Updated: 06/10/2023
I. Overview
All UnifiedChat Network server applications must be accompanied by authorization to run an IRC server. This authorization must come from the owner of the machine (if the applicant is not the owner). “Root” access to the machine from which the server is run is not required but first person contact to the person(s) with “root” access is required (either by phone/email/etc.). UnifiedChat Network *WILL* verify that these conditions are met. Administrators are encourage to read ALL of the requirements before applying for a testlink. Failure to do so will consist of the dismissal of the application. Upon receiving the completed application a discussion of the server will be held between the members of UnifiedChat. After which, a vote will be held on whether to grant a testlink to the network. The entire process will not exceed seven (7) days, at which time the applicant will be alerted as to the results of the vote.
II. Server Requirements
All potential UnifiedChat servers must meet certain hardware standards in order to ensure their performance on the UnifiedChat network. The machine does NOT need to be dedicated to IRC, although it is preferred. The hardware requirements will differ slightly in the case that the machine is not dedicated. These differences can be seen in brackets.
a) Machine/Hardware Requirements
Processor: Modern system
Memory: 1 Gig RAM or better
Operating System: Any linux Distro (Debian 11/12 is preferred) unlike Ubuntu that has too many kernel updates) choice is yours of course
IRCD: Unreal 6.1.1
Ports: 6667 (client) & 6697 (ssl) must be made available.
Uptime: The server must run as close to 24 hours a day/7 days a week as possible.
Machine: VPS are acceptable granted above meets the minimum requirements
No Windows Boxes allowed
No IRCD/Shell allowed
b) Connectivity
Servers applying are required to have at least 100 Mbps or faster connection to the internet. In addition the server should have minimum outgoing bandwidth of 100 Mbit/sec.
III. Administrator Requirements
The applying administrator must have a basic knowledge of UNIX and the running of an IRC server. This includes, but is not limited to, use of the C compiler and associated utilities used in compiling of the server software, basic understanding of the configuration file, understanding of the various compile time options included in the server software. Assistance with the compiling and configuration of the server will be offered if it is required but the UnifiedChat Network staff members will not “hold the hand” of the testlink applicant.
IV. Testlink Details
Upon receiving information from the UnifiedChat Server Application form regarding the approval of a testlink the applicant has seven (7) days in which to contact UnifiedChat. If the applicant fails to do so the testlink offer will be retracted and a new application will be necessary.
Upon receiving the applicants response regarding the testlink a meeting between the applicant and UnifiedChat will be arranged at which time the server software will be distributed (along with other necessary linking information) will be exchanged.
The testlink will last for a period of no less than thirty (30) days. During which the performance of the server will be evaluated. After the standard period of the testlink has expired the members of UnifiedChat will again vote and one of three options will be decided, full linking of the server, extension of the testlink period by an agreed time frame, or the delinking of the server from the network.
During the testlink period the server may have a maximum of 2 (1) global IRC operator. This includes the O line of the administrator. any IRC operators which are part of a testlink server may not request a “back-up” O line on another server. Training for the new IRC operators along with the administrator of the server will be carried out but no global access to the service bots will be given.