Server application guidelines

Complete requirements and guidelines for joining the Undernet IRC Network as a server operator. Please review these thoroughly before applying.

Ready to apply?

Review the guidelines below, then submit your application.

Every server joining the network must be backed by an established sponsor.

The network provider must truly sponsor the server through communication and ongoing support; paid servers and paid bandwidth are not accepted.
You must have root or equivalent administrative access to the proposed server.
The applicant must be prepared to commit to long-term operation and maintenance.
A history of positive involvement with Undernet is strongly preferred.

Servers must meet baseline connectivity and hardware standards.

A stable, high-bandwidth primary public client interface with low latency to existing hub servers.
Dedicated or reliably-provisioned hardware (CPU, RAM, and disk) for the ircd.
DDoS mitigation must be central to the design. Servers must not be easily split from the network or nullrouted during attacks that can exceed tens of gigabits per second.
A publicly-routable IPv4 address is required; additional IPv6 connectivity is strongly preferred.
Separate private IPv4 and IPv6 addresses on internal subnets are strongly preferred for stable routing during attacks.

Maintain the server in accordance with Undernet routing and abuse policies.
Respond promptly to routing committee and network operations requests.
Keep the ircd and operating system patched and secure.
Provide current configuration and diagnostic output from the proposed server for technical review.

Applications move through the following stages:

Incoming — the application is received and awaits initial review.
Under review — routing committee members evaluate the submission.
Pending decision — the application awaits final voting by the Administrative Body.
Approved or Rejected — a final decision is recorded and published.
Withdrawn — the applicant or committee has withdrawn the application before a final decision.
Delinked — a previously approved server has been removed from service and retained as historical status.