[aprssig] Re: Tracker Smart Pathing

[KC2MMI (Jared)]

<<Proportional Pathing cuts the load on the network, not
by less updates, but by less packets farther away, while
maintaining a good rate locally so that when you are
close and need more frequent updates you get them.>>

Bob, are you sure that logic is valid?  That someone further away "needs" fewer
updates? Suppose you are the party with the APRS setup, and you are calling
information back to someone in the local field. Proportional Pathing would give
you--and by extension them, in the local area--less information.

Wouldn't it make more sense to reguire the digi to have more brains, parse every
signal, and (for example) compare the speed of movement to the time of
transmission? If the target has moved 1 mile and is moving at 60mph, send an
update. If the target has only moved 1/4 mile or is moving at 3mph...wait longer
before relaying the next packet.

I can appreciate the concept of supporting dumb legacy gear, but maybe if
"congestion" is the constant problem that so many people say it is, it is time
to start insisting on smarter digis to attack the problem, not just trying to
get more blood from the same old stone.