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The Undernet is one of the largest IRC networks. It was established in October 1992 as an experimental network running a modified version of the EFnet irc2.7 IRC server software, created in an attempt to make it less bandwidth consumptive and less chaotic, as netsplits and takeovers were starting to plague EFnet.
Undernet was formed at a time when many small IRC networks were being started and subsequently disappearing; however, it managed to grow into one of the largest and oldest IRC networks despite some initial in-fighting and setbacks. It is notable as being the first network to utilise timestamping in the IRC server protocol as a means to curb abuse.
Perhaps as a backlash against its "breakway" from EFnet, during the mid 1990s Undernet managed to develop a reputation -- which its members vehemently state was undeserved -- as a haven for online criminals, pedophiles, and child molestors. For a period in 1994, Undernet was wracked by an ongoing series of flame wars and slanderous attacks by members of the infamous Westboro Baptist Church (Topeka) hate group. Undernet survived this period relatively intact, however, and its popularity continues to the present day.
Undernet is one of the largest realtime chat networks in the world, with approximately 45 servers connecting over 35 countries and serving more than 1,000,000 people weekly. The userbase spans all ages, nationalities and interests, providing a tremendous variety of channels, with many staff and volunteers to help out new users.
Undernet provides several support channels for those new to IRC and Undernet, for example #beginner and #newbies.
IRC clients can connect to Undernet via continental aliases such as us.undernet.org or eu.undernet.org, or any of a number of other servers.
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