[arm-allstar] Monitor Several Nodes without becoming a large node

[David McGough]

Hi Josh,

Currently, you can connect the central "monitoring node" to the other
nodes in "monitor only" mode; which is typically accessed in HamVoIP using
*2 (ilink,2) or *72 (ilink,12).  This will do what you want, as long as
you're very, VERY careful!  ----If you accidentally connect your
"monitoring node" to another node using a normal connection (using *3 or
*73), everything (audio and telemetry) will get sent to this node with the 
normal connection....Typically undesirable for several reasons!

When connected in "monitor only" mode, the Links List telemetry is sent to 
all nodes in the network as well, which will typically get your 
"monitoring node" quickly disconnected from large networks, since it's 
very easy to accidentally cause network loops, as well as always using a 
lot more network bandwidth, sending the excessive Links List data around 
to everyone.

There are some kludgey and complex methods some users have developed to
avoid the "monitor only" shortcomings--for example, using the chan_usrp
driver to avoid sending the Links Lists and other excess telemetry.  I 
think these methods work, but are tedious to setup and maintain (so I 
won't go into more details).

I agree that some new connection methods are needed, to handle these types
of use cases (and some others, too).  I have this need as well, since
frequently I monitor a handful of different systems simultaneously.


73, David K4FXC



On Sun, 12 Mar 2023, David McGough via ARM-allstar wrote:

> 
> 
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2023 15:30:35 -0500
> From: Josh Hatton <joshsrpro at gmail.com>
> To: ARM Allstar <arm-allstar at hamvoip.org>
> Subject: Monitor Several Nodes without becoming a large node
> 
> 
> Inquiry for the long-time node/system builders:
> Searched the forum; maybe I didn't use the right keywords.
> ----
> What is the "preferred way" to monitor more than 1 node at once (using a
> home node/hotspot), without tying all those nodes traffic together?
> 
> Doesn't seem like a monitor mode only for each node from the home node
> will suffice.  I would become a hub for all systems, it seems
> 
> See attached graphic.
> Any thoughts and input appreciated.
> 
> Thanks 73
> Josh W4ZZK
> 
> 
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