The Modern IRCX Server for Distributed Chat Networks
A production-ready Python implementation of the IRCX protocol â the technology that powered MSN Chat and TalkCity
Build multi-server IRC networks with trunk-and-branch topology. Scale horizontally and provide geographic redundancy.
SASL authentication, TLS 1.2/1.3, 2FA support, DNSBL checking, flood protection, and bcrypt password hashing.
Full IRCX specification: ACCESS control, PROP properties, WHISPER, channel cloning, three-tier privileges.
Integrated Registrar, Messenger, ServiceBots, and NewsFlash - no external services package needed.
Three-tier staff system (ADMIN/SYSOP/GUIDE) matching Microsoft Exchange Chat Service design.
Works with Microsoft Comic Chat V2.5, the iconic IRC client that displayed conversations as comic strips.
Built on Python asyncio for high concurrency. Handle 1,000+ connections per server efficiently.
Optional browser-based administration interface for service control, logs, user management, and more.
Automatic overflow rooms when channels reach capacity - just like the original MSN Chat.
pyIRCX is a production-ready IRCX chat server built on Python's asyncio framework. It faithfully recreates â and significantly enhances â the functionality of Microsoft Exchange Chat Service (MECS 5.5 and 6.0), the technology that powered legendary chat networks like:
If you remember the days of Microsoft Comic Chat, chat rooms with real nickserv-style registration, channel properties, and the unique IRCX extensions â pyIRCX brings all of that back with modern security, scalability, and reliability.
See pyIRCX in action with our WebChat interface and Web Administration Panel
Login Screen
Channel Chat Interface
Private Messaging
Dashboard Overview
User Management
Channel Monitoring
Staff Administration
Real-time Log Viewer
Service Control
Build multi-server IRC networks spanning geographic regions with low latency and horizontal scaling.
Create your own chat community with MSN Chat-style features including channel cloning and registration.
Self-hosted team chat with corporate-grade features, staff hierarchy, and no external dependencies.
Dedicated chat infrastructure for game servers, guilds, and gaming communities with automated moderation.
Protocol-correct IRCX for historical accuracy. Works with Microsoft Comic Chat and period-accurate clients.
Study the IRCX protocol and distributed chat system architecture with a well-documented Python implementation.
git clone https://github.com/0x8007000E/pyIRCX.git
cd pyIRCXsudo ./install.shOr manually:
pip install aiosqlite bcrypt pyotp cryptography
python3 pyircx.py/server localhost 6667For IRCX features:
/QUOTE IRCXNote: The server listens on ports 6667 (plain) and 7000 (alternative) by default. Configure SSL/TLS with ./setup_ssl.sh for production deployments.
pyIRCX combines full IRCX protocol support with server-to-server linking capabilities in a production-ready package.
| Feature | pyIRCX | UnrealIRCd | InspIRCd | Ergo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRCX Protocol | â | â | â | â |
| Server Linking | â | â | â | â |
| ACCESS Control | â | â | â | â |
| Channel Cloning | â | â | â | â |
| Built-in Services | â | â* | â* | â |
| Comic Chat | â | â | â | â |
* Requires external services package (Anope or Atheme)
Setup and configuration for multi-server networks
Command guide for users and operators
Complete configuration reference
Comprehensive testing guide (243 tests)
Quick reference for administrators
Tuning and optimization guide
IRCX (Internet Relay Chat eXtensions) was developed by Microsoft in the late 1990s as an enhancement to the standard IRC protocol. It powered some of the largest chat networks of the era:
Microsoft's flagship chat service serving millions of users daily
One of the largest chat communities, pioneering web-based chat
Corporate deployments for internal communications
pyIRCX preserves this important piece of internet history, bringing authentic IRCX to modern infrastructure.
Deploy your own IRCX server in minutes, or try our live demo