VoIP Systems

Alexandria ARES utilizes multiple Voice over IP (VoIP) systems to extend communications capability beyond traditional radio systems. These technologies enable worldwide connectivity and integration with diverse communications platforms.

All-StarLink

All-StarLink is an amateur radio VoIP network that connects radio repeaters and hotspots worldwide using Voice over IP technology. The network is based on the Asterisk PBX platform and app_rpt software.

What is All-StarLink?

All-StarLink allows radio systems to be linked together via the internet, enabling:

• Worldwide radio communications through linked repeaters
• Hotspot connections for portable operations
• Conference bridges for group communications
• Integration with other VoIP systems

Alexandria ARES All-StarLink Integration

Details about Alexandria ARES All-StarLink node numbers, connection instructions, and available conferences will be documented here.

Node Configuration:

• Node numbers: [To be documented]
• Access codes: [To be documented]
• Available conferences: [To be documented]

Getting Started with All-StarLink

To connect to All-StarLink networks:

1. Obtain an amateur radio license (required)
2. Register for an All-StarLink account
3. Configure a node (Raspberry Pi or similar hardware)
4. Connect your radio equipment
5. Register your node on the network

Resources:

• All-StarLink Website: allstarlink.org
• Documentation: wiki.allstarlink.org
• Community Forum: community.allstarlink.org

Asterisk PBX

Asterisk is an open-source framework for building communications applications including PBX (Private Branch Exchange) systems, conference servers, and VoIP gateways.

Use Cases for Emergency Communications

Alexandria ARES can deploy Asterisk-based systems for:

Emergency Operations Center Communications:

• Telephone system for EOC operations
• Conference calling capability
• Integration with radio systems via app_rpt
• Call recording for documentation

Incident Command Post Support:

• Portable telephone systems for field operations
• VoIP phones powered over Ethernet (PoE)
• Integration with cellular networks
• Backup communications path

Training and Exercises:

• Conference calling for virtual meetings
• Radio-to-telephone bridges
• Recording capabilities for after-action review

Technical Capabilities

Asterisk provides:

• SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) support
• POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) gateway interfaces
• Conference bridges
• Voicemail systems
• Call routing and forwarding
• Integration with amateur radio via app_rpt

Resources:

• Asterisk Project: asterisk.org
• Documentation: docs.asterisk.org
• Community: community.asterisk.org

HamsOverIP (HOIP)

HamsOverIP provides VoIP services specifically designed for amateur radio communicators, enabling traditional telephone-style communications over the internet.

Alexandria ARES HOIP Configuration

Current Equipment:

• Device: Cisco SPA525G2 VoIP phone
• Extension: 3151280
• Status: [Configuration details to be documented]

How HOIP Works

HamsOverIP operates like a traditional telephone system but uses internet connectivity instead of phone lines. Operators can:

• Make voice calls to other HOIP users
• Connect to conference bridges
• Integrate with other VoIP systems
• Use standard VoIP phones or softphones

Benefits for Emergency Communications

• Familiar Interface: Works like a traditional telephone
• Reliable: Dedicated VoIP infrastructure
• Flexible: Can operate anywhere with internet connectivity
• Integrated: Compatible with other VoIP systems

Getting Started:

1. Register for HamsOverIP account (requires amateur radio license)
2. Configure VoIP phone or softphone
3. Connect to HOIP network
4. Test connections with other users

Resources:

• HamsOverIP: hamsoverip.com
• Setup Guides: Available on HOIP website
• User Community: Active user forums and support

Amateur Wire Line

Amateur Wire Line connections provide additional VoIP networking options and interoperability with other systems.

Integration Capabilities

Amateur radio VoIP systems can be interconnected to provide:

• Cross-network calling
• Gateway services between different VoIP platforms
• Conference bridge sharing
• Resource pooling for large-scale operations

Specific Amateur Wire Line configuration details will be documented as the system is deployed.

System Integration Architecture

How Systems Work Together

Radio Equipment
    ↓
Interface (URIxB, etc.)
    ↓
Asterisk/app_rpt
    ↓
VoIP Networks (All-StarLink, HOIP, etc.)
    ↓
Internet Connectivity
    ↓
Remote Stations / Other Systems

Network Topology

Detailed network diagrams showing how Alexandria ARES VoIP systems interconnect will be added here.

Equipment Requirements

For All-StarLink Nodes

• Raspberry Pi or similar single-board computer
• USB sound interface (URIxB, DMK URI, etc.)
• Radio equipment (transceiver or receiver)
• Internet connection
• Power supply

For HOIP Stations

• VoIP-capable phone (hardware or software)
• Internet connection
• Headset (for softphone use)

For Asterisk Deployments

• Server hardware (physical or virtual)
• Network infrastructure
• Telephony interfaces (if connecting to PSTN/POTS)
• UPS backup power for critical systems

Training and Resources

Learning VoIP Systems

Alexandria ARES members interested in VoIP systems should:

1. Start with basics: Learn fundamentals of IP networking and SIP protocol
2. Hands-on experience: Build test systems for learning
3. Community resources: Join online forums and user groups
4. Documentation: Study system documentation and best practices
5. Practice: Participate in nets and exercises using VoIP systems

Member Resources

Links to internal training materials, configuration guides, and SOPs will be posted here for Alexandria ARES members.

Future Development

As VoIP technology continues to evolve, Alexandria ARES is exploring:

• Mobile VoIP solutions for field operations
• Integration with TeamSpeak/Discord for training operations
• Backup internet connectivity via cellular and satellite
• Encrypted VoIP for sensitive communications
• Video conferencing integration with EOC operations

Additional Resources

General VoIP Information

• VoIP Fundamentals: Wikipedia - Voice over IP
• SIP Protocol: Wikipedia - Session Initiation Protocol

Amateur Radio VoIP Networks

• IRLP: irlp.net
• EchoLink: echolink.org
• D-STAR Reflectors: Gateway system for D-STAR digital voice
• Brandmeister DMR: brandmeister.network

Related Technologies

• AREDN: Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network - arednmesh.org
• Broadband Hamnet: High-speed data networks for amateur radio

This page will be updated as Alexandria ARES VoIP systems are deployed and configured. Check back for updates on node numbers, access codes, and operational procedures.