The D-Star Gateway system on each repeater stack is the “Bridge” which allows each of the D-Star band modules to talk to other repeater systems thru the internet. Following are the major functions of each D-Star gateway:

  • allows any or all band modules on the repeater to “LINK” with another repeater, or Reflector
  • allows DV-Dongle users to link to a specific band-module on the repeater
  • allows DV-Access Point (DVAP) users to link to a specific band-module on the repeater
  • passes traffic information to to the dPlus server, allowing for real-time traffic monitoring on systems like the dPlus monitor (www.dstarusers.org) and NJ6N’s dplus usage monitor (www.nj6n.com/dplusmon/)

Gateways on each repeater may only link a band module to ONE other system at a time (or multiples, by linking to a single Reflector). However:

  • all four band modules can be linked to different systems or Reflectors at the same time
  • any of the band modules in a stack can be cross-banded to each other in pairs – this is handled by the RP-2C controller
  • if you want to link all 3 voice band modules together, you would link all three modules to a Reflector
  • an unlimited number of DV-Dongle users may link to a specific band-module
  • an unlimited number of DV-Access-Point (DVAP) users may link to a specific band module

The Gateway computer is comprised of a desktop or server class computer with the following:

  • a Dual-core CPU with 3gb of memory
  • dual Network Interfaces – one to the Internet, the other to the D-Star Repeater Controller (RP2C)
  • Internet connection, normally thru DSL or higher speed connection
  • Linksys WRT-54GL router, with Port Forwarding enabled for ports 20001-20005 and 40001-40003
  • Linux CentOS operating system
  • Icom D-Star Gateway Version 2 Software
  • dPlus Software from Robin Cutshaw (AA4RC)
  • D-Star to APRS software bridge, which passes D-Star GPS position reports to the ARPS world-wide servers to integrate with APRS position reporting
  • various utilities for remote management, including Ken’s (WB4FAY) “MONLINK” and DPLUSREPORT utilities

The configuration of the Gateway system at the repeater site is shown in the diagram below. In essence, the Gateway stands between the repeater controller (RP-2C) and the internet connection.


(Click to enlarge)

There are specific IP addresses that are required as well as certain TCP/UDP “ports” which need to be available, so creation of a D-Star Gateway is not a turn-key exercise. The ports are necessary for “conversations” with various systems, namely the system (or Reflector) that you’re connecting to, as well as the Trust Server. Here in the U.S., the Trust Server is located in Dallas, Texas and serves as the D-Star “Name Server” which keeps the address of all gateway systems located throughout the world, as well as keeping track of all recently heard users. The Trust Server is the system which helps us resolve the location of a call-sign when we perform call-sign routing. Remember I once said that you can just enter “WB6RTH” in the URCALL field and the D-Star system would find me wherever I am in the world..?  The Trust Server is the reason why that function is possible.

The diagram below show just some of the complexity of the network connections in a D-Star Gateway system. Parameters and addresses need to be configured EXACTLY, otherwise there are problems.


(Click to enlarge)

If you are a Linux and/or Networking guru, you are invited to assist in maintaining these systems, since it can be quite time consuming (at times). There is a periodic requirement to install patches and software upgrades to the D-Star Gateway software and associated utilities. All of this work can be done via SSH, so location is not an issue. Contact Mike at WB6RTH@ARRL.NET if you are interested in more information.