Account Types, Tiers and Policies

Nekotopia provides free VPN access at the Basic-tier account type for the retro computing community.

To keep the service sustainable and fair for everyone, we have a few simple policies.

Free Account Access

The Basic account tier is available to all. This means you can register for an account and get immediate access to the system(s) hosted by enthusiasts like you. 

Some users may feel they need more access to services on the platform. Features that require a subscription may include access to additional bandwidth beyond your tier limit, public Internet access, or public IPv4 address(es) for hosting services at home (nSolo and nColo).

Larger community projects may apply for community support for these paid-for services. Those account types are functionally equivalent to paid-for accounts and are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. These complimentary accounts will always require admin approval due to limited capacity.

Keeping Your Account Active

Your account remains valid as long as you:

• Stay active — Log in to your VPN account to keep it active.
• Play fair — There is an expectation that free-tier users on the platform will not abuse their bandwidth allocation.
• Follow the rules — Comply with our Terms of Service

How Seat Allocation Works

Nekotopia has a finite capacity for community accounts. This is mostly due to funding rather than a capacity limitation. We want to be fair and provide free-to-use accounts where possible or where practical. However, more feature-rich accounts do offer improved services for all of us, either through revenue that funds the community or through the joy of accessing these amazing community projects.

Here’s how Plus and Pro account allocation works:

1. First-come, first-served — If you have a great idea or want to host a lot of equipment in your home/retro lab, reach out to the admin(s) and apply early for the best chance of approval. 
   • IRIXNet patrons will receive preference due to our close relationship with the SGI community.
   • Early members have standing here — if we ever need to manage capacity, the people who've been here longest are the last to be affected.
2. Active users have priority — Inactive accounts may be downgraded if a user with a solid community project comes along and needs seats in the complimentary tier.
3. Supporters will get preference — Ko-Fi supporters will always receive priority over free seats when resources are constrained. This should be common sense.  

What Happens If You Lose Your Seat

If you’re moved from a higher tier due to inactivity, supercedance or capacity limitation:

You’ll always have at least Basic access to the Torus network — you won’t lose connectivity entirely.

Questions? Reach out via the Contact page or the Forum if you have any concerns about your account status.