As it's name implies, the Internet Radio Linking Project makes use of the Internet as a communications backbone to facilitate Amateur Radio communications. With this technology, we can provide instant, on-demand linking with one or more repeaters worldwide. The Internet Radio Linking Project (IRLP) allows amateurs to link radio systems separated by long distance without the use of expensive leased lines, satellites, or controllers.
IRLP allows communications using your HT, mobile or base FM transceiver to any location in the world that has an IRLP node.
All local (and linked) users will be able to participate in an IRLP QSO via the Internet to any place in the world where a node exists through a reflector (a group, or party line) or node-to-node (single point-to-point) connection.
IRLP is the brainchild of Dave Cameron, VE7LTD of Vancouver BC. IRLP is the abbreviation used for the Internet Radio Linking Project which Dave developed over the past several years. In 1998 Dave became frustrated with the unreliable operation of the Windows based Voice over IP software. All Windows based amateur linking software used VOX and were not secure from non-amateur access. The IRLP network uses a digital switching concept and produces an instant and secure link between licensed repeaters around the world. The hardware and software is constantly being upgraded and enhanced with new features.
But is it DX?
No not really, it doesn't have the challenge of sending your signal around the world! It is often referred to as "armchair DX" because it's so easy. However it is not DX by any of the traditional definitions. While you may have conversations with stations around the world, your radio signal is only traveling as far as the local repeater. Contacts made do not qualify for any awards or Field Day with the ARRL. Most stations will not send QSL's for IRLP contacts, although some are using electronic QSL's (visit http://eqsl.net/qslcard/). Although not DX, it has some of the flavor of working DX! You may be talking with stations in different countries, time zones or hemispheres. It simply is a way to expand our reach using the Internet. So if you like to ragchew, this is a way to reach more hams. So please put this in perspective and enjoy it for what it is!
IRLP versus other linking systems
Unlike some systems that allow users access from a PC with minimal if any security, IRLP uses a 100% authentication system (PGP) to assure the connecting nodes are authenticated and authorized to transmit on the amateur bands. This provides security from hackers and non-amateur PC access. Although the IRLP uses the Internet., it maximizes radio activity. The philosophy behind IRLP is to require a radio at each end of a connection.
There are other systems that can be used to link Amateur Radio operators using Internet Voice over IP technology. If you are one of those who would rather sit in front of a PC and talk talk to other like minded users, please check out the other systems.
IRLP has a different implementation philosophy from other Internet. linking systems.
IRLP
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Uses Linux, a small, fast, reliable, freeware operating system.
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Uses modern cryptographic authentication (PGP) for a node to connect.
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Requires the use of a radio to enter the system on both ends.
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Promotes increased use of Amateur Radio.
Others
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Uses Windows, a commercial operating system prone to CPU lockups.
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Allows for the possibility of unauthenticated users from a PC to access a transmitter.
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The node trustee is responsible for transmitter use by unlicensed PC users.
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Allows for communications without a radio.
Similarities between IRLP and other systems
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Use the Internet. to connect Radio Amateurs around the world.
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Use Voice over IP technology for linking.
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Require a computer, operating system and an additional hardware interface.
It is our opinion that the nature of the IRLP system, where a radio must be used at both ends of the contact, helps promote Amateur Radio. No computer, special equipment or software is required by the end-users, all you need is a radio! The fact that it runs on a more reliable operating system was key in our choice of the IRLP system.
Since IRLP does not offer the ability to connect a computer user into the network, a group got together and figured out how to integrate IRLP and EchoLink so that and IRLP could access both networks, thus was born EchoIRLP. Now IRLP nodes could be used to call systems on the IRLP network AND the EchoLink network and vice versa. Because most IRLP node owners don't agree with using computers as the point of communication, EchoIRLP offers the ability to block computer users from connecting to the node; however, there is the ability to override this block on a per user basis. In this way, any RF linked EchoLink node can be allowed access to an EchoIRLP node and any node member who is on travel can use a PC to connect to the node.
When using EchoLink (via EchoIRLP) to connect to other repeaters, be prepared to hear things you don't normally hear while using IRLP. Things such as the remote repeater IDs during quiet times, remote repeater courtesy tones when you unkey on the local repeater, long hangtimes from the remote repeater. Beyond these differences, EchoIRLP works the same as IRLP. | 
