What AWZNode is
AWZNode is a Linux node software built for the world of amateur packet radio. Based on LinuxNode by Tomi Manninen (OH2BNS) and FlexNode by Roy (PE1RJA), AWZNode extended and improved these foundations to deliver a complete and reliable multi-protocol node, used by amateur radio operators across Italy and Europe.
Features
AWZNode allows connected users to reach all available nodes through the main packet radio network protocols:
- AX.25 — the base packet radio protocol, derived from X.25
- NET/ROM — network-layer routing for AX.25 networks
- ROSE — X.25-over-radio network protocol
- FlexNet — a network protocol developed in Germany for high-performance packet networks
- TCP/IP — interconnection with the Internet
The software acted as an access and routing point: a radio amateur would connect to the AWZNode via radio and from there could reach other nodes, BBS systems, DX clusters and other packet network services, sending messages and digital files across all supported amateur radio networks.
Civil protection and local authorities
AWZNode’s ability to route messages and files over radio networks independent of the telephone infrastructure made it particularly suited to emergency communications. The system was used in collaboration with Civil Protection agencies and local authorities to provide data connectivity when conventional networks were down or overloaded. Support for all major packet protocols allowed interconnection of heterogeneous stations and nodes, creating flexible and resilient emergency networks.
Historical context
Between the late 1990s and early 2000s, packet radio was the primary amateur data network, a predecessor to modern digital systems such as APRS and Winlink. Linux nodes were the backbone of the infrastructure, and AWZNode joined this tradition by adding features and stability to the LinuxNode codebase.
The software was distributed through the ftp.funet.fi FTP archive at the University of Helsinki — the main European repository for open source software at the time. Thanks to its wide adoption, AWZNode was also included in Linux distributions such as Slackware and Debian.
noze’s role
AWZNode was developed by Stefano Noferi, founder of noze, under the amateur radio callsign IZ5AWZ (hence the project name).
Released versions
- v0.3a — first public release
- v0.3b — bugfixes and improvements
- v0.4-pre2 — last available version
License
AWZNode is distributed under the GNU General Public License v2.0 (GPL-2.0), consistent with the LinuxNode it derives from.
Project status
The project is no longer in active development. Historical releases are available on the ftp.funet.fi archive.