Introduction

Updated July 15, 2026

What is Packet Radio?

Packet Radio is a digital communications mode used by amateur radio operators to transmit data over radio waves. Basically, do computer stuff over RF, instead of TCP/IP. Unlike voice modes (FM, SSB) that transmit continuous analog signals, packet radio breaks information into small “packets” of digital data.

Each packet contains the sender’s call sign, the recipient’s call sign, the data payload, and error-checking information.

This structure allows for reliable, error-free text communication even in weak signal conditions, as corrupted packets can be automatically requested and retransmitted.

How It Works

At its core, packet radio utilizes the AX.25 protocol, a derivative of the X.25 networking standard adapted for amateur radio.

A typical station consists of a transceiver connected to a Terminal Node Controller (TNC) or a sound-card interface (like Dire Wolf) which acts as a modem, converting digital signals from a computer into audio tones for transmission.

Nodes act as digital repeaters or switches.

When you connect to a node, you are establishing a logical link that allows you to communicate with other stations connected to that node, or to “digipeat” (digitally repeat) your signal through other nodes to reach distant stations. Common applications include:

• BBS (Bulletin Board Systems): Storing and forwarding messages globally.
• Chat: Real-time multi-user text conversations.
• Winlink: Sending email over radio to the internet.
• APRS: Automatic Position Reporting and telemetry.

Packet radio remains a vital part of the amateur radio ecosystem, offering a robust, decentralized communication network that functions independently of the internet and cellular infrastructure.

Purpose of the W5AWW packet node

The Crawford, Texas (EM11hn) station is a LinBPQ packet node operated by W5AWW. Its goals:

1. Local RF access — give licensed amateurs VHF (and HF) paths into a real packet node.
2. Services — BBS and multi-user chat for messaging and coordination.
3. Network participation — digipeating / node behavior on RF, and AXIP links over AMPRNet/44net so the station can peer with other nodes even when the home internet path is Starlink CGNAT.
4. Clear public docs — publish what peers and RF users need; keep secrets (keys, internal IPs, Wi‑Fi) off the public site.

Node website: ctxpn.w5aww.net

How the pieces fit together

        RF users                 AXIP peers
     145.030 / 7.104         node.w5aww.ampr.org:10093
            \                       /
             \                     /
              v                   v
                 LinBPQ (W5AWW-7 …)
              BBS / Chat / digi / NETROM
                      |
              isolated LAN + MikroTik
                      |
                 WireGuard → 44net
                      |
                   Starlink WAN

Next steps

Area map (third party): packet network map