Why use Packet Radio?
- The case for packet radio

1. Message Store and Forward
• BBSs allow messages to be stored, retrieved, or forwarded throughout the
connected BBS network.
• The recipient does not need to be on line to get the message, meaning that
messages can be retrieved at the recipient's convenience.

2. Communications Protocol
• Packet uses a protocol called AX.25. This is based on the ITU X.25
protocol for networked packet communications.
• AX.25 supports error correction and control that guarantees that all packets
(and subsequently messages) are delivered correctly.
• TCP/IP is also used to support interlinking BBSs together

3. Interoperability
• DHS suggested to the ARRL that the Amateur community should design and
maintain a national digital network for emergency communication purposes.
• Winlink 2000 (WL2K) was adopted as that solution.
• WL2K provides radio packet users and internet 3rd party users with transparent email access.

DEFINIITIONS
RMS – Radio Message Servers,
provide an RF gateway from packet users to the WL2K system.

CMS – Common Message Servers,
coordinate message traffic between RMS stations and the internet.

4. Complex messaging
• Packet is ideal for passing lists of material, addresses, instructions, or
complex words (i.e. pharmaceuticals or chemicals)
• you do not want to mistake Hydrogen Sulphide (a gas) with Hydrogen Sulfate
(an acid)
• Packet-based messaging ensures...
1. the originator can verify the content before it is sent (more than likely
typed it him/herself),
2. reduces transcription errors between the sender and receiver, and
3. keeps the voice channel clear for more critical traffic.
5. Reduces message handling
• Packet messaging can originate from the source using standard office
applications (or other methods) and sent directly to the packet app or by
sneaker-net to the radio room for loading and sending.
• Because packet is digital and relies on a computer, messages can also be
printed directly to a printer (assuming the terminal program supports it, such
as "Outpost").

6. Supported by the Amateur Community
• Packet is supported by hams with the interest and intent of supporting a
disaster response when commercial communications is overwhelmed or lost.

7. Packet aligns with how we work today
• Message complexity and timeliness of delivery drives how we use...
• The telephone and email (during non-emergencies)
• The radio and packet (during an emergency)
• We would use packet radio for the same reasons we would use internet
email and the ability to handle messages.

Simple Messages
Mode - Voice
Messages - Short messages
Delivery - Immediate
Equipment - Radio
Complexity - Short learning curve

Complex Messages
Mode - Packet
Messages - Lists, instructions, details
Delivery - Store & forward; mail drop
Equipment - Radio + TNC + PC + SW + BBS
Complexity - Easier with "Outpost" vs. native packet commands (like using DOS commands)

8. Expectations
• Our connected society has come to rely on our inherent ability to contact
anyone, at any time (thanks to cell phones and WiFi)
– Wireless connectivity has evolved beyond a novelty to an "EXPECTATION".
• Most Emergency Management organizations know that the local communications infrastructure WILL FAIL during severe weather events ( e.g. hurricanes, tornadoes ice storms, floods, earthquakes) and expect Ham Radio to show up and be able to enable the response and speed the recovery.
• Packet is well suited to support the response mission.

Are we ready?
Are YOU ready?

Adapted and excerpted from from SPECS – Southern Peninsula Emergency
Communications System - Santa Clara County, CA:
www.outpostpm.org/docs/Packet-SPECS10.pdf