Knowledgebase · About IRC & AustNet

The difference between IRC operators and channel operators

Updated 8 Sep 2026 Support Operations

Network operators (IRC ops) manage the network infrastructure. Channel operators manage individual channels. What each can and cannot do.

About AustNet

AustNet is an Australian IRC network. A brief history, what makes it different, and who runs it.

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AustNet services: NickOP, ChanOP, and HelpOP explained

NickOP manages nickname registrations, ChanOP manages channel registrations, and HelpOP provides in-network help. How each one works.

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Finding channels to join on AustNet

Browse the public channel list at austnet.org/channels, use /list in your client, or join #help to ask for recommendations.

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How AustNet is structured: servers and routing

AustNet runs InspIRCd. How IRC servers link together, what irc.austnet.org resolves to, and what to do if one server is unreachable.

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