Comm 34: Internet Relay Chat (IRC)

Question 1

What is IRC

Answer 1

Text-based interface consisting of many chat rooms (“channels”) which users can join
Number of participants in single chat room can be few or in the thousands
Multiple channels can be simultaneously monitored by a single individual
“Personal Messaging” capability

Question 2

How does IRC work

Answer 2

• IRC makes use of a “tree” like architecture
• Computers running IRC Daemon (server) software make up the backbone of the network
• Individual computers running IRC Client software act as IRC terminals connecting to the network via each other or directly to a server

Client Software
Users connect to IRC via client software
- Many different clients available for different Operating Systems and with different functionality like file-sharing
- Can range from solely text based to GUI based.

Question 3

Military use of IRC

Answer 3

Adopted in the 1990s on ad hoc bases by low level units, especially in the USN to expand the communication throughput of low speed networks. First used as a C2 tool by USS Eisenhower Battle Group in 1999. By 2003, IRC was an integral part of Op Iraqi Freedom and Op Enduring Freedom C2 arsenal. Continues to be used today as primary communication method between NATO forces.

Question 4

2 types of IRC networks

Answer 4

CF Domestic Military Networks
“LOTUS Sametime” chat is an IRC client operated on Canadian domestic networks such as:
- MCOIN – Martime Command Operational Information Network
- AFCCIS – Air Force Command & Control Information System
- CSNI – Consolidated Secret Network Infrastructure

Combined Secure Military Networks
“mIRC” is a chat client used on secure networks involving combined operations (multi-national):
- CENTRIXS – Combined Enterprise Regional Information Exchange System
- SIPRNet – Secret Internet Protocol Router Network

Question 5

Operational IRC Usage

Answer 5

IRC offers a number of real-time collaboration tools in addition to chat rooms:

• White Boarding
• Screen Sharing
• Video & File Sharing
• Personal Messaging

Common chat rooms may:

• Be organized based on command level
• Be “Directed” or “Free”
• Be specific to type of tactical action ex. Task Group ASW reporting

Question 6

PRO and CON of Personnal messaging on IRC

Answer 6

PRO: Is an effective tool for exploring ideas and resolving issues between specific users
CON: Its use diminishes situational awareness for the rest of the chat room participants. Personal messaging should never be used to convey orders or critical tactical reports

Question 7

IRC Advantages 9

Answer 7

• Ease of use
• Clarity
• Flexibility
• Worldwide scope
• Speed w/o confusion
• Planning co-ordination
• Bandwidth
• Robustness (atmospheric condition)
• Record of discussion

Question 8

IRC Disadvantages 5

Answer 8

• Speed
• Distraction
• Dependency
• Commercial off-the-shelf hardware
• Exclusivity

Question 9

IRC Commands

Answer 9

Commands in IRC are preceded by a ‘/ ‘

• Command is typed, followed by arguments
• Many IRC clients offer GUI based alternatives to typing for several commands

Common IRC Commands
/join
- Used to join a channel
- Syntax: /join #[channel]
    e.g /join#hercssuck

/msg

• Starts a private chat with another user
• Syntax: /msg[nick][message]
  e. g /msg cdACSO1101 Sir, have time to chat?

/notice

• Sends a PM without opening private chat window
• Syntax: /notice[nick][message]
  e. g /notice cdACSO1101 comms final next Tuesday

/part or /partall

• Used to leave a channel or all channels
• Syntax: /part#[channel] or /partall
  e. g /part#hercssuck or /partall

/ping

• Tests the leg time between your terminal and the server
• Syntax: /ping

/quit

• Leaves all channels and disconnects from the IRC server
• Syntax; /quit

Question 10

IRC Acronyms
ACK 
AFFIRM
ATT 
BRB 
BCC 
COW
KK 
LC 
RGR
R-
SEPCHAT

Answer 10

ACK – acknowledge 
AFFIRM – affirmative 
ATT – at this time 
BRB – be right back
BCC – communication check
COW- check other window
KK – request invite to chatroom (knock-knock)
LC – loud and clear
RGR – roger
R- roger
SEPCHAT – separate chat

Question 11

Chat Etiquette

Answer 11

Have a “need to know”
- Only join chat rooms you are authorized to be in and which contain information to which you have a requirement. Some chatrooms are considered “Directed Nets”

Introduce yourself on entering chatroom
- Preface your comments by “de” and your position or nickname. Particularly important when using generic accounts. Ex “de AirO”

Don’t Interrupt

• After joining, wait awhile, read the previous transmissions and become familiar with the conversation before interjecting
• Ease yourself into conversations
• Unless it is very important, avoid straying from the topic being discussed

Don’t Shout
- DO NOT WRITE IN ALL CAPS – Its rude to yell!

Don’t Flood

• Keep your comments short, clear and concise
• If you have a large amount of information to send, try parsing it into multiple posts to avoid flooding users’ screens with your text
• If the information is useful to only one or two people, consider a personal message instead

Be Courteous

• Don’t ignore other users’ posts – if someone asks you a question, make an effort to reply
• If you are leaving or will be away for a bit, say good-bye

Be Polite

• Never be insulting or demeaning to other users – when offering corrections and clarifications, be respectful and professional
• Avoid the use of sarcasm – it can easily be misinterpreted