This page features extracts from the official IRLP website:  https://www.irlp.net/

The Aim of IRLP

The aim of this project is to reliably and inexpensively link amateur radio systems without the use of RF links, leased lines, or satellites.

The IRLP uses Voice-Over-IP (VoIP) custom software and hardware.  Coupled with the power of the Internet, IRLP will link your repeater site or simplex station to the world in a simple and cost effective way. 

 IRLP operates a worldwide network of dedicated servers and nodes offering very stable worldwide voice communications between hundreds of towns and cities.

Beginnings

The Internet Radio Linking Project was started back in November of 1997 as an attempt to use the internet to link radio systems across Canada. The first full time link that was established ran from Vancouver, BC to Saint John, NB. The link had many problems and was shut down in March of 1998 due to the numerous computer crashes and repeater lockups it was causing, and the lack of user control over the system.

How operators use IRLP

Essentially, voice repeaters around the world that were previously isolated for local use only can be connected to some computer hardware that can link to the internet and onwards to another repeater somewhere else in the world.  Each linked repeater is called a Node and is assigned a unique 4 digit number.  Operators with a mobile or home radio don’t require any special equipment.  Just a DTMF microphone on their rig.   As of 2025 there are 918 active IRLP nodes around the world.

An operator at one repeater can dial the access code for another repeater using a DTMF keypad. 

(for details about DTMF visit this tile: https://thisisamateurradio.com/p66-dtmf-control-tones/   )

 A temporary link is then made between those repeaters.  At the end of a contact the code 73 can be issued to release the link.  It is a great way to maintain contact with a home town repeater when travelling abroad.

Here is a YouTube clip by VA3GPH demonstrating how to make an IRLP connection:

IRLP has Reflectors

Stations wishing to communicate with 3 or more nodes at the same time may accomplish this by connecting to what is called an IRLP Reflector. Reflectors are a type of conferencing system. Most reflectors on the network have 10 channels (0–9) with channel 0 being the main channel.

Interactive IRLP Map

Liam Cotie ZL2DEV has created a user friendly interactive map showing current links in progress around the world.  This may be accessed here:  https://irlp.liamcottle.net/

Finding Nodes

The IRLP website has a directory of IRLP nodes by country.  Visit https://www.irlp.net/status/index.php?PSTART=5

As of 2025 There are currently 74 repeater nodes active in Australia

https://irlp.net/status/?PSTART=5&country=15