Winlink
Encyclopedia
Winlink, also known as the Winlink 2000 Network, is a worldwide radio messaging system that mixes internet technology and appropriate amateur radio radio frequency
(RF) technologies. The system provides radio interconnection services including: email with attachments, position reporting, graphic and text weather bulletins, emergency/disaster relief communications, and message relay. The system is built and administered by volunteers without pecuniary interests. Winlink 2000 is a project of the Amateur Radio Safety Foundation, Inc. (ARSFI), a charitable entity and 501c(3) non-profit organization registered with the US Internal Revenue Service.
. It is well known for its central role in amateur radio Emcomm
messaging. The system runs several central message servers around the world for redundancy
. During the past decade it increasingly became what is now the standard network system for amateur radio email worldwide. Additionally, in response to recent needs for better communications disaster response, the network has been expanded to provide separate parallel radio email networking systems for MARS
and UK Cadet communities.
(HF) can be used nearly everywhere on the planet, and is made possible by connecting an HF single sideband (SSB) transceiver system to a computer, modem interface, and appropriate software. The HF modem technologies include PACTOR
, Winmor
, and Automatic Link Establishment
(ALE).
, WINMOR
, HSMM (WiFi), AX.25 packet, D-Star, TCP/IP, and ALE are non proprietary protocols used in various RF applications to access the Winlink network systems. WINMOR
is a new open protocol. Two HF data protocols utilize proprietary-enabled publicly-documented modem
s: PACTOR-II
and PACTOR-III
. In amateur radio service, AirMail, an email software program used by the Winlink system, disables the proprietary compression technology for PACTOR-II
and PACTOR-III
modems and instead relies on the Open FBB protocol, also widely used by packet radio
BBS
forwarding systems in US.
) ionospheric communications, where the spectrum is shared and the propagation is widely variable, users of the Winlink system have encountered potential for mutual interference. Normally, this interference is mitigated by various means, including: operator initiated connections, frequency agility, alternative regional nodes, and smart over-the-air modem protocols. The HF environment is a difficult communication problem, but modern modem systems have enabled fast and efficient data transfers, providing good alternatives to those who have few other viable options for electronic messaging in remote areas of the world.
founded a website to publicize interference with Winlink, with the stated intent of complaining to FCC, and included a small forum for users to discuss interference disputes. FCC has taken a pragmatic view of such reported interference complaints.
(FCC), in what became popularly known as The Digital Stone Age Petition, aimed at abolition of Winlink, HF PACTOR, and other popular HF automatic data systems or modes; but, in May 2008 FCC ruled firmly against the petition. In the Official Order, FCC said, "Additionally, we believe that amending the amateur service rules to limit the ability of amateur stations to experiment with various communications technologies or otherwise impeding their ability to advance the radio art would be inconsistent with the definition and purpose of the amateur service. Moreover, we do not believe that changing the rules to prohibit a communications technology currently in use is in the public interest."
Radio frequency
Radio frequency is a rate of oscillation in the range of about 3 kHz to 300 GHz, which corresponds to the frequency of radio waves, and the alternating currents which carry radio signals...
(RF) technologies. The system provides radio interconnection services including: email with attachments, position reporting, graphic and text weather bulletins, emergency/disaster relief communications, and message relay. The system is built and administered by volunteers without pecuniary interests. Winlink 2000 is a project of the Amateur Radio Safety Foundation, Inc. (ARSFI), a charitable entity and 501c(3) non-profit organization registered with the US Internal Revenue Service.
Network
Winlink networking started by providing interconnection services for amateur radioAmateur radio
Amateur radio is the use of designated radio frequency spectrum for purposes of private recreation, non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, and emergency communication...
. It is well known for its central role in amateur radio Emcomm
Amateur Radio Emergency Service
In the United States and Canada, the Amateur Radio Emergency Service is a corps of trained amateur radio operator volunteers organized to assist in public service and emergency communications...
messaging. The system runs several central message servers around the world for redundancy
Redundancy (engineering)
In engineering, redundancy is the duplication of critical components or functions of a system with the intention of increasing reliability of the system, usually in the case of a backup or fail-safe....
. During the past decade it increasingly became what is now the standard network system for amateur radio email worldwide. Additionally, in response to recent needs for better communications disaster response, the network has been expanded to provide separate parallel radio email networking systems for MARS
Military Affiliate Radio System
The Military Auxiliary Radio System is a United States Department of Defense sponsored program, established as a separately managed and operated program by the United States Army, Navy, and Air Force...
and UK Cadet communities.
Amateur radio HF email
Generally, email communications over amateur radio in the 21st century is now considered normal and commonplace. Email via High frequencyHigh frequency
High frequency radio frequencies are between 3 and 30 MHz. Also known as the decameter band or decameter wave as the wavelengths range from one to ten decameters . Frequencies immediately below HF are denoted Medium-frequency , and the next higher frequencies are known as Very high frequency...
(HF) can be used nearly everywhere on the planet, and is made possible by connecting an HF single sideband (SSB) transceiver system to a computer, modem interface, and appropriate software. The HF modem technologies include PACTOR
PACTOR
PACTOR is a radio modulation mode used by amateur radio operators, marine radio stations, and radio stations in isolated areas to send and receive digital information via radio. A robust network of PACTOR stations has been established to relay data between radio stations and the Internet,...
, Winmor
Winmor
WINMOR is a radio transmission protocol intended to be used in the Winlink 2000 Global Radio E-mail System by amateur radio operators, marine radio stations, and radio stations in isolated areas. WINMOR will complement the PACTOR modes in the high frequency portion of the Winlink system. WINMOR...
, and Automatic Link Establishment
Automatic link establishment
Automatic Link Establishment, commonly known as ALE, is the worldwide de facto standard for digitally initiating and sustaining HF radio communications. ALE is a feature in an HF communications radio transceiver system, that enables the radio station to make contact, or initiate a circuit, between...
(ALE).
Amateur radio HF email guidelines
Amateur radio users in each country follow the appropriate regulatory guidelines for their license. Some countries may limit or regulate types of amateur messaging (such as email) by content, origination location, end destination, or license class of the operator. Origination of third party messages, i.e., sent to an end destination who is not an amateur operator, may also be regulated in some countries; those that limit such third party messages normally have exceptions for emergency communications. In accordance with long standing amateur radio tradition, international guidelines and FCC rules section 97.113, hams using the Winlink system are advised that it is not appropriate to use it for business communications.Users
The Winlink system is open to properly licensed amateur radio operators. The system primarily serves radio users without normal access to the internet, government and non-government public service organizations, medical and humanitarian non-profits, and emergency communications organizations. Duly authorized MARS operators may utilize the MARS part of the system. As of July 2008, there were approximately 12,000 radio users and approximately 100,000 internet correspondents. Monthly traffic volume averages over 100,000 messages.Supported radio technologies
- 802.11 "WiFiWIFIWIFI is a radio station broadcasting a brokered format. Licensed to Florence, New Jersey, USA, the station is currently operated by Florence Broadcasting Partners, LLC.This station was previously owned by Real Life Broadcasting...
" - ALEAutomatic link establishmentAutomatic Link Establishment, commonly known as ALE, is the worldwide de facto standard for digitally initiating and sustaining HF radio communications. ALE is a feature in an HF communications radio transceiver system, that enables the radio station to make contact, or initiate a circuit, between...
(Automatic Link EstablishmentAutomatic link establishmentAutomatic Link Establishment, commonly known as ALE, is the worldwide de facto standard for digitally initiating and sustaining HF radio communications. ALE is a feature in an HF communications radio transceiver system, that enables the radio station to make contact, or initiate a circuit, between...
) - APRSAutomatic Position Reporting SystemAutomatic Packet Reporting System is an amateur radio-based system for real time tactical digital communications of information of immediate value in the local area. In addition, all such data is ingested into the APRS Internet system and distributed globally for ubiquitous and immediate access...
(Automatic Position Reporting SystemAutomatic Position Reporting SystemAutomatic Packet Reporting System is an amateur radio-based system for real time tactical digital communications of information of immediate value in the local area. In addition, all such data is ingested into the APRS Internet system and distributed globally for ubiquitous and immediate access...
) - AX.25AX.25AX.25 is a data link layer protocol derived from the X.25 protocol suite and designed for use by amateur radio operators. It is used extensively on amateur packet radio networks....
Packet RadioPacket radioPacket radio is a form of packet switching technology used to transmit digital data via radio or wireless communications links. It uses the same concepts of data transmission via Datagram that are fundamental to communications via the Internet, as opposed to the older techniques used by dedicated... - D-StarD-STARD-STAR is a digital voice and data protocol specification developed as the result of research by the Japan Amateur Radio League to investigate digital technologies for amateur radio...
- PACTORPACTORPACTOR is a radio modulation mode used by amateur radio operators, marine radio stations, and radio stations in isolated areas to send and receive digital information via radio. A robust network of PACTOR stations has been established to relay data between radio stations and the Internet,...
- PACTOR-IIPACTORPACTOR is a radio modulation mode used by amateur radio operators, marine radio stations, and radio stations in isolated areas to send and receive digital information via radio. A robust network of PACTOR stations has been established to relay data between radio stations and the Internet,...
- PACTOR-IIIPACTORPACTOR is a radio modulation mode used by amateur radio operators, marine radio stations, and radio stations in isolated areas to send and receive digital information via radio. A robust network of PACTOR stations has been established to relay data between radio stations and the Internet,...
- TCP/IP (Other Wireless Technologies)
- WINMORWinmorWINMOR is a radio transmission protocol intended to be used in the Winlink 2000 Global Radio E-mail System by amateur radio operators, marine radio stations, and radio stations in isolated areas. WINMOR will complement the PACTOR modes in the high frequency portion of the Winlink system. WINMOR...
Technical protocols
PACTORPACTOR
PACTOR is a radio modulation mode used by amateur radio operators, marine radio stations, and radio stations in isolated areas to send and receive digital information via radio. A robust network of PACTOR stations has been established to relay data between radio stations and the Internet,...
, WINMOR
Winmor
WINMOR is a radio transmission protocol intended to be used in the Winlink 2000 Global Radio E-mail System by amateur radio operators, marine radio stations, and radio stations in isolated areas. WINMOR will complement the PACTOR modes in the high frequency portion of the Winlink system. WINMOR...
, HSMM (WiFi), AX.25 packet, D-Star, TCP/IP, and ALE are non proprietary protocols used in various RF applications to access the Winlink network systems. WINMOR
Winmor
WINMOR is a radio transmission protocol intended to be used in the Winlink 2000 Global Radio E-mail System by amateur radio operators, marine radio stations, and radio stations in isolated areas. WINMOR will complement the PACTOR modes in the high frequency portion of the Winlink system. WINMOR...
is a new open protocol. Two HF data protocols utilize proprietary-enabled publicly-documented modem
Modem
A modem is a device that modulates an analog carrier signal to encode digital information, and also demodulates such a carrier signal to decode the transmitted information. The goal is to produce a signal that can be transmitted easily and decoded to reproduce the original digital data...
s: PACTOR-II
PACTOR
PACTOR is a radio modulation mode used by amateur radio operators, marine radio stations, and radio stations in isolated areas to send and receive digital information via radio. A robust network of PACTOR stations has been established to relay data between radio stations and the Internet,...
and PACTOR-III
PACTOR
PACTOR is a radio modulation mode used by amateur radio operators, marine radio stations, and radio stations in isolated areas to send and receive digital information via radio. A robust network of PACTOR stations has been established to relay data between radio stations and the Internet,...
. In amateur radio service, AirMail, an email software program used by the Winlink system, disables the proprietary compression technology for PACTOR-II
PACTOR
PACTOR is a radio modulation mode used by amateur radio operators, marine radio stations, and radio stations in isolated areas to send and receive digital information via radio. A robust network of PACTOR stations has been established to relay data between radio stations and the Internet,...
and PACTOR-III
PACTOR
PACTOR is a radio modulation mode used by amateur radio operators, marine radio stations, and radio stations in isolated areas to send and receive digital information via radio. A robust network of PACTOR stations has been established to relay data between radio stations and the Internet,...
modems and instead relies on the Open FBB protocol, also widely used by packet radio
Packet radio
Packet radio is a form of packet switching technology used to transmit digital data via radio or wireless communications links. It uses the same concepts of data transmission via Datagram that are fundamental to communications via the Internet, as opposed to the older techniques used by dedicated...
BBS
Bulletin board system
A Bulletin Board System, or BBS, is a computer system running software that allows users to connect and log in to the system using a terminal program. Once logged in, a user can perform functions such as uploading and downloading software and data, reading news and bulletins, and exchanging...
forwarding systems in US.
Amateur radio interference issues
Like all modes of amateur radio, especially HF (High FrequencyHigh frequency
High frequency radio frequencies are between 3 and 30 MHz. Also known as the decameter band or decameter wave as the wavelengths range from one to ten decameters . Frequencies immediately below HF are denoted Medium-frequency , and the next higher frequencies are known as Very high frequency...
) ionospheric communications, where the spectrum is shared and the propagation is widely variable, users of the Winlink system have encountered potential for mutual interference. Normally, this interference is mitigated by various means, including: operator initiated connections, frequency agility, alternative regional nodes, and smart over-the-air modem protocols. The HF environment is a difficult communication problem, but modern modem systems have enabled fast and efficient data transfers, providing good alternatives to those who have few other viable options for electronic messaging in remote areas of the world.
US amateur radio interference issues
In 2007, a US promoter of HF packet radioPacket radio
Packet radio is a form of packet switching technology used to transmit digital data via radio or wireless communications links. It uses the same concepts of data transmission via Datagram that are fundamental to communications via the Internet, as opposed to the older techniques used by dedicated...
founded a website to publicize interference with Winlink, with the stated intent of complaining to FCC, and included a small forum for users to discuss interference disputes. FCC has taken a pragmatic view of such reported interference complaints.
US regulatory issues
In 2007, a US ham formally petitioned the Federal Communications CommissionFederal Communications Commission
The Federal Communications Commission is an independent agency of the United States government, created, Congressional statute , and with the majority of its commissioners appointed by the current President. The FCC works towards six goals in the areas of broadband, competition, the spectrum, the...
(FCC), in what became popularly known as The Digital Stone Age Petition, aimed at abolition of Winlink, HF PACTOR, and other popular HF automatic data systems or modes; but, in May 2008 FCC ruled firmly against the petition. In the Official Order, FCC said, "Additionally, we believe that amending the amateur service rules to limit the ability of amateur stations to experiment with various communications technologies or otherwise impeding their ability to advance the radio art would be inconsistent with the definition and purpose of the amateur service. Moreover, we do not believe that changing the rules to prohibit a communications technology currently in use is in the public interest."
See also
- PACTORPACTORPACTOR is a radio modulation mode used by amateur radio operators, marine radio stations, and radio stations in isolated areas to send and receive digital information via radio. A robust network of PACTOR stations has been established to relay data between radio stations and the Internet,...
- WINMORWinmorWINMOR is a radio transmission protocol intended to be used in the Winlink 2000 Global Radio E-mail System by amateur radio operators, marine radio stations, and radio stations in isolated areas. WINMOR will complement the PACTOR modes in the high frequency portion of the Winlink system. WINMOR...
- ALEAutomatic link establishmentAutomatic Link Establishment, commonly known as ALE, is the worldwide de facto standard for digitally initiating and sustaining HF radio communications. ALE is a feature in an HF communications radio transceiver system, that enables the radio station to make contact, or initiate a circuit, between...
- Amateur Radio EmcommAmateur Radio Emergency ServiceIn the United States and Canada, the Amateur Radio Emergency Service is a corps of trained amateur radio operator volunteers organized to assist in public service and emergency communications...