Efnet

EFnet, short for Eris Free Network, is one of the oldest and largest Internet Relay Chat (IRC) networks. It originated in the early 1990s as a federation of independently run IRC servers that shared a common set of protocols and practices. EFnet has been a major hub for real-time chat across Europe, North America, and other regions, particularly during the 1990s and early 2000s, though it remains active today.

Structure and governance: EFnet operates as a decentralized network of servers rather than under a single administrative entity. Individual operators run servers and decide on local policies, while network-wide coordination occurs through public channels and notices. The network uses the standard IRC protocol with extensions over time and offers common services such as nickname and channel registration on many servers.

History and influence: As one of the first widely available IRC networks, EFnet helped establish conventions for channel operations, user registration, and server-to-server communication. It competed with other networks such as DALnet, Undernet, and IRCnet for user communities and server resources. The network has faced typical IRC-era security and abuse issues, including floods and channel takeovers, leading operators to implement filtering, rate limits, and server bans where needed.

Today: EFnet remains active with a global footprint of servers run by volunteers. While it may have a smaller user base compared with its peak, it continues to host channels across technology, gaming, arts, and hobby communities, maintaining its role as a durable, community-driven IRC network.