1.0 - Introduction

2.0 - What is a K-Line?

In real terms, a K-Line is a ban from an entire server, placed for one of several reasons.

2.1 - Why are K-Lines used?

1. Geography

   A server has limited resources, and administrators prefer to offer those to more local clients. Hence, clients from European countries may not be allowed to connect to American-based servers and vice versa. The server will usually give you a message, such as "Use US.undernet.org." or "Use A Closer Server." In most cases, using a closer server geographically speaking will give you a less lagged connection with faster ping times.

    

2. Network Topology

   This overlaps slightly with geographical K-Lines. While it obviously makes sense for someone in Norway to use a Norwegian-based server, both for geographical and topological reasons, there are occasions when the closest server geographically is not the best to use. This is usually due to the way an ISP is connected to its uplink providers.

   With some of the larger ISPs, it is faster to connect to a server on their internal backbone rather than externally. Also, if an ISP has its own server, then using it will allow others to use the more generic servers. K-Lines will dictate if this is the case; for example, a K-Line for Erols users saying "Please use the Erols Undernet server - Arlington.VA.US.Undernet.Org." Similar K-Lines may exist for America Online (AOL), directing users to the AOL Undernet server, washington.dc.us.undernet.org.

    

3. Abuse

   Many server administrators will K-Line particular people or sites they know to have abused the resources of the network in the past. If, when connecting to a particular server, you get a message like "clones abuse," "floodnet," "bots abuse," "Rogue ISP," or "mass advertising," etc., then it's probable you or your ISP have been K-Lined due to abuse. If you feel this is unjust, see section 2.2 for courses of action.

2.2 - What can I do about a K-Line?

In the case of abuse, the server administrator will want confirmation that it will not happen again. This means getting one of the staff from your ISP to contact them. Before you ask this of your ISP, make sure they have all the information they'll need. Tell them what the K-Line message says and point them to the Undernet Acceptable Use Policy (http://www.user-com.undernet.org/documents) so they know what is and isn't tolerated. Then give them the server administrator's email address.

To find out the administrator of a server, and how to contact them, use your web browser and go to: http://www.undernet.org/servers.php Once there, click on the server administrator's nickname for their email address.

Note, however, that if the admin has gone to the effort of adding a K-Line due to abuse, it means they've had significant problems with your site. They won't be likely to remove the ban unless your ISP is willing to guarantee they'll crack down hard on any further abuse.

3.0 - What is a G-Line?

3.1 - Why are G-Lines used?

The most common reasons for G-Lines are repeated cloning, advertising, mass messaging, flooding, harassment or denial of service attacks.

3.2 - What can I do about a G-Line?

If the G-line message says insecure proxy or open wingate it is because when you first connect to Undernet, the server checks if you have an Unsecured connection (an open port that can allow others to control your computer remotely). If it detects this situation, it sends you the message that you receive and doesn't allow you to join IRC. The web page in the server message (http://www.undernet.org/proxyscan.php) gives you directions on how to fix your problem. If the web page doesn't help you, contact the company that wrote or manufactured the proxy program/hardware, or contact your site administrator or your ISP.

If the G-Line is just for you, look at what the message says, and work out what you may have done wrong. Familiarize yourself with the Undernet's server policies. A whole range of useful information (including how to fix insecure proxies and wingates) is available at: http://www.user-com.undernet.org/documents.

If your whole site is G-Lined, not just you, then you need to talk to your ISP. The most common reason for an entire site to be banned is because the people who run that ISP do not deal with abuse. IRC Operators/administrators will normally inform an ISP when placing a site ban, and it is up to the ISP to deal with their abusive client or clients. Unfortunately ISPs are sometimes rather lax about an IRC ban and need a request from their own customers before they will attempt to fix the problem.

Email the ISP administrators the entire G-Line message. This will usually give enough information to determine which user was causing trouble. If your ISP deals with the troublemakers by cooperating with the Undernet administration, you shouldn't run into any more G-Lines. If your ISP is unwilling or unable to do so, however, then it may be time to vote with your money, so to speak, and change ISPs.

Should you wish to protest a G-Line, email all pertinent information to abuse@undernet.org. This is the same address your ISP should contact if they want further details to track down a customer who is abusing Undernet resources.

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© 1997-2002 Undernet User Committee
Please direct all comments concerning this FAQ to
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