ChatNet does not only require a quality server and connection, but quality administration as well. In our estimation, an IRC ADMIN should know not only how the IRC daemon works, but also how it affects his server. He should know the ins and outs of his operating system. Often we find a user that has recently acquired a shell account feels that they should get a link to ChatNet. The ChatNet administrators are busy people and should not be asked to explain how to set up the shell. We require that all administrators have access to their servers. This access can be through any of these 3 means.

1: You have Root access

2: Physical Access to the machine by you

3: Use of a co-admin who is the "silent partner". This administrator has physical and root access.

Due to the load the IRCD puts on a server, we have rather minimal requirements for a server. These requirements are not etched in stone, nor are they by any means a rule that does not bend. These are more recommendations for the server that is linking to ChatNet.

PROCESSOR: 200MHz

OPERATING SYSTEM: Any UNIX based OS. The ChatNet IRCD has not been nor will it be in the near future ported to Windows NT.

MEMORY: 64MB

As ChatNet expands, we are looking to create not only a well-peered network, but regionally sound network as well. We do not base our server connections solely on the basis of connection. We feel that the location of our servers as well as the rapid transfer of data between our servers makes ChatNet the logical choice for IRC users. ChatNet is not a network of rapid growth. It has stood the test of time. Although ChatNet has felt the pain of growth, it has also reaped the rewards of stability and longevity. At the bottom of this page, we have posted a list of locations where we would like to see new servers.

In joining the ChatNet network, you will be added to the ChatNet random connection server. This server acts as a "round robin" user distribution server. This is to get users introduced to the new server as well as to balance the load on the servers that are already linked. We do not add a new server to lighten the load on the servers that have been here. We add new servers to bring more users to ChatNet. Because of this, we prefer connections from Internet providers and Universities. We prefer companies that have an established user load that will benefit ChatNet. ChatNet does not view being an Administrator as a power trip, rather as the liaison between the server you represent and the users that you are introducing to the network.

Because different areas on the globe have different levels of connectivity as well as user levels, these values vary from location to location. Below are the locations where we are looking for connections. The connection requirements are listed for each region. If there is a requirement for more than one server, it is noted on the list.