KernWi-Fi engineers carrier-grade Yaesu IMRS network

KernWi-Fi, a South Australian independent telco, says it has successfully delivered Australia’s first carrier-grade Yaesu IMRS (Internet-linked Multi-Repeater System) network, setting what it says is a new benchmark for amateur radio infrastructure in the VK Australian region. The deployment combines enterprise-grade networking principles via the Kern Network with amateur radio technology, to create a robust, scalable and secure IP backbone for repeater linking, the company said.

Amateur radio has traditionally relied on RF-only linking or basic IP solutions with limited security and redundancy. KernWi-Fi’s approach introduces carrier-grade architecture, leveraging EoIP, OSPF and BGP routing protocols, VLAN segmentation, and advanced firewall policies to provide reliability and security.

“This project demonstrates how enterprise networking principles can transform amateur radio infrastructure,” said Phil Kern, Director of KernWi-Fi. “By applying carrier-grade standards, we’ve created a system that is secure, resilient and future-ready for the VK Australian community.

“Our approach integrates advanced routing protocols like EoIP, OSPF and BGP, ensuring dynamic failover and optimal traffic management across multiple repeater sites. We implemented VLAN segmentation and strict firewall policies to isolate voice traffic, which significantly enhances security and reliability.

“This design not only improves uptime but also simplifies remote monitoring and maintenance, reducing operational overhead. Most importantly, it provides a scalable foundation for future expansions, whether adding new repeaters or integrating emerging digital modes. It’s a blueprint for how amateur radio can evolve using proven enterprise-grade technologies.”

This is the first time such an approach has been implemented for Yaesu IMRS in Australia, making it a milestone for both the amateur radio community and network engineering professionals.

The IMRS network spans multiple VK Australian repeater sites, interconnected via secure EoIP tunnels. Audio traffic is prioritised using QoS policies, while firewall rules block non-essential traffic. The architecture supports future scalability, allowing additional repeaters or digital modes to be integrated without compromising performance.

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