbers.
-
- So mail passes round the network with HUB type
- stations routing the mail according to the IP address;
- much like the postal system.
-
- It's only when it gets close to the final destination
- that the right-hand numbers become important.
-
- So, an IP address is unique in the world and as such
- HAS to be administered by a designated IP coordinator
- for your area. If you do not have a proper IP
- address, you cannot use the network. Whatever you do;
- don't invent one!
-
- Contact other stations via the local repeater or make
- a request for help on your local AX25 BBS. You will
- usually be able to get the area coordinator's details
- more or less straight away. Send a short message to
- introduce yourself and include the following data:
-
- Full name and Callsign
- Town and County or full postal address
- QRA locator
- Callsign of your home BBS (if any)
-
- Other information such as telephone number or station
- equipment and software may also be useful.
-
- Make your request for an IP address and you should
- receive all the details as soon as the coordinator
- gets a 'round tuit'!
-
- Please note that IP addresses are allocated by
- geographical location (actually, RF propogation has
- the last word). If you ever move your station, you may
- be required to use a new IP address.