Guides, policies, and troubleshooting help

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

What is and is not permitted on AustNet, from general communication and community channels through to prohibited content and activities.

AustNet does not monitor channel content and strongly advises parental supervision for minors. What channel owners are responsible for.

Bots may be used for channel management, trivia, logs, and legitimate services. What is not permitted: mass messaging, cloning, and flooding.

A plain-language summary of the most important AustNet rules covering conduct, content, bots, cloning, and ban circumvention.

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

How IRC hostmasks work, writing effective ban masks with wildcards, and why banning only a nickname is usually not enough.

Updating the email linked to your nickname, the confirmation step required, and what happens if the change does not complete.

How to change your NickOP password using /NickOP SET PASSWORD, and what to do if you have forgotten your current password.

Every channel mode available on AustNet including +i, +k, +m, +n, +R, +s, +t, +z, flood protection modes, and how to set them.

Using a VPN, proxy, or alternate IP to bypass a network ban is a breach of the AUP and will result in extended or permanent removal.

AustNet permits a maximum of two simultaneous connections from one IP. Bots count toward this limit - request an exemption via #ASD if needed.

AustNet allows a maximum of two simultaneous connections from the same host or IP. Exceptions for LAN parties and approved bots.

Adding AustNet to HexChat, setting your nickname, enabling SSL on port 6697, and auto-identifying with NickOP on connect.

Adding AustNet as a network in irssi, connecting over SSL, and automating NickOP identification from the command line.

Adding AustNet to the mIRC server list, enabling SSL, and setting up auto-login with your NickOP password.

Setting up a network in The Lounge to stay persistently connected to AustNet, including SSL and auto-identify settings.

How to pre-fill the channel name in the WebChat URL so you land directly in the right channel without typing /join.

AustNet supports IPv6. How to confirm your client is connecting over IPv6 and what to do if your host has dual-stack issues.

Adding AustNet to IRCCloud for a persistent, always-on connection with push notifications on iOS and Android.

Setting up AustNet in Textual on macOS, enabling SSL, and configuring auto-identification with your NickOP account.

Why IRC connections time out, how to adjust ping interval settings in your client, and network-side causes of frequent disconnects.

If only your home connection is refused while other networks work fine, your IP range may be blocked. Steps to diagnose and report the issue.

Common reasons a connection to irc.austnet.org is refused, including ISP blocks, firewall rules, and being K-lined.

The correct server address, standard port (6667), and SSL port (6697) for connecting to AustNet from any IRC client.

Releasing a channel you no longer want to own with /ChanOP DROP. The channel will continue to exist but lose its registered protections.

The commands every IRC user needs: /join, /part, /nick, /msg, /whois, /quit, and how to use them on AustNet.

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

Using /list to browse all public channels, filtering by name pattern or user count, and why some channels do not appear.

Connect to irc.austnet.org, pick a nickname, join #help or a channel that interests you, and register your nick with NickOP.

Use /NickOP GROUP to link alternate nicknames to your main account so they all share the same password and registration.

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

The progression from verbal warning to kick, temporary ban, K-line, and permanent removal - and how to appeal each stage.

Steps to appeal a network ban: what information to include, how to contact staff off-network, and what to expect from the review.

Step-by-step guide to making your first IRC connection to AustNet using irc.austnet.org on port 6667 or 6697 for SSL.

Releasing a nickname you no longer need using /NickOP DROP, and what happens to grouped nicks when the primary is dropped.

Using /NickOP IDENTIFY <password> to authenticate each session, and how to set up auto-identify in your IRC client.

Use /NickOP REGISTER <password> <email> to claim your nickname. What to expect after registration and how to verify your address.

Reporting misconduct via the #help channel, opening a support ticket, or emailing [email protected]. What evidence to include.

Reading /whois output: what each line means, how to see whether a user is identified to NickOP, and their idle time and server.

Getting started with AustNet's browser-based IRC client at webchat.austnet.org - no download required, works on any modern browser.

How to behave respectfully in channels, when to use private messages, avoiding floods, and general unwritten rules of IRC culture.

Best practices: use SSL, register your nick, enable +x cloak, keep your password private, and never share credentials over IRC.

Key IRC terms explained: nick, channel, op, voice, kick, ban, K-line, ident, hostmask, cloak, bouncer, and more.

How IRC colour codes and formatting work, which clients support them, and using +S (strip formatting) mode when needed.

Channel registrations expire if no ChanOP command is used within 60 days. How to keep your channel active and what happens when it expires.

Enabling +t mode and using /ChanOP SET #channel TOPICLOCK so only ops can change the topic, and setting a permanent topic via ChanOP.

Entering your registered nickname in WebChat and identifying to NickOP after connecting to protect your account.

Setting bans with +b, removing them with -b, and using +e exception masks to allow specific users through an existing ban.

Using /ChanOP ACLSET to give trusted users automatic op or voice on join, and how to remove or adjust access levels.

Registered nicknames expire if you do not identify at least once every 180 days. How expiry works and how to prevent losing your nick.

AustNet allows up to four registered nicknames per host or IP address. How this limit works and what to do if you reach it.

Sending offline messages to other registered users with /NickOP MEMO SEND, and reading memos sent to you when you connect.

Using /NickOP SET HIDE EMAIL and related options to control what other users can see about your account via /whois.

On connection, AustNet checks your host for open proxies, open ports, and Tor exit status. This is normal and does not affect legitimate users.

Setting a channel key with +k so only users with the correct password can join, and how to share the key safely with members.

Overview of common IRC bot frameworks - Eggdrop, Limnoria (Supybot), Sopel, and custom Python/Node.js bots - and getting started.

AustNet collects IP addresses and connection data for security. What is stored, how long, and what is never shared with third parties.

Sending private messages with /msg, opening query windows, and using DCC CHAT for direct peer-to-peer communication.

Using the +j mode to limit how many users can join per second, reducing the impact of bot attacks and mass-join floods.

AustNet runs automated checks for open proxies and Tor exit nodes. Why this happens, what triggers a block, and how to request a review.

If you cannot connect to AustNet at all, how to contact network staff via the support portal or email at [email protected].

What information to gather before opening a recovery request, and how the staff review process works.

Use /ChanOP REGISTER #channel to claim ownership of a channel you created. What you need to have done first and what registration provides.

Register your bot's nickname just like a regular user. How to identify on connect and set the +B bot mode automatically.

If a bot is flooding, spamming, or behaving maliciously, how to report it to network staff and what information to include.

How hostname cloaking works on AustNet, what the +x user mode does, and how to request a custom vhost through staff.

Bots must be registered with NickOP, marked with +B mode, and must not flood channels or perform mass messaging. Full requirements.

In a +m channel only voiced and opped users can speak. How to use this for presentations, events, or managing disruptive members.

Example settings for HexChat, mIRC, irssi, The Lounge, and ZNC to enable encrypted connections to AustNet.

Adding a website URL and channel description via ChanOP so they appear on the public channel list at austnet.org/channels.

An overview of the most useful channel modes on AustNet: invite-only (+i), moderated (+m), registered-only (+R), and topic lock (+t).

All bots on AustNet must set user mode +B to identify themselves as automated clients. How to set this in common bot frameworks.

How to configure your IRC client to send your NickOP password automatically on connect so you do not have to type it each time.

How to use the ChanOP access list to automatically grant operator status to specific registered nicknames when they join.

Using +i to require an invitation before users can join, how to /invite someone, and combining +i with the ChanOP access list.

Using ZNC to maintain a persistent IRC session on AustNet so you never miss messages when your client goes offline.

Connections from hosting providers and datacenters may be restricted by default. How to request a review if you are connecting from a VPS or server.

How to use the support portal to open a ticket for access issues, what details to include, and what happens next.

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

How to hand over ownership of a registered channel to another user via ChanOP, and what happens to the existing access list.

What to do when your IRC client reports an SSL certificate error or untrusted certificate when connecting to AustNet.

How +x hides your real IP with a gateway cloak, what the cloak looks like in /whois, and how registered users get a nick-based cloak.

What a K-line is, why they are issued, how to find out if you are K-lined, and the difference between temporary and permanent bans.

Every user mode available on AustNet: invisible (+i), registered (+R), hostname cloak (+x), SSL-only (+z), and more.

Adding a user or hostmask to your ignore list so their messages are hidden, and how to remove them when needed.

ChanOP already provides auto-op, access lists, topic lock, and flood control. Before running a bot, check whether ChanOP already does what you need.

Sending /HelpOP HELP to get a list of available help topics, and using /HelpOP <topic> to read a guide without leaving IRC.

IRCCloud keeps you connected when your client is offline and provides push notifications. How to set it up for AustNet.

Temporary access steps via webchat.austnet.org while you troubleshoot SSL, DNS, or local client configuration issues.

Using AustNet WebChat from a smartphone or tablet, known mobile browser limitations, and tips for a better mobile experience.

Why WebChat sessions disconnect after inactivity and how to reconnect without losing your place in an ongoing conversation.

When a nickname expires after 180 days without identification, it is released and available for re-registration by anyone.

IRC bouncers (BNCs) keep you connected 24/7 and replay missed messages. Overview of ZNC, The Lounge, and IRCCloud as options.

CTCP requests (VERSION, PING, TIME) can expose client information. How to disable them with +T user mode or per-client settings.

Internet Relay Chat is a real-time text protocol dating from 1988. How it works, what makes it different from Discord and Slack, and why people still use it.

If another user is sitting on your registered nick, NickOP will ask them to change. What to do if they refuse or NickOP is not enforcing.

AustNet does not support forced takeovers. If you believe your channel was taken inappropriately, contact staff with evidence of original ownership.

ISP IP ranges are occasionally blocked due to abuse. How to check if this applies to you and how to request an exemption.

The server address, exact error text, your IP, recent changes, and timestamps that staff need to investigate a connection refusal.