IRLP provides a means to link radio repeaters together anywhere there is high speed internet connection (128 kbs or more) available. The IRLP uses Voice-Over-IP software and the power of the Internet to link repeaters world wide. The system uses its own custom interface board and Linux based software suite. IRLP makes interfacing a  radio system to the world simple and cost effective.

The IRLP runs a large network of dedicated servers and nodes to offer the very best in voice communications. The IRLP Amateur Radio network consists of hundreds of nodes (repeater plus an IRLP computer) across the world, linking them all with a full dynamic range 32 bit audio. Node connections are made with DTMF on a HT or other radio. The IRLP System Designer is David Cameron VE7LTD.

1) Node-to-Node Connections
Direct one node-to-another node or one node-to-many via a connection to a Reflector. Direct connect Node-to-Node is just like it sounds where node "A" connects direct with node "B". In this mode the two nodes (repeaters) are interconnected and no other IRLP connections are possible. While "A" and "B" are connected, anyone attempting to connect with either node A or B will be told by a wave file recording that: "The node you are calling is currently connected to call sign or node number".

2) Node-to-Reflector Connections
The IRLP system has a hand full of servers called "reflectors" that allow for many nodes to connect together for nets, special activities or HF style QSOs. When a node is connected to a reflector it hears all the audio streams that are sent between the nodes that are connected to the reflector. Nodes will come and go freely to the reflectors, however, some node owners will leave their nodes connected to a reflector as a gateway for the local area.

LISTEN TO OTHERS USE THE IRLP SYSTEM TO GET THE HANG OF IT

Here Are A Few IRLP DO's and DON'Ts:
• DO pause between transmissions to let other in or others to enter DTMF command.
• DO hold your microphone PTT for one or more seconds before talking to allow all systems time to connect.
• DO pause for at least three to five seconds before talking after the node connects to a reflector to make sure you will not talk over a QSO in progress.
• DON'T try to make or break connections unless you are an authorized control operator. Those who control must identify themselves as controlling before sending DTMF command tones and return the node to the connection state you found it in, i.e., idle or connected to a node or reflector. Always ask if someone is using the connection before you change it.
• DON'T rag chew locally on a reflector or on a node connection. When the IRLP system is busy keep QSOs to 5 minutes or less.
• DON'T just kerchunk the repeater without saying your call (at least on the second kerchunk).
• DON'T say your, or the other person's, call sign every transmission (only your call is required once every 10 minutes).
• DON'T repeatedly say, "I hear that" or "roger that" or "QSL" in response to every transmission/comment.
• DON'T use 11 meter lingo when talking on the system. Speak normally.
• DON'T shout into your microphone.
• DON'T give one-word answers or comments.
• DON'T break in on an ongoing conversation unless you know who all is in it, and you have something meaningful to contribute.
• When in a QSO with more than two people involved, turn it over to someone by name (go ahead Jim).
• When you sign clear, turn it over to someone by name or call (DON'T just sign clear because no one knows who should pick up).
• Use a mike hanger in your vehicle to avoid sitting on the microphone and inadvertently keying up the system with people all over listening to your conversation.
• DON'T TRY TO CONTROL IF NOT AUTHORIZED TO DO SO OR TALK ABOUT THE CONTROL CODES OR HOW TO CONTROL. That is the business of the node or reflector owner. He will tell who he wants to know. Always ask an owner if you can use his equipment. It should be noted that not all nodes use the same control commands - ask the owner. It is rude to try to control a node if you have not asked first. Just like some repeaters, some nodes are private. More and more node owners are installing passwords to discourage button pushers from trying to operate their node equipment. It is always safe to ask for a control operator when you are a visitor to a node. Vistors to Las Vegas should e-mail w7aor@narri.org to inform NARRI of your desire to operate its nodes and obtain permission and necessary information. Any reasonable request will be honored. Many visiting node owners and users have used NARRI nodes to talk home.

CALL WAITING

You may hear your node is receiving a call from node number 1234 or some other node number. What this means is the node that you are using is being called by some other node and the connection can not be made because you the node is connected some where else. The calling node receives a message "The nodes you are calling is connected to ______". If you are connected to a reflector the calling node can connect to the same reflector to reach you.

ERROR MESSAGES

From time-to-time you may receive error messages when attempting to connect with a node or reflector. The most common ones are:

1) "The node you are calling is not responding." This is caused by a loss of internet connectivity to one end of the call attempt.

2) "BEEP Error The call attempt has timed out, the connection has been lost". The node being called is OFF-LINE. 

3) "The Connection Has Been Lost". If the internet connection drops this error message will be heard.