[WL-USERS] Node filtering vs Software filtering

[Bill]

A few people responded to my suggestion of node filtering.
I'll try to explain my reasoning a bit further.
Maybe the sysop who wrote will correct me if I'm wrong.

Filtering at the node level before a contest has major benefits.
By filtering the spot never gets to your computer and does not use
memory/cpu time however slight.
But in my view the major benefit is the decrease in traffic among users.
As the spot does not go to you, your tnc does not have to acknowledge it.
This decreases traffic and consequently collisions.
Collision require repeats, and repeats may cause time outs.
If you are the person who time-out, then you loose connection to the cluster
and have to take time to reconnect.
I would consider this a major benefit to a contester.
Also the non contester who is dxing in a different mode does not suffer
delays/disconnects.
This is a benefit to him.

I would consider it rude to leave your tnc connected to the cluster and not
even be in the shack the whole time of a contest.
Filtering at the software level accomplishes the same thing.

It is similar to the complaint of wasting bandwidth with needless flaming or
discussions on dedicated reflectors. Or the dxer who works the dxpedition on
160 even though he has that country confirmed on that mode four times
already.
It's a matter of bandwidth.

And speaking of bandwidth, I've taken up to much already and will not
comment further and I hope I have not offended anyone.

Bill

come and visit
http://www.dataflo.net/~w9ol
or
http://www.dataflo.net/~judyh