AREDN Resources

AREDN beginner resources

What Is AREDN?
An introduction to the Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network and the reasons radio amateurs build high-speed, independent TCP/IP networks.  Start here for a general understanding of what AREDN does and how it differs from ordinary Internet service.

Why AREDN?
Explains the practical advantages of AREDN, including high-speed data links, inexpensive commercial wireless hardware, mesh routing, and support for familiar network applications.  It also describes the role AREDN can play in emergency communications and community networking.

AREDN Beginner’s Guide
A practical introduction to building a first AREDN setup, choosing basic equipment, and connecting with nearby operators.  It helps translate the larger documentation set into a more approachable starting plan.

Getting Started Guide
The main step-by-step path for selecting compatible hardware, obtaining the correct firmware, installing it, and completing the initial node configuration.  New users should work through these pages in order.

Selecting Radio Hardware
Explains the types of radios, routers, antennas, frequency bands, and installation styles used for AREDN.  It helps users distinguish between indoor access devices, sector nodes, directional point-to-point links, and other common hardware choices.

Supported Devices
The current compatibility list for radio and router models supported by AREDN firmware.  Check the exact manufacturer, model, and hardware revision before purchasing equipment, because visually similar devices may require different firmware or may not be supported.

AREDN Firmware Selector
An interactive tool for selecting the correct firmware image for a specific supported device.  Using the wrong image can prevent installation or require a recovery procedure, so beginners should use this rather than guessing from filenames.

Downloading AREDN Firmware
Explains the available firmware image types and how to obtain the correct file for a first installation or later upgrade.  The required image depends on both the device and whether it is still running factory firmware or already running AREDN.

Installing AREDN Firmware
Provides device-specific installation instructions and explains the differences between factory installation, upgrades, and recovery procedures.  Read the entire section for the selected device before beginning the installation.

Firstboot Node Setup
Walks through the initial configuration performed after AREDN firmware starts for the first time.  This includes creating an administrative password, assigning a properly formatted node name, entering location information, and selecting the radio settings used by the local mesh.

Node Status Display
Explains the node’s main status page, including neighboring nodes, link types, signal information, routes, and advertised services.  Learning to read this page is essential for confirming that a node has connected successfully and evaluating the quality of its links.

Node Administration Guide
A reference for the node’s administrative interface and its radio, network, service, location, firmware, and security settings.  Beginners can use it to understand each option, but should avoid changing unfamiliar settings simply to experiment.

AREDN Services Overview
Introduces the applications and network services that can operate across an AREDN mesh, including web servers, chat, VoIP telephony, file sharing, cameras, mapping tools, and weather information.  AREDN transports standard TCP/IP traffic, while the applications generally run on computers, phones, servers, cameras, or other devices connected to the nodes.

AREDN Acronyms List
Defines the abbreviations commonly encountered throughout the documentation and node interface.  It is a useful reference for terms such as DtD, PoE, RF, WAN, LAN, SNR, and various AREDN-specific features.