A Versatile Tool for Communication
AllStarLink in Everyday and Emergency Communications
AllStarLink is an internet-linked ham radio system that merges traditional RF amateur radio with VoIP networking. It allows local repeaters, hotspots, or personal stations to link across distances using the internet as a backbone. When applied wisely, it vastly increases coverage. When over-relied on, it can add brittle elements to your comms.
Understanding AllStarLink’s mechanics, reliability, and placement in a redundancy-driven PACE plan is vital for preparedness-minded hams.
What AllStarLink Actually Does
At its foundation, AllStarLink uses open-source Asterisk PBX with the app_rpt module to form nodes—repeaters, remote bases, or hotspots—that connect via peer-to-peer VoIP for full-duplex voice. With over 45,000 nodes worldwide, it supports hardware like Raspberry Pi setups wired to radios, enabling global links.
In standard operation, this enables:
- A handheld or base radio to extend beyond local RF
- Nets to cover continents
- Fluid coordination minus HF variables
Simply put: local RF + VoIP = broad-area voice comms.
Daily, Non-Emergency Use
In routine ham practice, AllStarLink supports:
- Global and regional nets
- Group training and coordination
- Extended QSOs sidestepping HF propagation
- Activating quiet repeaters
For hams, it functions as:
- A community gateway
- A net etiquette trainer
- A reliable fallback for suboptimal HF
Employing it daily isn’t “unprepared”—as long as dependencies are mapped.
The Preparedness Reality: Internet Dependency
AllStarLink relies on internet components:
- Node backhaul
- Peer or server links
- Power and ISP uptime
Hence, it’s not a frontline disaster system in severe scenarios.
But—critically—it retains utility in many crises.
When It Still Works During Disasters
AllStarLink can persist when:
- Your zone is affected, but
- A connected node operates elsewhere
Examples:
- Local outages occur, but a node uses generators and stable internet
- A disaster strikes regionally, while a distant hub endures
- RF remains viable amid partial infrastructure loss
In such situations, AllStarLink delivers:
- External situational intel
- Ties to outside aid
- Emergency net participation
This renders it a contingent resource, not a certainty.
AllStarLink in Focus: Practical Aspects That Matter
From a preparedness viewpoint, AllStarLink:
- Offers peer-to-peer for low latency and crisp audio
- Highly adaptable for custom nodes (e.g., Pi-based hotspots)
- Boasts distributed resilience for sustained ops
- Supports cloud hosting for mobile or backup redundancy
It excels in structured, quality-focused linking.
PACE Communications Planning: Where It Fits
In a pragmatic PACE plan:
- Primary: Simplex/local RF
- Alternate: Independent repeaters
- Contingency: Linked nodes (AllStarLink)
- Emergency: HF or non-net systems
AllStarLink fits Contingency:
- Effective when up
- Abandoned promptly if offline
- Never taken for granted
Savvy operators drill with it and without.
Preparedness Takeaway (PACE Lens)
AllStarLink:
- ✔ Amplifies range over RF bounds
- ✔ Valuable in initial or limited disruptions
- ❌ Fades when internet erodes
In a fortified plan:
- Simplex/local handles core duties
- AllStarLink extends while feasible
- HF intervenes on net failures
It’s an enhancer, not a foundation.
AllStarLink vs EchoLink — Functional Comparison
| Feature | AllStarLink | EchoLink |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | VoIP node linking with Asterisk flexibility | User/repeater bridging via apps/PC |
| Access Methods | RF node, DTMF, DVSwitch apps | RF repeater, smartphone/PC, direct |
| End-User Internet Access | Yes (apps, cloud) | Yes (apps, clients) |
| Linking Control | Peer-to-peer, configurable | Server-centric, open |
| Typical Network Size | 45,000+ nodes | 350,000+ users |
| Ease of Entry | Moderate (setup required) | Very easy (app-focused) |
| Abuse / Congestion Risk | Lower (decentralized) | Higher (central) |
| Typical Use Style | Organized nets (e.g., Alaska Morning) | Casual, broad QSOs |
AllStarLink vs EchoLink — Preparedness & Disaster Use
| Consideration | AllStarLink | EchoLink |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Dependency | High | High |
| Reliance on Central Servers | No | Yes |
| Local Power Dependency | Yes (node + ISP) | Yes (repeater + ISP) |
| Works if Local Area Is Down | Sometimes (RF + remote) | Sometimes (same) |
| Works if Linked Node Is Outside Disaster Zone | Yes | Yes |
| Predictability Under Stress | Higher | Lower |
| Suitability for PACE Layer | Contingency | Contingency |
| Replacement for HF | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Risk if Assumed as Primary | High | High |
When Each Makes Sense (Quick Decision Guide)
Choose AllStarLink when:
- You prioritize audio clarity and node customization
- You design for repeater/hotspot durability
- You conduct formal nets or seek peer stability
- You invest in setup for robust crisis extension
Choose EchoLink when:
- You need instant, app-centric entry
- You aim for massive user pools and casual ties
- You’re onboarding beginners or emphasizing mobility
- You anticipate quicker drops in total failures
Bottom Line
AllStarLink is a powerful contingency tool for extending ham radio’s reach in both daily ops and partial disruptions, but treat it as a bridge—not a lifeboat—in your preparedness strategy.