M1ETN's world wide communications center.

What is it?

Internet Linking is a relatively new way of talking to people from other parts of the UK, and the rest of the world.

It allows FM quality speech over long distances, on VHF & UHF.

How does it work?

There are three main systems eQSO, ECHO link, and IRLP.

My gateway is running eQSO, so the below is based on how that system works:-

Most systems use VoIP (Voice over IP) which in the last few years has come a long way, in reliability and usability.

How most systems work, is the Radio Ham who has his NOV, will have a 'gateway' this is a radio on a set frequency given by OFCOM. This radio will be linked, the audio & PTT controls to a PC running the VoIP software.

The software will be in sysop mode, which allows you to configure rig control, audio control, and internet connections.

Your gateway will connect to the main VoIP server located in place 'x' to which other gateways will be connected, so you can have stations in Scotland, England, the USA, Japan etc, all connected to the server, so when one person talks through a gateway (Or stand a lone PC) every one connected to that server will broadcast that QSO.

eQSO is an open channel system, basically when some one speaks all gateways respond by transmitting that person. There can be a delay of 1 - 3 seconds depending on the connection the gateway is connected to the internet with. Some gateways are running on dial up (as are some PC clients) although I think most gateways are running on ISDN, or xDSL which does cut delay times.

ECHO link and IRLP, are not open channel as such, you use DTMF codes to dial up the other gateways or Nodes, these systems are more like a Truncked Radio system.