We have long been interested in Data Networking and Amateur Radio. One of our projects this past year has been to build a Homelab. This project builds on the fiber optic-based data network and includes a high-availability virtual server setup. These interests made our recent inclusion of AREDN (Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network) network capability in our station a natural addition. This post explains how we got started with AREDN.
AREDN Frequencies
ARDEN provides high-speed Mesh Networking and related services using Amateur radio links in the 900 MHz UHF and several microwave bands. AREDN networks are built using commercial data networking equipment and RF data linking gear, which runs software provided by the AREDN development team. The hardware uses inexpensive routers and RF linking nodes from several vendors, including MikroTik and Ubiquity. The AREDN system is well-documented, and it is not hard to get started.
Fortunately, several experts are working to build AREDN networks here in New England. I have gotten to know Jay, K1EHZ, a local expert who has helped me get started. Jay is president of the Merrimack Valley Amateur Radio Association, which devotes considerable time to building an AREDN network here in New Hampshire and training local Amateurs to use it.
First Steps
The AREDN network in New England links several DMR and other repeaters to create the New England Emergency Communications Network (NEDCN), which provides emergency and other communications services. The AREDN network offers a mix of RF-based and Internet Tunnel-based links.
AREDN Tunnel Router – MikroTik hAP ac lite
RF linking is not yet available in our area (although it is coming soon), so we began with an AREDN tunnel node that Jay has provided. The hardware used for our tunnel node is an inexpensive router from MicroTik. It uses a connection to the Internet provided via our home network to create a Wireguard tunnel to Jay’s node, which is part of the AREDN network here in New Hampshire. The router also has a Power over Ethernet (PoE) port, which can power and connect an RF linking device when RF coverage becomes available in our area.
A computer with a web browser is connected to one of the router’s LAN ports. The connected computer has access to all nodes on the worldwide AREDN system and the Internet via our in-house Internet router and the associated fiber Internet connection.
Accessing The Local AREDN Network
AREDN Tunnel Node Interface
You can use your web browser to access the AREDN network. The home page for our Tunnel Node is shown above. Each AREDN node has a similar interface, which can be used to configure the node and navigate the worldwide AREDN network. We can see more of the local mesh by clicking on the Mesh Icon (the grid icon on the left side of the web interface).
Local AREDN Mesh Network
Here, we can see all the nodes in our local mesh network. Each node can provide links to other nodes in the network and may offer AREDN-delivered services such as a Network Chart, VOIP Conferencing, eMail and Winlink services, and more.
Integrating AREDN Into Our Home Network
Our Home Network Dashboard
We use a networking and firewall system from Ubiquity. The Ubiquity Unifi system provides central management of Virtual LANs (VLANs) that divide our physical ethernet and WiFi network into independent Virtual LANs. We use these capabilities to integrate AREDN into our home network.
AREDN Integration Into Our Home Network
We use three VLANs on our Home Network to integrate AREDN. The table below shows the VLANs that we use and what they do:
| VLAN | ID | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Ham VLAN (Green) | 30 | Provide Internet Access for Wireguard Tunnels to Local Mesh and Other Nodes |
| AREDN LAN (Blue) | 110 | Access to AREDN Mesh and The Internet via AREDN Local Subnet Addresses |
| AREDN DtD VLAN (Red) | 2 | Provide Device to Device Access between Local AREDN Routers and RF Linking Devices |
We extend the AREDN LAN (Blue VLAN) to include a unique WiFi SSID for AREDN access via wireless devices within our home.
Future Projects – What’s Next?
AREDN Supernode Mesh
We are working on or planning several additional AREDN projects here. They include:
- Implementing an AREDN Supernode for our Local Mesh Network to provide worldwide access to other AREN Mesh Networks
- Upgrading our Tunnel Router to faster, higher-capacity hardware
- Add a 5 GHz RF link to our Local Mesh Network
- Adding sectorized RF connections for access to the AREDN network in our area
- Adding services to our Local Mesh Network. Plans include a Stratum 1 NTP Time Source, a Website, email services, and possibly a VoIP PBX. These will be provided via the high-availability server infrastructure in our Homelab.
- Access to a local video camera
The first two projects above have already been completed. We’ll soon add additional articles to cover them.
Fred, AB1OC
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