Auto-region on channels, for better experience locally

[dybdahl24]

Needs

When some small subregions do not have stable connectivity to other parts of the network, we need channels where participants can communicate reliably, and that doesn't overflow to the rest of the network.

This can be achieved by creating a #testcity channel with a testcity region, but it requires ALL repeaters and ALL clients to set this up correctly. But this is very tedious and complex, and usually goes wrong when new clients join.

Solution

A channel name with #! prefix automatically implies a region, so that:

#!mychannel implies the "mychannel" region

Examples

#!direct -> requires the repeater to have region "direct" in order to forward it. Since no repeater has this by default, this channel is for repeater-less communication.
#!dk3400 -> is only available in zipcode 3400 in Denmark, where all repeaters forward the "dk3400" region.
#!WhiteBullRanch -> is only available near the WhiteBullRanch, using the repeater set up by the White Bull Ranch.
#!andysupplyshop -> Only those close to Andy's supply shop get messages during an emergency
#!pizzashop -> Only those close to the pizza shop can send an order this way.
#!scoutcamp -> is only available within the scout camp, using the scout camp repeaters who know the "scoutcamp" region

Added benefits

• Keep a lot of local #channel messages away from remote repeaters
• Increase local collaboration
• Give newbies on the edge of a growing network a better first experience in a channel where all participants have good connection
• Increase trustworthiness of incoming messages for geographically close purposes, e.g. coordination of local events, shops etc.

How to implement:

The sender automatically applies the corresponding region when #! prefix is detected.

[simonbove]

It would be a great way to implement the region scope, as general users won't be adding it themselves to the channels.

[dybdahl24]

I think regions can be used in more ways, but this would be a good start that everyone can use immediately.

[Knechtie]

The ideas in #2030 would also drastically enhance the user experience regarding using scopes.

[dybdahl24]

This idea has been worked on more, and the current idea is to:

All #channels with a dash will be automatically region encoded with the first part before the first dash.

So:

Automatic region-encoded with fresno as region:
#fresno-chat
#fresno-test

This makes it super-easy to create new regional channels without asking repeater admins to reconfigure anything.

[dybdahl24]

Ticket about feature request:
#2419