[aprssig] Igates Are A Fair Weather Solution (was:"Finito")

[AE5PL Lists]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Robert Bruninga
> Posted At: Monday, August 29, 2005 10:34 AM
> Subject: Re: [aprssig] Igates Are A Fair Weather Solution 
> (was:"Finito")
> 
> The original APRS concept, remember, was to be a 
> come-as-you-are, RF system for local real-time tactical 
> information INDEPENDENT of any infrastructure.  It included 
> 
> Except for one thing.  It causes operators and possibly some 
> authors to forget about RF, and how to build the network 
> AD-HOC using each other to communicate when the inrastructure 
> is gone.  And then software begins to  cater to the fun 

I agree.  And the key to a true "AD-HOC" network is the elimination of
the requirement for the user to change settings based on where that user
is!  A strong argument _for_ implementing a digipeater system which does
not use source routing :-)

> Also, the orignial WIDEn-N system ignored path tracing.  
> Making it impossible for users to see what the network was 
> doing.  Hopefully with the new-N paradigm, and full path 
> tracing, users will once again start paying attention to 
> their local RF network and what it takes to communicate locally...

That's ok.  The Kenwood radios you are so fond of (I own two) make it
impossible to use path information anyway.  Again, a strong argument
_for_ implementing a digipeater system which does not use source routing
:-)  Gee, wouldn't it be great to know that regardless of where you go,
especially in an emergency, your APRS radio will work and be a benefit
to the EOC doing local asset management?  Even _temporary_ digipeaters
using the NSR algorithm fit this model far better than any source route
method; and, without causing problems with surrounding areas which may
also be dealing with their own emergencies.

Hope to see all at DCC.

73,

Pete Loveall AE5PL
mailto:pete at ae5pl.net