Kenwood TM-D710GE - Manual (Page 51)

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APRS Networks 06
Packet Path
It is necessary to confront the issue of frequency congestion due to the spread of APRS systems in order to efficiently
transfer packet data. The TM-D710 supports the configurations of New-N Paradigm, RELAY Paradigm and STATE/
SECTION/REGION. Overall, this provides an efficient mechanism for transferring packets.
New-N Paradigm
Appropriate configuration is required in order to digipeat a packet path (relay route). New-N Paradigm using WIDEn-N
assigns an alias and a relay stage number for digipeaters. This system is mainly used by digipeaters in North America.
Japan is also using this system and it is spreading worldwide.
For example, when you desire three hops, then you can configure TOTAL HOPS: 3. Once configured, you can verify by
using PATH IS VIA WIDE3‑3. Until recently, when a regional digipeater was wanted, RELAY was used but this is being
replaced by WIDE1-1 simply by configuring On via menu selection. Again, you can verify that WIDE1-1 or WIDE2-2 was
used by using PATH IS VIA.
RELAY Paradigm
This is one of the digipeat types used in Europe. The old backwards compatible RELAY technique was included for
some areas that have still not updated to the universal New-N Paradigm using traceable WIDEn-N. It allows the first
hop to be via the RELAY path and then uses TRACEn‑N for subsequent hops. Most of the USA is using the New‑N
Paradigm. But Europe has not yet fully coalesced into a single common system as of this writing.
STATE/ SECTION/ REGION
In contrast to WIDEn‑N which generates packets equally in all directions, you can use STATE/SECTION/REGION to
restrict packets to only be relayed within the specified boundary. Abbreviations, such as two letter AZ for Arizona or
three or four letter abbreviations such as NCA for Northern California, are used to specify the boundary.
Using these limited regions, it is possible for stations to set up special nets under special circumstances to communicate
over large distances without adding interference to other areas not involved. For example, using WIDE5‑5 from the
middle of Maryland would generate hundreds of packets of interference in 13 surrounding states! This is why nothing
larger than WIDE2‑2 is recommended. However, using MD5‑5 from anywhere within the state of Maryland will get from
any corner to every other corner of Maryland (maybe 13 digipeaters total and with no duplications) Thus a special
Maryland APRS net in support of disaster training can be held without bothering surrounding states.