This is an update on the current status of the Undernet IRC network. It is intended to help clarify any confusion surrounding full service disruptions.

This is an official statement from the administration of the Undernet. Any and all communications or information that have been provided prior to this release should be considered personal opinion and not a representation by the administration of the Undernet.org IRC Network. All communications will be made publicly available via this medium.

The X and W service bots continue to be offline. Currently, there is no projected date for their return. In recent days, network resources of U.S. and European Internet service providers (ISP's) who host Undernet IRC servers have been subjected to continued DoS (denial of service) attacks. The sources of these attacks are systems within large bandwidth networks, which have been unwittingly compromised for destructive purposes.

Unfortunately, when an IRC server is attacked, it impacts the provider's ability to carry on normal day-to-day network operations.  DoS attacks have been an inherent problem with IRC servers. However, these recent attacks have been so severe, that some providers have terminated their agreements to host IRC servers on the Undernet network. However, this has not stopped the attacks. Some providers continue to be the subject of extensive DoS attacks, even after disconnecting their IRC servers. It appears that the intent of the subject(s) orchestrating these DoS attacks is not only to destroy an IRC network, but also to adversely impact the business enterprise of individual ISP's that have hosted Undernet IRC servers.

These recent attacks on individual Undernet IRC servers have been intense, often in excess of 100 mbps.To demonstrate a frame of reference, an OC-3 line is a 155 mbps data pipe with an average monthly cost of $45,000.00 - $60,000.00. Many of the ISP's hosting IRC servers are utilizing resources of at least a multi-homed DS3 data pipe (45 mbps), costing $18,000.00 - $35,000.00 per month. Most dial-up modems are 56 kbps. 1024 kbps equals 1 mbps.

The Undernet is one of the largest IRC networks, providing real time text based communications world-wide, to over 2.2 million users per week.  All Undernet IRC servers are privately owned and operated. The server administrators, who provide IRC network resources without charge to users, have made the Undernet the success that it is.

There are numerous issues that complicate a swift resolution to the current dilemma. To effectively back trace and terminate DoS attacks of this magnitude, the cooperation and assistance of Internet backbone providers is required. To date, providers hosting Undernet IRC servers are working with upstream providers to obtain the needed resources to effectively address this problem. Another difficulty is dealing with the complex laws of many different countries. We are continuing to cooperate with U.S. Federal law enforcement authorities in their criminal investigation.

So what does this mean? At this point, the future of the Undernet and IRC remains uncertain. While providers are currently paying for the resources to provide a free IRC environment, they cannot continue to do so if they suffer substantial losses of business revenue. The destructive actions of a few irresponsible people can effectively remove forever an Internet communication medium that millions of people worldwide have come to enjoy and love.

We are working diligently in attempt to resolve this current dilemma. Your patience and understanding is appreciated during these trying times. We will continue to keep you informed of ongoing developments.

The Undernet IRC network