Internet Relay Chat - Networks

Networks

There are thousands of running IRC networks in the world. They run various implementations of IRC servers, and are administered by various groups of IRC operators, but the protocol exposed to IRC users is very similar, and all IRC networks can be accessed by the same client software, although there might be slight incompatibilities and limited functionality due to the differing server implementations.

The largest IRC networks have traditionally been grouped as the "Big Four"— a designation for networks that top the statistics. The Big Four networks change periodically, but due to the community nature of IRC there are a large number of other networks for users to choose from.

Historically the "Big Four" were:

  • EFnet
  • IRCnet
  • Undernet
  • DALnet

In February 2005, the "Big Four" were:

  • EFnet
  • IRCnet
  • QuakeNet
  • Undernet

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