Amateur Radio

Amateur Radio operators may have connections from their digital packet network into the Air-Stream network

Packet radio makes use of a protocol called AX25, which makes use of modulation of a radio frequency signal. However, AX25 can also be carried over the TCP/IP protocol (which the Air-Stream network uses). Hence many Amateur Radio functions can run in an integrated, seamless fashion over the wireless network, and many new functions become feasible due to its much higher speed.

This page lists some of the functions that are possible.

BBS Access

The Winpac program used by many amateurs to access their local BBS already supports connection via TCP/IP. Hence any BBS that is connected to the Air-Stream network can be accessed over that network, but at much higher speeds and with lower delays.

Forwarding

BBS’s can forward mail and bulletins over the Air-Stream network.

Program Libraries

With higher speeds, it is possible to keep libraries of the modern and often larger programs many amateurs now use, so that people can easily download them without having to access the Internet.

Voice Over IP

It is possible to have voice calls similar to Echolink over the network

Web Pages

Amateur systems can have web pages, containing information, read bulletins, etc which can be accessed over the network, without Internet access. 

APRS

Location traffic and information can be transmitted

DX Cluster

DX-Spots (notification of rare stations) can be accessed over the wireless network.