ILink & FidoNet

ExecNet’s Integration with Message Networks (ILink & FidoNet):

Overview:

ExecNet was not an isolated BBS — it participated in larger distributed networks like ILink and potentially FidoNet, which allowed users to exchange messages across systems and regions. These networks created a global messaging system before the internet became mainstream.

ILink Message Network (InterLink):
  • Type: EchoMail-style message exchange
  • Method: Messages were exported, compressed, and exchanged between BBSes during scheduled sessions (typically late night).
  • Conferences: Each topic area (e.g., LAN Admin, Sysop Help, Tech Support) was called a conference.
  • Routing: ExecNet would poll a regional hub BBS, download new message packets, and upload outgoing ones.
  • Moderation: Certain conferences had moderators to maintain order and content quality.
How It Worked on ExecNet:
  • PCBoard used external mail transfer tools (like TNet, QFront, or FidoPCB) to handle ILink message packs.
  • A batch script triggered nightly, connecting via modem to a hub and exchanging .QWK or .REP packets.
  • New messages were integrated into ExecNet’s conference system; replies from users were bundled for the next poll cycle.
FidoNet (Possibly Partial Integration):
  • FidoNet was a global amateur message network that used FidoNet Protocol (FSC-0001).
  • Messages were routed node to node based on a numeric address like 1:272/111.
  • Often used echomail (public) and netmail (private).
  • Though ExecNet was primarily ILink-based, some BBSes ran dual gateways to sync ILink ↔ FidoNet conferences.
Technical Infrastructure Summary:
Component Function
PCBoard Base BBS software
PPL Scripts Controlled import/export of messages
TNet / QFront Handled QWK/REP mail packets
Batch Scripts Automated network calls and processing
Polling Modem Dialed out to hub systems for message transfers
Hub BBS Regional or tiered relay system (hierarchical)

“ExecNet’s use of ILink turned it into a collaborative BBS node that allowed users to interact nationally and internationally.”

See Also: