Traditional role of ARES What does the end-user need (& want) to be effective when normal digital communications are unavailable? Winlink 2000 System.

Traditional role of ARES

What does the end-user need (& want) to be effective when normal digital communications are unavailable?

Winlink 2000 System. Overview of Winlink 2000

Telpac VHF/UHF-to-Telnet Gateway with Paclink client for local area “Last Mile” coverage.

Airmail Client for Longer Range HF Internet substitution.

Specialized non-public local/Regional Winlink 2000 participating station (PMBO ) to hub community digital traffic.

Implementing Winlink 2000 for Emergency Management

Winklink 2000 forEmergency Management Communications

Hand the microphone to the Serving Agencies whose radio systems will not work.

Voice communications among served agencies (EOC, hospitals, shelters, and incident command.)

Formal Written Communications (NTS Form Voice NTS Form)

Report health and welfare of affected public.

Tactical support – Incident Command, search and rescue, damage and storm reporting (SKYWARN.)

This takes a lot of people!

Traditional Role of Ham Radio Support

We can keep Agencies connected without an immediate Internet

connection.

Via Telex, Telegram or Fax?

Via voice relayed NTS Radiogram or Packet Message?

The accepted Global standard is now SMTP e-mail !

Bottom Line: Let’s make EmComm as easy & transparent as possible for those who need it during an emergency situation.

Let’s not forget: It is their “party” and we want to be invited!

Emergency Digital (“Written”)Communications for Served Agencies

Why e-mail Messaging?

Using e-mail is universal Minimum training required Large amounts of data/information may be

exchanged accurately: Detailed damage or status reports Detailed work assignments and shift changes Lists of equipment and supplies Graphic or text-based Medical information Anything else that may be handled routinely by e-mail

Every transfer is a permanently stored record Data is secure from casual monitoring

Normal E-mail requires an internet connection

Agency to AgencyAgency to FieldAgency to multipointAgency to anywhere!

Agency Focus on EmergencyDigital Communication

If a community “Last Mile” internet link is broken, e-mail cannot flow.

“What the ???

?”

“Critical Medical &

Tactical Info sent!”

Agency Focus (Cont.)

The “Last Mile,” an important part of Emergency Communications:

The incident area where conventional communications have

been totally disrupted or overloaded by an emergency situation.

Agency Focus (Cont.)

It must “look like e-mail.”

It must “use an e-mail editor like MS Outlook Express or Outlook, etc.”

It must “have an address book like e-mail.”

It must “include multiple recipients (to:, Cc:) like e-mail.”

It must “send multiple binary attachments like e-mail.”

It must “have a spell-checker like e-mail.”

It must “work on multiple computers within an agency with no additional desktop software, and not invade the security of the system.”

It must “provide transparent, seamless, end-to-end email when there is no normal Internet path.”

It must be able to utilize tactical email addresses.

It must “NOT add to the stress or learning curve of those who are already stressed in an emergency situation.”

Agency Requirements

Amateur Radio can provide e-mail to any served agency without the internet within the “Last Mile,” across the Nation, or around the World.

HOW DO HAMS DO THAT?

End-User Focus

Welcome to the World Winlink 2000!

Where in the World are you? It doesn’t matter!

… a robust wireless backup system for SMTP email. It utilizes a full-featured radio digital message transfer system, worldwide. 

…a system that provides email transfer with attachments, map & text-based position reporting, graphic & text-based weather bulletin services, and emergency communications are now available to the Amateur radio community by linking radio to the Internet.”

…email over Ham Radio!

Winlink 2000 is …

Winlink 2000 is a system that provides radio digital backup (during network “last mile” disruptions) for SMTP e-mail, using existing e-mail programs, on existing computers, with no additional invasive software…seamlessly and transparently.

Winlink 2000 can function both inside the local area or around the world. From inside a disaster area and without normal e-mail servers or Internet.

Why Winlink 2000?

Originally created five years ago for open water boaters and RV users

Endorsed by the ARRL as a viable emergency digital communication system

Approximately 150,000 radio message/260,000 minutes through system, monthly.

Over 7,200 weekly users to over 85,000 email recipients.

Over 45 Standard Participating locations (PMBOs) with 24 in USA. Many locations contain multiple stations.

2.1 minute Ave. est. delivery time to PMBO for Pickup

Over 670 VHF/UHF Telpac gateways in operation.

HF radio access, VHF/UHF radio access, Telnet Access, WEB Browser Access.

New Inclusion of non-public EmComm PMBOs.

Enhanced, more flexible & redundant network topology currently under development with even less Internet dependency.

Winlink 2000 Today

Winlink 2000 Public use PMBOs

Features Worldwide, proven, existing, reliable,redundant system with its

own on-going management and support systems.

Looks and works like common SMTP e-mail.

• Uses any combination of SMTP addresses mixed with Radio addresses. For EmComm, can use tactical addresses.

• Multiple “to” and “CC” addressing.

• Sends multiple binary attachments.

• Handles tactical addresses.

Secure due to binary protocol & secure user login.

Easy to configure and use.

Software is free, hardware is NOT!

WEB browser/Telnet or VHF/UHF/HF access

Winlink 2000 Feature Overview

System is fault tolerant & completely redundant.

Flexible:

• Can use existing packet nodes, or digis, or switches.

• Can use existing Participating Stations (PMBOs.)

• Has backup remotely located Central Servers (CMBO.)

• Older generation BBSs may be replaced with Telpac nodes.

Intelligent “follow me” routing.

Distance insensitive, transparent nodes: Local, Regional, National or International…it does not matter.

Winlink 2000 Features (Cont.)

Highly adaptable for emergency use.

• May replace “broken” Internet links: local, regional, national or international.

• Designed for mobile or fixed operations.

• The Winlink 2000 Catalog may be tailored for detailed instructions, policy employment, complex procedures or medical information for each community.

• Position Reporting for locating mobile users: • ARRS

• ShipTrak

• Text-based e-mail reply tracking system

• Auto non-published real-time Position Tracking.• NOAA MAROB weather reporting system

• May be expanded for SKYWARN applications. Local “Hubbing” PMBO can maintain email connectivity among

community Agencies with or without the Internet!

Winlink 2000 Features (Cont.)

Uses “B2F” binary Protocol:

It is in the public domain.

Secure against “hacking” due to compression & error correction.

May be wrapped by most ARQ modes.

Provides approximately 44 percent data compression.

Needs no “special” consideration in a secure IT Infrastructure. Works inside, outside the firewall (DMZ) or router.

All user Interfaces may be password protected.

“Instant” self-registration option can be turned on/off.

Heavy virus/SPAM protection: accept list, etc. can all be turned on/off.

NO learning curve for end-user agencies. NO additional stress!

Winlink 2000 Features (Cont.)

Winlink 2000 complies with §97.221 for an Automatically controlled digital station: For Wider than 500 Hz: 97.221 (b) A station may be automatically controlled while transmitting a RTTY or

data emission on the 6 m or shorter wavelength bands, and on the 28.120-28.189 MHz, 24.925-24.930 MHz, 21.090-21.100 MHz, 18.105-18.110 MHz, 14.0950-14.0995 MHz, 14.1005-14.112 MHz, 10.140-10.150 MHz, 7.100-7.105 MHz, or 3.620-3.635 MHz segments.

For 500 Hz: 97.221 (c) A station may be automatically controlled while transmitting a RTTY or data emission on any other frequency authorized for such emission types provided that: (1) The station is responding to interrogation by a station under local or remote control; and (2) No transmission from the automatically controlled station occupies a bandwidth of more than 500 Hz.

Winlink 2000 complies with §97.109 Station control, for 3rd Party traffic rules: (e) No station may be automatically controlled while transmitting third party communications, except a

station transmitting a RTTY or data emission. All messages that are retransmitted must originate at a station that is being locally or remotely controlled.

Winlink 2000 complies with Section §97.219(c) for 3rd Party traffic Content Rules: §97.219(c) provides protection for licensees operating as part of a message forwarding system. "...the

control operators of forwarding stations that retransmit inadvertently communications that violate the rules in this Part are not accountable for the violative communications. They are, however, responsible for discontinuing such communications once they become aware of their presence.“

Winlink 2000 complies with §97.309 for data emission codes. (4) An amateur station transmitting a RTTY or data emission using a digital code specified in this paragraph

may use any technique whose technical characteristics have been documented publicly, such as CLOVER, G-TOR, or PacTOR, for the purpose of facilitating communications.

Winlink 2000 complies with Sub-Part E when so designated (i.e.: §97.403 Safety of life and protection of property):

No provision of these rules prevents the use by an amateur station of any means of radio communication at its disposal to provide essential communication needs in connection with the immediate safety of human life and immediate protection of property when normal communication systems are not available.

Winlink 2000 in U.S. and Part 97

CMBO

PMBO

TP

AM

PL

CMBO:   Central Mail Box Office - The CMBO is the central server (coordinating engine)  in the Winlink 2000  "star" Network configuration.    It coordinates the traffic  between the participating network stations (PMBOs) as well as serving as the email, WX bulletin, and position reporting interface.  All this is done over the Internet in order to make the amateur radio spectrum  more efficient, leaving these radio frequencies available for the end-users.

PMBO:*  Participating Mail Box Office - A Winlink 2000 participating network MBO.  PMBOs communicate with each other through the CMBO in a "star" network configuration via the Internet and with the end-users and other MBOs over radio. Includes Telnet Server Module.

Telpac:*  A Winlink 2000  bridging application that allows the connection of a VHF/UHF modem, either directly or via the AGW Packet Engine, with a Paclink or Airmail user application, and converts the AX.25 Packet to Internet Telnet for connection to a Winlink Participating Station' s (PMBO) Telnet Server.

Paclink: * A Winlink 2000 client email server application that enables the use of a single or multiple computers with email program interfaces such as MS Outlook, MS Outlook Express, Netscape, Eudora, etc. for the purpose of sending and receiving email via Telnet or VHF/UHF Packet.  Paclink utilizes the AGW Packet Engine to drive Packet modems, including computer sound cards.  with one single Paclink application, in front of a firewall and behind a router, multiple computers may be enabled with radio email when used with the Winlink 2000 network system. Paclink has 5 automatic routing levels.

Airmail:   AirMail is "email for the airwaves", a radio messaging program for ham, Sailmail and other licensed radio systems. AirMail offers an easy email-style user interface for HF and VHF Packet. Airmail, also designed for the SCS PTC multimode controller.

PEAGW Packet Engine Pro is a special Windows© utility for amateur radio operators who use ‘Packet' digital communications. This unique program makes it possible for multiple Packet programs to access multiple Packet devices, such as TNCs (Terminal Node Controllers) or radio modems, and sound cards acting as radio modems. Generally most Packet programs can only use one device at a time and most Packet devices can only be used by one program at a time. Packet Engine Pro changes all that.

PE

*ICOM D-STAR compliant

WL2K Component Definitions

AM

TP

PL/PE

CMBO

PMBO

RF Packet In… Telnet Out…

SMTP email In… Telnet, Packet Out…

Message In… RF/Telnet Packet Out…

HF/Telnet/ Packet Email traffic from clients…Email, position reporting, WX request traffic to CMBO

Email traffic from PMBO Email, position reporting, WX info trafficTo/from Internet, and peer CMBOs

PMBO TPPL/PE

Components can be collocated within the same machine…

…and WL2K components can be used as needed!

“Head”

“Heart”

Multi-user email server…”Hands”

“Arms”

HF/VHF single-user email client…”Hand”

WL2K Component “Transfer Functions”

Router

Internet

Router

Firewall

Served Agency LAN “Last Mile”

Possible Paclink Locations

“DMZ” – Demilitarized Zone

X SMTP email Server

Ham Radio w/WL2K

Normal “Last Mile” Connectivity

…do Hams do that?

How ?

LaptopCompute

r

VHF Radio

Data Interface

A typical ham radio “last mile” e-mail station is composed of simple components, even for an Agency with multiple computers. Laptop for a Portable Station.

Desktop for an agency.

• Paclink AGW & Paclink Postoffice mini e-mail server software with

• AGW Packet Engine Pro and

• Outlook Express or Outlook

• Win2000 or WinXP

A D-Star or Packet Radio Modem (TNC.)

A VHF or UHF Radio and a Good Antenna

This is a Winlink 2000 PACLINK station.

PACLINK Station

VHF Radio

Data Interface

To send or receive e-mail, this station makes a connection with a Winlink radio node or PMBO.

PMBO

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Computer

PACLINK Station (Cont.)

VHF Radio

Data Interface

PMBO

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Computer

For the “last mile,” use VHF radios and the Packet mode as a pathway to carry e-mail.

PACLINK Station (Cont.)

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Computer

For longer distances or in difficult terrain, most PMBOs are outfitted with multi-band HF radios and the Pactor II & III modes to serve stations with no other e-mail outlet.

PMBO

VHF Radio

Data Interface

HF Radio

Data Interface

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Computer

Users on HF have a special e-mail program called “Airmail.”

Airmail“client” Program

Airmail Station

VHF Radio

Data Interface

PMBO

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Computer

The PMBO is connected to the internet at all times.

The InternetThe Internet

PMBO Connected to Internet

VHF Radio

Data Interface

PMBO

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Computer

PMBOs may have remote “gateways” called TELPAC stations. They are connected to the PMBO via any TCP/IP link and duplicate its VHF radio port in another location.

The InternetThe Internet

VHF Radio

Data Interface

TELPAC

802-11b

TELPAC stations may communicate to the PMBO via any TCP/IP link, including ICOM’s D-Star or “WiFi” 802-11b.

TELPAC Stations

VHF Radio

Data Interface

PMBO

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Computer

Other computers, or CMBOs, organize and manage the network traffic.

The InternetThe Internet

CMBO CMBO

CMBOs are transparent to users. They are redundant, and you never know they are there.

CMBO

Central Mailbox Station (CMBO)

VHF Radio

Data Interface

PMBO

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Computer

You can send radio e-mail directly to internet e-mail users.

The InternetThe Internet

Radio Email Internet Email

PMBO

VHF Radio

Data Interface

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Computer

And you can send radio e-mail to other Paclink or Airmail stations like yours.

The InternetThe Internet

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Computer

Radio Email Radio Email

PMBO

VHF Radio

Data Interface

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Compute

r

Adding a LAN on the PACLINK computer permits individuals to send and receive radio e-mail. PACLINK is now an e-mail server.

The InternetThe Internet

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Computer

Served Agency LAN

PACLINK may be placed in the “DMZ” zone in front of the firewall.

Multiple Computers to Radio Email

PMBO

VHF Radio

Data Interface

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Computer

The PMBO forwards radio e-mail between its radio users, even if its internet connection is gone.

The InternetThe Internet

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Compute

r

PMBO Radio Email Forwarding

The InternetThe Internet

PMBO

VHF Radio

Data Interface

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Computer

If the local PMBO has an outage, you can make a connection with a local TELPAC station which will automatically shift to a distant host PMBO with connectivity. Or…

VHF Radio

Data Interface

TELPAC

PMBO/TELPAC Fail-Over

The InternetThe Internet

PMBO

VHF Radio

Data Interface

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Compute

r

Or… you can traverse the packet network using nodes to get to a connected TELPAC or PMBO. Or…

VHF Radio

Data Interface

TELPAC

NODE

NODE

PMBO/TELPAC via Nodes Fail-Over

The InternetThe Internet

PMBO

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Or… you can use an HF station to get to a distant connected PMBO using Airmail.

Computer

HF Radio

DataInterface

PMBO/Airmail (HF) Fail-Over

PMBO

VHF Radio

Data Interface

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Compute

r

Besides radio channels, PACLINK stations also may have telnet channels to the internet. This is handy for fixed stations because it is fast.

The InternetThe Internet

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Computer

TELNETTELNET

PACLINK stations automatically switch between preset radio destinations and telnet channels to find a connection to a PMBO.

“My E-mail server is down”

PACLINK Telnet/Radio Channels

CMBO

WinLink 2000 Architecture

CMBO

PMBO

AM

PL

PMBO

PMBO

PMBO

PMBO

PMBO PMBO

PMBO

AMAM

AM

AMAM

TP

TP

TP

TPPL

PL

PL

PE

PE

PE

PE

PLPE

PLPE

Internet Connection or 802.11b etc.

CMBO

WinLink 2000 RF Backup

CMBO

PMBO

AM

PL

PMBO

PMBO

PMBO

PMBO

PMBO PMBO

PMBO

AM

AM

AM

AM

AMAM

AM

TP

TP

TP

TPPL

PL

PL

PE

PE

PE

PE

WL2K “Bandage” for Last Mile Outage

CMBO

PMBO

TPPLPE

Last Mile Outage “Healed” by WL2K

Router

InternetRouter

Firewall

Served Agency LAN “Last Mile”

Paclink Locations

“DMZ” – Demilitarized Zone

X

CMBO

PMBOTP

PLPE

SMTP email Server

CMBO

PMBOTP

CMBOCMBO

PMBO

AM

PL

PMBO

PMBO

PMBO

PMBO

PMBO PMBO

PMBO

AM

AM

AM

AM

AMAM

AM

TP

TP

TP

TPPL

PL

PL

PE

PE

PE

PE

Williamson County, TNWL2K Network Design

144.XXX

145.XXX441.XXX

145.XXX

144.XXX

WCARES WL2K Network Design

PLTPPE

TP/P

TP

PLPE

PLPE PMBO PL

Williamson County Medical Center 441.050

Telpac connected via 802.11b

WCARES WL2K Network Design

PLTPPE

TP/P

TP

PLPE

PLPE PMBO

VHF

UHF

802.11b

802.11b

802.11b

VHF

PLPE

UHF

PL

PMBO802.11b

Telpac Gateway computer on hardened tower site also hosts backup PMBO capable of connectivity to either EOC

PMBO

WL2K “Failover” Modes

Normal Served Agency Internet Access Action: No action

What if the Served Agency Loses Internet Access? Airmail/Paclink to PMBO via VHF Packet (Primary Failure Mode) Five levels of backup in Paclink (Telnet, 9600 dir,9600 indir,1200, HF)

What if the PMBO loses Internet Access? Served Agencies can still “hub” traffic through PMBO (Telpac collocated on PMBO) PMBO server can use Packlink to link to a backup PMBO

What if the PMBO goes down? Airmail/Paclink can link to backup PMBO (emcom or public) via Telpac Airmail/Paclink can link to backup PMBO (emcom or public) via HF Depending on system design, Served Agency can access local Telpac nodes with backup

What if the CMBO goes down? Dual CMBO servers back up each other PMBO can still hub traffic for local Served Agencies

What if the Served Agency loses its internal Data Network? Airmail/Paclink mobile client can locate at Served Agency and provide mobile Voice and Data

connectivity Airmail/Paclink mobile client can support wireless access point hub for 802.11 equipped laptops

The level of robustness is determined by the system design… Simple local backup or fully redundant global protection!

A WINLINK 2000 HF LONG RANGE FIELD STATION

You will need the following equipment:

•Amateur radio High Frequency (HF) transceiver (IC-706MKIIG, great!).

•Pactor capable modem: (Pactor II @ 800 bps. P3 @ 3600 bps. Highly recommended over Pactor 1 @ 200 bps. (Example: an 80 Kbyte file on Pactor 1: approx. 80 Min, On Pactor 3, approx 5-7 min.)

•HF multi-band (mobile/portable) antenna, and possibly an antenna tuner

•12V DC power source

•Laptop Computer (Win 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP) and Airmail for HF.

AM

Backup radio digital SMTP email until “last mile” is restored

VHF/UHF for local area

HF for Global

Familiar email interface

Local “Hubbing” even with no Internet access

No software or hardware necessary behind Firewall

B2F encoding = Effective compression with encryption-LIKE effect. (Not encrypted but very difficult to read without being on one end.)

Control operator need not be present for third-party digital traffic. (§97.109 Station control, for 3rd Party traffic rules) Not directly accountable for content (§97.219(c.)

Benefits to Served Agencies

www.winlink.org

Questions?

Review Slides

Review…Connect to PMBO

Antenna

Radio

Data Interface

Ham Computer

A typical ham radio digital station is composed of simple components.

In order to do e-mail, it is necessary to link to a WL2K PMBO station.

The Ham Radio computer is equipped with Paclink AGW software.

Review…VHF/UHF for Short Range

Antenna

Data Interface

Ham Computer

Where short range (up to 30 miles) communications are possible VHF may be used to provide E-mail over Ham Radio.

VHF Radio

Review…VHF/UHF for Short Range

Antenna

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Ham Computer

By connecting to the statewide VHF packet network the ham station may be linked to the internet using an existing system.

TelPac Node on Packet Network

Internet E-mail

PMBO

Review…HF for Long Range

Antenna

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Ham Computer

HFRadio

HF Antenna

Distant PMB0

Where the incident is not within VHF range the radio link must be made on High Frequency.

Any network station in the world that can be reached may be used. There are 24 in the US at the present time.

Internet E-mail

Review…Multiple Computers

Antenna

VHF Radio

Data Interface

Ham Computer

LAN

USER COMPUTERUSER COMPUTERUSER COMPUTER

Adding users’ computers (clients) to a LAN on the Ham computer permits individuals to conduct e-mail through the Internet.

HFRadio

HF Antenna

The Ham Computer is now an e-mail server to the users.

Internet

Packet Network

ROUTER