What is AllStar in Amateur Radio?

What is AllStar in Amateur Radio?

AllStar is a way of linking FM amateur radios to AllStar nodes so that digital voice is sent using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). This enables a hand held FM amateur radio to link with an AllStar node anywhere in the world. With AllStar it is possible to connect with FM repeaters which are connected to AllStar globally. Through them radio amateurs can contact with other radio amateurs on those repeaters. The nodes are Linux-based computer systems running a specific open source software for the purpose.

AllStarLink is a non-profit organization which promotes public use of this technology. For affiliation with AllStarLink, the repeater system must be either fully open to use by all radio amateurs or at least partially open without subscription. Fully private repeater systems cannot be affiliated to AllStarLink. At this moment when I am writing this post, there are  29,429 users and 28,701 nodes according to the AllStarLink website. Primary use of AllStarLink is as a dedicated computer node wired to a repeater or radio. Connections from EchoLink, other VoIP clients and telephone calls are supported. Obviously, one should follow the regional regulations while enabling such facilities, which may not be allowed in some jurisdictions.