FTNcompatible

FTN-compatible refers to software, systems, or services that implement the FidoNet Technology Network standards for the exchange of electronic mail and files among bulletin board systems. FTN stands for FidoNet Technology Network, a store-and-forward network designed to route messages between independent BBSs regardless of geographic location.

FTN-compatible software can function as mailers, gateways, or content servers. It supports echomail (public discussion messages echoed to multiple points), netmail (private messages), and file transfers. Routing relies on a hierarchical addressing scheme using zone, net, node, and sometimes point numbers, enabling scalable delivery across many independently operated systems.

The FTN concept emerged in the 1980s and 1990s as an evolution of FidoNet, establishing a de facto standard for inter-BBS communication. Although the technology declined with the rise of the Internet, some hobbyist communities maintain FTN networks and often connect to Internet gateways to preserve interoperability with modern systems.

Examples of FTN-compatible software include modern BBS platforms that implement FTN mail modules and gateways, such as Synchronet and Mystic BBS, as well as traditional FTN mailers and transfer tools documented in the ecosystem. These implementations emphasize compatibility with historical FTN formats while providing contemporary features and cross-platform support, allowing continued exchange of mail and files between participating BBSs and, through gateways, broader Internet-connected networks.