[LeArc] Here is an abstract from EMCOMM QUARTERLY - December 2009

[Jesse Risley]

I'm forwarding this from another list.  I think it makes some salient points in regards to a heavy reliance on Internet traffic.

Here is an abstract from EMCOMM QUARTERLY - December 2009.  Reprinted, by
permission

A GUEST EDITORIAL by Paul Cavnar, K7IN, WRRL 20

VoIP, IRLP, Echolink and other internet-dependent modes of communication 

While most of us are well aware of these modes, there are serious problems
and deficiencies looming just over the horizon that need to be considered.
Recently a bill proposed in congress would grant the President the ability
to "shut down" our internet in order to protect government and military
systems as well as vital infrastructure from cyber attack and
denial-of-service attacks.  While this may seem a good idea on the surface,
it will instantly bring nationwide communications and commerce to a
standstill if implemented.  It will also render VoIP, IRLP, Echolink and
other internet-dependent modes completely useless.  While I am all for
embracing new technologies, let's not toss out what has been proven over and
over for many years because, very simply, it works.

Should our President decide he needed to isolate our American internet from
the rest of the world, our ability to communicate, do business, or function
via the internet could be crippled.   Except for hard-line telephone
connections or radio, communications would be rendered useless at that time.
All primary internet hub locations would be isolated from each other and
from all outside connections.

...

So, while these internet-dependent modes are a great idea and can certainly
move information efficiently under normal conditions, a good emcomm plan
should not be depend on them for handling emergency traffic.  There is
nothing that is more reliable than a direct radio link between stations
operating on independent or emergency power.  That, my friends, is the
absolute "bottom line" so, as the saying goes, "when all else fails..."

Let's not abandon our emcomm fundamentals just because it's easier to turn
on a computer.  We still need to know how to get the message through
efficiently and accurately.   And practice makes perfect.  I am not saying
to toss your computer out the window.  But also keep the dust off of your
J-38.  Don't get caught up in the fragile new technologies and lose your
basic ability to communicate when needed. - Paul Cavnar, K7IN  k7in at att.net

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