JNOS - J Network Operating System
What is JNOS?
JNOS is part of a family of amateur packet radio, BBS application software that emphasizes networking capability. So, not only does it run AX25, but it also runs a variety of network protocols, built on and including TCP/IP. And, along with the "fancy stuff," there are the basics of Bulletin Board Systems. Message handling, live chats, cross-linking to other stations, and mail box functions, such as mail forwarding, have all been encorporated as standard packet features...
One of the outstanding strengths of JNOS is its Client-Server architecture. This enables the JNOS server to dispatch requests from numerous BBS clients, usually a preset maximum, while continuing to maintain a server console for the station operator or system administrator.
If you want to know what the "J" stands for, you'll have to ask Phil Karn, the original developer of the NOS programs. KA9Q 'made it all happen' for packet radio by "threading" UNIX-like protocols into one software package that would run on a PC. His efforts spawned many "derivative products" that each have their own following right up until today!
JNOS still remains the "Lingua Franca" for most popular radio network nodes, and persists as the paradigm for most of the "cloning" that has engendered a wide range of *NOS derivatives. In fact, JNOS is still under development even now at 2.0.x, although at a slower pace! Experimental features include "hooks" into the APRS system, new protocols for HF work like Pactor, and other networking "niceties" that are enticing many operators to think about turning their "older" machines into hot radio nodes! (You can't say you are true packeteer without having had a little exposure to JNOS. :)
To learn more about how JNOS can get your packet station on the air, see the JNOS index page.
(Remember, this site is dedicated to implementing JNOS on a Linux OS. However, there still may be useful information found on the JNOS index page in regard to configuring the NOS application itself, irrespective of different platforms or Operating Systems.)
(Courtesy KBNorton Computer Services)