As you may know, AllStarLink operates on the concept of node numbers, and, similar to telephone numbers, these node numbers are a finite resource. As AllStarLink continues to experience rapid growth, administrative changes are needed. AllStarLink is making two changes to its policies around node numbers that will impact some users of the AllStarLink system. Please read this carefully.
Reclamation of Unused Five-Digit Node Numbers
Beginning on April 3, 2026, AllStarLink is implementing a policy of reclaiming five-digit node numbers that have not been used in at least 24 months. This includes five-digit node numbers that have been extended to “NNX” six-digit numbers where all NNX numbers are also dormant. If you no longer use AllStarLink or no longer plan to use these node numbers, simply do nothing and they will be reclaimed automatically with no further action on your part. If you want to keep a node number, please put the five-digit node number or one of the NNX numbers back online by April 2, 2026. Doing so will mark your node as active and no longer eligible for reclamation.
Issuance of Random, Non-Sequential Node Numbers
Soon, in conjunction with ongoing data cleanup and node reclamation, node numbers will no longer be assigned in sequence. Node numbers will be assigned randomly from any available number between 20000 to 29999 and 40000 and 69999. Number beginning with “3” will still signify EchoLink connections.
Issuance of Five-Digit Node Numbers Starting with “7”
At the current rate of sequential issuance, leaving aside the reclamation work above, the projection is for AllStarLink to have issued all node numbers starting with "2", "4", "5", and "6" sometime in mid-2026. Reclaiming the unused node numbers will help, but at some point AllStarLink will start allocating nodes starting with “7”. This is important because some versions of HamVOIP include special handling of node numbers that begin with a "7", specifically associating those with IRLP nodes. IRLP has never welcomed cross-network linking, has in the past specifically requested that ASL not interlink, and actively looks for and blocks cross-network linking. AllStarLink itself has never supported this special handling. To minimize connectivity issues between ASL 7xxxx nodes and HamVOIP nodes/servers, AllStarLink suggests upgrading legacy HamVOIP installations to ASL3 as soon as practical.
Technical Questions & Account Help
As always, technical help is available at https://community.allstarilnk.org. Assistance with account logins can be send to helpdesk@allstarlink.net.
sincerely,
The AllStarLink Infrastructure Team