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laforge, 10/11/2019 07:42 PM

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h1. RetroBBS
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This project is about re-creating the experience of telephone/modem based BBSs and BBS networks such as FidoNet, Z-Netz and UUCP/UseNet.  It is hence a retro-computing project, but the focus is not necessarily to run the exact same software on the exact same operating systems and hardware that was used back then.
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Rather, the focus is on recreating the experience, and showcasing as well as explaining the technologies.  We are not afraid to mix it with modern technology.
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The project will
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* collect software and hardware used for circuit-switched telecommunication, including Modems, ISDN-TAs, RAS servers, BBS Software, Terminal Programs, etc.
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* build a physical setup of telephone network, modems, BBSs, points, ... that can be demonstrated at events such as vintage-computing festivals or CCC congresses
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* document the items of our collection as well as the physical setup on-line so people can read up about and explore related technology
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* as far as possible, run permanent installations of some of the technologies involved, either using modems over SIP/G.711 or telnet based access
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We want to cover analog modems and ISDN on the hardware side, as well as all major network technologies on the software side, such as FTN, ZConnect and UUCP
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h2. History
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This project started around the 34th annual CCC congress, where LaF0rge (osmocom.org project founder) gave a talk about BBSs and early internet access in the 1990ies, a recording of which can be found at https://media.ccc.de/v/34c3-9034-bbss_and_early_internet_access_in_the_1990ies
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Unfortuantely not all too much has happened in the following 18 months or so, but at least a growing collection of related POTS + ISDN hardware has been put together, and in October 2019 the first modem connections over the PBX were made, as well as a SynchroNET BBS installation put together.
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h2. Index
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