Robust IRC

RobustIRC implements a distributed IRC network that eliminates the traditional problem of netsplits. By routing messages through the RobustSession protocol, the system keeps user sessions alive even when individual servers are rebooted, upgraded, or experience brief connectivity loss. Clients are transparently switched to another server without interruption, so participants do not notice network‑level disruptions.

The software is self‑hostable and open‑source under a BSD‑3‑Clause license, allowing anyone to run their own instance without subscription fees or tier limits. It integrates with standard IRC clients such as irssi and WeeChat; after installing the provided bridge, users configure a RobustIRC network like any other IRC service, with optional TLS support on the legacy endpoint.

RobustIRC is positioned for communities and organizations that rely on persistent IRC communication but want to avoid the downtime caused by server outages or maintenance. Its compatibility with existing client workflows and its focus on seamless failover make it a practical alternative to conventional IRC networks.