The Technology

First there was the spark transmitter, hello CW!

Then came the vacuum tube. CW, AM, SSB.

Then came the transistor, welcome AM, FM, CW, SSB, mobile radios, portables.

Then came the integrated circuit, welcome microprocessors, digital applications, packet radio.

Then came wireless internet. Mesh networking and high speed digital networks gave birth to the AREDN network.

Imagine its 8:00 at night and suddenly all the lights went out. No internet, no IP phone, no cellphone and no e-mail. Pick up your Meshphone and call another amateur to find out what is going on, using your RF based network node with battery backup. Call anywhere in the Province, Country or world. Or, you could dial the local link and contact an amateur on the road through a connected repeater anywhere on the network.

The technology is based on high speed networking chip sets such as those used in commercial access points, repurposed with our own software that enables mesh networking. The hardware is inexpensive, and connecting to the network can be facilitated with an RF connection to the local hub, or through a VPN to another node on the network.

The Alberta Digital Radio Society is the driving force behind developing, deploying, operating and maintaining  digital networks. We manage the AREDN network in Western Canada and the Northern United States. Our mission is to assist you to become connected, by providing pre-configured hardware to clubs or individuals with assistance in getting online. We also provide training on the use of the network and are constantly developing new applications and exploring new network technologies.

To find out more, click the ‘join’ button above and fill in the form. Welcome to the new generation!