Part IV: BBS Networks

BBS Networks:

A BBS Network is a group of BBSs which have an agreed-upon set of rules (called protocols) for exchanging public messages, private mail, and possibly files. Because it is possible to network BBSs, a user on a BBS in one city can exchange information with a user on a different BBS halfway around the world. Unlike commercial systems, use of a BBS is usually free, although most sysops could use donations to help with running costs. Private mail sent from one BBS to another usually has a charge, which is often less than the cost to send a letter, or even send E-mail or a fax directly. However, because of the way BBS networks are structured, it may take a few days for a message to get from one side of the world to the other. Messages within a continent usually take a day or two. On FidoNet BBSs, it is possible to "crash" mail directly, but usually at a higher cost.

Echomail
FidoNet Technology Networks
RelayNet-Style Networks
GTNet Protocol Networks
QWKmail Networks

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