Announcement - Kernel Based AX25 over IP (test version)
What it is:
Amateurs have been making use of IP links (typically the Internet)
to carry AX25 traffic, for may years. The process involves "encapsulating"
AX25 traffic in IP messages, transferring them, and then reversing the
process at the other end. Under Linux, this has typically been done using
a daemon, ax25ipd.
However, it can now be done in the kernel. The advantages of this include
removing the need for separately running process(es), simpler configuration,
and generally improved integration with Linux.
How it works:
AXIPK consists of two kernel loadable modules, plus a program called
axiproute, used to add, clear, or set default destinations, based on
AX25 callsigns and host destination (IP). The normal ifconfig program
is used to set the callsign of the axip device to match an entry in
your axports file (as for any ax25 device). Both inbound and outbound
connects will function over the AXIP link.
Known routes can be viewed in /proc/net/axip_routes.
Where to get it:
ftp://ictoan.apana.org.au/pub/experimental/axipk.0.??.tar.gz (the version
number may change!)
Bugs, Limitations:
The current version has only been tested with kernel 2.0.35, although I've
coded for but cannot compile/test later kernels (yet).
The current version has only a fixed size routing table - this will be made
dynamic later.
The current version "learns" a return ax25-callsign/IP route when an incoming
connect occurs from a known (axip partner) IP address. This is to allow for
other stations coming in via that known axip partner, but I'm not sure if this
is the best way to handle this situation, so it may change.
The whole thing is quite new, so beware........... :-)
Feedback:
Steve Fraser (vk5asf) [EMAIL PROTECTED]
