Node list don't even get transmitted within the same area. Node names are local to each machine, and it is perfectly valid to have different names for the same node number on different machines (although perhaps confusing). All routers transmit a connectivity information packet to every other node within the same area. All area routers also transmit an area connectivity packet to other area routers. But these are just with node numbers, there are no node names transmitted in these. So it's a two level hierarchy. End nodes knows where the closest level one router is (must have direct connection to it). All area one routers knows the exact layout of their own area, and knows the shortest path to any node within the area. Level one routers also knows where the closest level two (area) router is. Level two routers knows the exact layout of all level two routers, and the shortest path to any other level two router (and thus any area). Obviously, this means that all level one routers in one area must be connected to all other routers within that same area, by just passing through other level one routers. And all level two routers must be connected (directly) to all other level two routers by just going through level two routers. Johnny gerry77 at mail.com wrote: On Thu, 3 Dec 2009 10:53:31 -0800, you wrote: SHOW KNOWN AREAS is showing 9 areas, which is good. SHOW KNOWN NODES isn't showing any new nodes though. And a TELL 1.400 SHOW KNOWN NODES isn't showing my nodes yet. (I'm area 42 if you start seeing it in the node list). I'd have to check the docs, but IIRC the node list doesn't get transmitted to different areas. Area routers exchange among themselves infos about their area reachability and answer yes or not to the reachability of any node under their scope (i.e. in their area), but do not transfer the whole area contents to other nodes. To see new nodes in SHOW KNOWN NODES you'll have to do a COPY KNOWN NODES from a node that already knows the nodes you are interested in, then you'll see all the nodes on a reachable area marked as reachable (even if the specific node is powered off). But do not take for granted this whole theory. :-) G. Usual disclaimer: Excuse my English: it's not my native language. -- Johnny Billquist || "I'm on a bus || on a psychedelic trip email: bqt at softjar.se || Reading murder books pdp is alive! || tryin' to stay hip" - B. Idol