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7 APRS NETWORKS
38 CONTENTS TM-D710A/E
7.5 Packet Path
It is necessary to confront the issue of frequency congestion due to the spread of APRS systems
in order to efficiently transfer packet data. The TM-D710A/E supports the configurations of New-N
Paradigm, RELAY Paradigm and STATE/SECTION/REGION. Overall, this provides an efficient
mechanism for transferring packets.
7.5.1 New-N Paradigm
Appropriate configuration is required in order to digipeat a packet path (relay route). New-N
Paradigm using WIDEn-N assigns an alias and a relay stage number for digipeaters. This system
is mainly used by digipeaters in North America. Japan is also using this system and it is spreading
worldwide.
For example, when you desire three hops, then you can configure TOTAL HOPS: 3. Once
configured, you can verify by using PATH IS VIA WIDE3-3. Until recently, when a regional
digipeater was wanted, RELAY was used but this is being replaced by WIDE1-1 simply by
configuring On via menu selection. Again, you can verify that WIDE1-1 or WIDE2-2 was used by
using PATH IS VIA.
7.5.2 RELAY Paradigm
This is one of the digipeat types used in Europe. The old backwards compatible RELAY technique
was included for some areas that have still not updated to the universal New-N Paradigm using
traceable WIDEn-N. It allows the first hop to be via the RELAY path and then uses TRACEn-N for
subsequent hops. Most of the USA is using the New-N Paradigm. But Europe has not yet fully
coalesced into a single common system as of this writing.
7.5.3 STATE/ SECTION/ REGION
In contrast to WIDEn-N which generates packets equally in all directions, you can use STATE/
SECTION/REGION to restrict packets to only be relayed within the specified boundary.
Abbreviations, such as two letter AZ for Arizona or three or four letter abbreviations such as NCA
for Northern California, are used to specify the boundary.
Using these limited regions, it is possible for stations to set up special nets under special
circumstances to communicate over large distances without adding interference to other areas not
involved. For example, using WIDE5-5 from the middle of Maryland would generate hundreds of
packets of interference in 13 surrounding states! This is why nothing larger than WIDE2-2 is
recommended. However, using MD5-5 from anywhere within the state of Maryland will get from
any corner to every other corner of Maryland (maybe 13 digipeaters total and with no duplications)
Thus a special Maryland APRS net in support of disaster training can be held without bothering
surrounding states.