GRDN provides different forms of network access.
Individual Tunnel
A /32 allocation provides a single private IPv4 address. This is intended for an individual device, router, gateway or small deployment. A /32 tunnel is the simplest way to connect to GRDN.
Typical users:
- Individual radio operators
- Portable stations
- Single gateways
- Remote nodes
- Experimental stations
- Individual servers
A user might have a GRDN address and establish a tunnel to a GRDN network gateway. This tunnel provides connectivity without requiring the user to manage a larger routed network.
Advantages:
- Simple to configure
- Minimal address requirements
- Easy to deploy
- Suitable for individual users
- Ideal for portable or temporary stations
- Lower administrative overhead
For most individual users, /32 access will be the standard option.
Multiple Addresses
A subnet allocation can provide multiple addresses that can be used by an organisation or network operator. The size of the allocation depends on the number of systems and sites that need to be connected.
Subnet allocations are intended for users operating infrastructure such as:
- Regional radio networks
- Radio clubs
- Multiple gateways
- Repeater networks
- Packet-radio networks
- Emergency communications groups
- Network service providers
- Universities
- Research projects
- Regional GRDN infrastructure
Choosing the Correct Allocation
The basic principle is:
- One device or one small station → /32
- Multiple networked systems → subnet
- Regional or organisational infrastructure → larger subnet
Users should request the smallest allocation that meets their actual requirements. GRDN may increase an allocation where there is a demonstrated technical requirement.
Growth
A user does not need to request a large subnet simply because they might need one in the future.
A typical deployment can grow progressively:
- Stage 1 /32 Individual tunnel
- Stage 2 /29 Small gateway/site
- Stage 3 /28 or /27 Club or multi-service deployment
- Stage 4 /24 or larger, Regional infrastructure
This allows GRDN address space to be used efficiently while allowing successful projects to expand. It provides a simple entry point for individual users while allowing GRDN to scale into a distributed international network of interconnected radio and data infrastructure.