HAM Network for Digital Comms

[TWP]

If this should go in another forum, please feel free to move it.

http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/06/when-everything-else-fails-amateur-radio-will-still-be-there-and-thriving/

The article talks about HAM and it's many uses.  I note particularly the digital network, already in place in Europe, with 4000 nodes and full IP address capability.

Note that the IP address system on the European HAMNET is separate from the "internet" and has its own set of routers.  That means it could survive when the current 'net goes down.  It also provides a link to the "internet".

The link in the previous paragraph is a downloadable PDF for information about that network.

I confess to know little about what is available from the US HAM community.  Perhaps someone can add comments to expand our group knowledge?