[Flexnet] Western and Central NY Update

[Mark Harloff]

This is a 'copy' of a note I recently sent to the Western NY Packet Group 
sig at Yahoo.. It might be of interest.

Since there seems to be some confusion between the Two Network protocols in
use within our RF and Internet areas around Western and Central NY, I
thought this would be a good time to clarify the differences between the
NetRom and FlexDigi Networks that are presently accessible within our 
areas..

The Flex-Network is a little different from the NetRom Network in that you
do not need to connect to Each Node and then Call the Next Node. The NetRom
Network uses ALIAS:CALLSIGN/ssids as opposed to the FlexDigi Network that
uses CALLSIGN/ssids Only (No Alias').

All you need to do within the FlexDigi Network is connect to the initial
Digi and then issue a 'D' command to get a listing of other reachable
Digi's. Keep in mind that this 'list' is Very dynamic and will change within
seconds as each FlexDigi goes online or offline in relation to the next one
inline. However, once a path is established by a user, it is maintained as
long as the ends of the path are Both reachable.

The reason a big group of us left the NetRom world for this method was to
eliminate the 'handshake' data exchanged between each node, which we found
way to time consuming for bandwidth/time (I have to admit, initially I was
Very suspicious, but it is a much better linking method than pure NetRom
over RF links).

Here's a little idea of how my systems here work (in relation to others)..

I run 2 distinct systems..

The Internet accessible system (XRouter) is a 'NetRom' type that uses
ALIAS:CALLSIGN/ssids (This is done purely for security reasons).

The FlexDigi System (FlexDigi) is attached to the XRouter, but Only uses
Callsign/ssids (No Aliases). An external command is required to navigate
between the two systems.

The two systems are transparent to each other.

You can (with an assigned password) Telnet into the XRouter and access the
FlexDigi and visavie. Outbound Telnet connects are allowed (again, assuming
you have a password) if you coming into the system via a FlexDigi RF
connect.

I am constantly trying to improve the system(s) by installing the latest
software (hardware) available as time (and funds) permit. If you have any
questions or comments please, feel free to send them to me. Other folks
perspectives always help!

73, Mark K2CAN