To authenticate with AustNet securely and seamlessly before you even finish connecting to the server, you can use SASL (Simple Authentication and Security Layer). SASL passes your credentials during the initial connection handshake, allowing the server to automatically apply your registered NickOP account and user modes before you enter any public channels.
1. Configuring SASL in HexChat
- Open your Network List (
Ctrl+S), select AustNet, and click Edit. - Look for the dropdown menu labeled Login method (or Server password / SASL).
- Change the method from Default or NickServ to SASLEXTERNAL or Plain (username/password) depending on your client version.
- Enter your registered NickOP account name in the Account / Username box and your password in the Password box.
- Ensure SSL is enabled on port
6697and click Close.
2. Configuring SASL in mIRC
- Open the servers window (Alt+O > Connect > Servers) and edit your AustNet entry.
- Click on the Advanced or Login tab if available, or configure the connection string via network properties.
- In mIRC, you can explicitly configure SASL using command-line triggers in your server list or via the server options:
Plaintext
/server irc.austnet.org +6697 your_password -i your_account
- Alternatively, navigate to your network login preferences and check Enable SASL authentication, inputting your NickOP account credentials.
3. Configuring SASL in irssi
Irssi supports SASL natively through network property settings, ensuring your password is never sent in plaintext over public chat channels.
- Adding SASL to your network profile:
Plaintext
/network add -sasl_mechanism PLAIN -sasl_username YourAccount -sasl_password YourPassword AustNet
- Ensure your server entry uses SSL:
Plaintext
/server add -auto -ssl -ssl_verify -port 6697 irc.austnet.org AustNet
4. Configuring SASL in The Lounge
If you are hosting or using The Lounge as a web-based client:
- Click Add Network in your connection settings.
- Fill in the network name (
AustNet) and server address (irc.austnet.org:6697). - Check the box for Use SSL.
- Scroll down to the Authentication section, select SASL (Plain) as the mechanism, and enter your NickOP account name and password in the respective fields.
5. Configuring SASL in ZNC (Bouncer)
If you use a ZNC bouncer to stay connected to AustNet 24/7:
- Log into your ZNC web panel or use client-side commands via
/msg *status addnetwork AustNet. - Add the AustNet server:
/msg *status addserver AustNet irc.austnet.org +6697. - Configure your ZNC user authentication module for the network so it handles the SASL handshake with AustNet's servers on behalf of your connecting chat clients:
Plaintext
/msg *sasl set AustNet YourAccount YourPassword PLAIN