Network Access using TCP/IP over UHF Amateur Radio

TCP/IP access over UHF radio allows the use of regular TCP/IP protocols such as Telnet, POP and SMTP. This is only effective if the radio channel data rate is at least 56 kbps. Special UHF radios that use wider channel bandwidths, higher modulation rates, and compression allow such speeds over amateur radio UHF frequencies. This enables existing field or base station antennas to be used for higher speed connectivity and access to additional services.

TCP/IP over UHF Amateur Radio can be used to access the following SCCo ARES/RACES network services:

• Packet BBS Service
  • User Access: Users can log into the packet BBSs using the Telnet protocol. Outpost (packet client software) is configured for a telnet interface instead of a TNC interface. After that, functionality for sending and receiving messages is the same. This preserves the workflow advantages built into the Outpost software and eliminates the need to switch between radios for packet vs. e-mail access.
• Electronic Mail Service
  • Standard e-mail client software can be used over the 56+ kbps radio channel to access the e-mail service.

Due to the high signal-to-noise ratio requirements of TCP/IP over UHF radio, we anticipate that fixed sites with roof-top, high-gain UHF antennas are needed. See equipment recommendations below.

• Review the information on antenna considerations below. Then select your most suitable 440 MHz antenna.
• EOCs, DOCs, Hospitals: Submit a completed UHF Site Information Form for the intended location and antenna:    PDF    MS-Word
• The SCCo ARES/RACES network team will review the expected propagation path to confirm that it is likely to produce a high quality connection
• Construct the UHF radio station
  • Note: At this time, the UHF data radios are still being evaluated. But work on the rest of the station can be performed in anticipation of connecting the radio.
• When ready to configure the radio, the SCCo ARES/RACES network team will assign the necessary parameters to be used in the radio configuration. These parameters allow the radio to cooperate with the other radios on the frequency.

• TCP/IP over UHF Station Diagram (PDF)
• Consider the following when building your TCP/IP over UHF radio station:
  • City/Agency EOC/DOC Equipment
  • Antenna
  • Lightning Arrestor
  • Radio
  • Computer
  • Printer
  • Software
  • Network
  • Firewall
  • Power
  • Make sure your station helps to reduce/eliminate the "hidden node" problem

General TCP/IP

• Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA)
  • Domain name, IP address, protocol numbers, timezone name assignments
• Index of Best Current Practices (BCP)

User Group