Nether Transport Network

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The '''Nether Transport Network''' ''(NTN)'' has been present in every [[Worlds|Survival world]] of the [[Dogcraft.net|Dogcraft]] server. It continues to aim toward providing publicly accessible fast travel to many locations. The network is managed by the [[Survival Railway Network]] ''(SRN)'' organisation. 
{{Infobox project
|title        = Nether Transport Network
|image        = NTNHubRetriever.png
|caption      = The current design of the NTN hub, as seen on the Retriever world.
|type        = Transport
|leader      = {{Player|colliecolie}} , {{Player|GG553}}
|contributors ={{Player|AwesomeTom21}}, {{Player|HatterSkye}}, {{Player|Mika_Panda}}, {{Player|TrainerMoon}}
|world        = [[Survival 6]]
|status      = {{Active}}
}}


Each NTN is based around the mechanics of using boats on ice blocks, which results in high-speed movement. Coupled with another mechanic, being that every block traveled in the nether is counted for eight in the overworld, the NTN enables very fast travel. 
''For the guide on how to contribute to the network, see [[Guide:How to contribute to the Nether Transport Network|Guide:Nether Transport Network]].''


Each NTN is centered around a hub, with four tracks departing in each cardinal direction - North, East, South, and West. The nature of boating means that dead straight tracks are the best option for speed and simplicity, unfortunately restricting the flexibility of the network. Over the course of its life, the NTN has been paired with SRN rail stations in the overworld to enable easy movement to more precise locations. Each NTN has been built high in the nether, just below the ceiling, in order to travel over player builds/farms and to avoid large caverns that would significantly impede construction. This has meant that strong portal linking has been a challenge throughout the NTN's life. 
The '''Nether Transport Network''' ('''NTN''')  is a community-led public transport service that runs on the Survival Multiplayer [[worlds]] of the [[Dogcraft Server]]. The system is comprised of a network of tunnels in the Nether, utilising the mechanics of using boats on ice blocks which allows for very fast movement. This is coupled with another mechanic, being that every block traveled in the nether is counted for eight in the Overworld, meaning the network allows for travel over many blocks quickly. The NTN was formed during the [[Survival|first Survival world]] and has existed in every subsequent world, with the project being led by management of the [[Survival Railway Network]] organisation.


== Survival 1 ==
<br />
{{Infobox_project|title1 = Nether Transport Network|image1 = NTN Hub Sur1.png|type = Transportation Project|world(s) = [[Survival]]|project_manager = _edo → darparniox|status = Defunct|caption1 = NTN Hub gathering during ice track development, August 2016}}The idea for a nether based transport system was thought of by ''_edo'', alongside his conceptualisation of what would become the SRN rail network. After successful implementation of the railway concept, attention was turned to its nether counterpart.


The first NTN Hub was built in early August 2016. It was accessible via the nether portal in a prominent plaza area of [[Spawn (Survival 1)|Spawn]]. The hub was reasonably straightforward, the main stylistic feature being the mini-diorama of the greater overworld spawn area on the central floor.
==Survival 6{{Anchor_link|Survival 6}}==
{{Expansion}}
<!--The NTN on Survival 6 is very cool! Eventually, I will write more about it! Just trust me, it's super awesome!-->


The initial NTN ice track design featured a dual lane system, split with iron bars, and a platform above the packed ice to prevent zombie pigmen from spawning in the way of travelers. Stations were interspersed along the track, providing access to the nether, ender chests, and overworld portals. Junction stations were numerous and provided access to perpendicular tracks. Both were standardised.
-----
[[File:7MUZsAl.png|left|thumb|262x262px|''Valhalla Station, an example of a Survival 1 NTN Station'']]
==History==
NTN building took priority through the August - October period and this is when the bulk of the network was created. Many NTN stations were built, most around their SRN equivalents but with a handful at other locations such as the Dogcraft Space Association build. It was apparent that junctions would be needed during this time - many SRN stations were far enough from the ice track. Hot air balloons high up in the air were constructed at some SRN station sites in order to improve the strength of connection between portals and to allow for easy elytra take-off spots during a time before rocket-boosted flight.
=== Survival 1===
{{Infobox project
|title        = Nether Transport Network
|image        = NTN Hub Sur1.png
|caption      = NTN Hub gathering during ice track development, August 2016
|type        = Transport
|leader      = {{Player|_edo}} (former) →<br> {{Player|darparniox}}
|contributors =
|world        = Survival 1
|status      = {{Defunct}}
}}
The idea for a nether based transport system was thought of by ''_edo'', alongside his conceptualisation of what would become the SRN rail network. After successful implementation of the railway concept, attention was turned to its nether counterpart.
[[File:2016-09-12 14.45.42.png|left|thumb|NTN Hub in survival 1, with the mini-diorama of the overworld spawn area]]
The first NTN Hub was built in early August 2016. It was accessible via the nether portal in a prominent plaza area of [[Spawn (Survival 1)|Spawn]]. The hub was reasonably straightforward, the main stylistic feature being the mini-diorama of the greater overworld spawn area on the central floor, based on the overhead [[Dynmap]] view.


The NTN was not as well known or used as the SRN. The main cause of this the counter-intuitive location of the NTN hub portal. The building housing this portal had been standing for many months before the NTN Hub was constructed, and was part of the aforementioned 'utilities' plaza, next an enchanting facility and newbie gear build among others. The portal here was recognised by most the as the server nether portal, so was used for the NTN. However, the layout of the building was unnecessarily convoluted. ''_edo'', in line with his other concepts, believed that the building should be changed so that portal was more prominent. The builder of the building disagreed, and the portal stayed in the same difficult to access location. Another factor was some confusion as to the correct method to use the ice tracks. The mechanics of the network were not widely known, and the spawn-proofing platform limited vision. The result was that some practice was required to use the NTN to its full extent.
The initial ice track design featured a dual lane system, split with iron bars, and a platform above the packed ice to prevent Zombie Pigmen from spawning in the way of travellers. Stations were interspersed along the track, providing access to the nether, ender chests, and overworld portals. Junction stations were numerous and provided access to perpendicular tracks. Both were standardised.
[[File:7MUZsAl.png|thumb|Valhalla Station, an example of a Survival 1 NTN Station]]
NTN building took priority through the August - October period and this is when the bulk of the network was created. Many NTN stations were built, most around their SRN equivalents but with a handful at other locations such as the [[Dogcraft Space Association]] build. It was apparent that junctions would be needed during this time - many SRN stations were far enough from the ice track. Hot air balloons high up in the air were constructed at some SRN station sites in order to improve the strength of connection between portals and to allow for easy elytra take-off spots during a time before rocket-boosted flight.


== Survival 2 ==
The NTN was not as well known or used as the SRN. The main cause of this the counter-intuitive location of the NTN hub portal. The building housing this portal had been standing for many months before the NTN Hub was constructed, and was part of the aforementioned 'utilities' plaza, next an enchanting facility and newbie gear build among others. The portal here was recognised by most the as the server nether portal, so was used for the NTN. However, the layout of the building was unnecessarily convoluted. {{Player|_edo}}, in line with his other concepts, believed that the building should be changed so that portal was more prominent. The builder of the building disagreed, and the portal stayed in the same difficult to access location. Another factor was some confusion as to the correct method to use the ice tracks. The mechanics of the network were not widely known, and the spawn-proofing platform limited vision. The result was that some practice was required to use the NTN to its full extent.
The NTN made a similar return in [[Survival 2]].{{Infobox_project|title1 = Nether Transport Network|world(s) = [[Survival 2]]|project_manager = darparniox|status = Defunct|type = Transportation Project|image1 = NTN Hub.png}}In this world, a server nether hub was built in creative prior to its opening, at [[Spawn (Survival 2)|Spawn]], with a preliminary link to [[Spawn Station (Survival 2)|Spawn Station]]. However, the hub was built at a much lower level than the previous NTN, and did not have any amenities for boat launch. Therefore, the decision was made to construct the NTN Hub at a separate location, and link it with Grand Central Station as oppose to its Spawn equivalent. The arrangement left a rather awkward situation when entering the NTN from Spawn. It wasn't until January 2018, four months after the start of the world, that it this was fixed. Players would first need to enter the server nether hub before locating a fake end portal that would teleport them up to the NTN.
-----
=== Survival 2===
{{Infobox project
|title        = Nether Transport Network
|image        = NTN Hub.png
|caption      = The Survival 2 NTN hub
|type        = Transport
|leader      = {{Player|darparniox}}
|contributors =  
|world        = Survival 2
|status      = {{Defunct}}
}}
The NTN made a similar return in [[Survival 2]]. In this world, a server nether hub was built in creative prior to its opening, at [[Spawn (Survival 2)|Spawn]], with a preliminary link to [[Spawn Station (Survival 2)|Spawn Station]]. However, the hub was built at a much lower level than the previous NTN, and did not have any amenities for boat launch. Therefore, the decision was made to construct the NTN Hub at a separate location, and link it with Grand Central Station as oppose to its Spawn equivalent. The arrangement left a rather awkward situation when entering the NTN from Spawn. It wasn't until January 2018, four months after the start of the world, that it this was fixed. Players would first need to enter the server nether hub before locating a fake end portal that would teleport them up to the NTN.


In the meanwhile, during the previous October and November considerable early progress had been made and stations began to pop up in December. The NTN Hub was outfitted with a complex boat storage system, holding many shulker boxes of boats at a time and sending them to be used. The station design was altered slightly and slow down pads, to solve a long-known issue of players struggled to 'hit the cactus' in their boat to enter the station.
In the meanwhile, during the previous October and November considerable early progress had been made and stations began to pop up in December. The NTN Hub was outfitted with a complex boat storage system, holding many shulker boxes of boats at a time and sending them to be used. The station design was altered slightly and slow down pads, to solve a long-known issue of players struggled to 'hit the cactus' in their boat to enter the station.


A long discussed in-game NTN Map was designed and completed by ''_edo'' in March. The map was spread throughout NTN Stations and was sold for a modest fee in the Hub. Feedback on the map was positive and helped greatly with navigating the network.  
A long discussed in-game NTN Map was designed and completed by {{Player|_edo}} in March. The map was spread throughout NTN Stations and was sold for a modest fee in the Hub. Feedback on the map was positive and helped greatly with navigating the network.  
[[File:First NTN Map.png|thumb|220x220px|''First ever iteration of the NTN Map'']]
[[File:First NTN Map.png|thumb|First ever iteration of the NTN Map]]
The NTN experienced unseen exponential growth in the month of June. A pet project of ''marbou9''<nowiki/>'s to extend the East track to near the world border and his private island was completed on the 12ᵗʰ. By chance, ''Brogaman ''was directed to the endpoint of the Northern track to dig after asking for a place to mine for netherrack on the 15ᵗʰ. After extensive digging, ''Brogaman ''began to build the additional ice track infrastructure and enlisted the help of many other players to complete the task of finishing NTN North and South ice tracks to the world border, with major contributors including ''briggsmech'','' darparniox ''and ''Snowflake_Elsa''. Observing this sensation, ''Mrs_Diss, ''who had previously completed a sizable section of the Western track to her [[MicroMesa]], continued the march onward by extending this track, also to the world border. By the 20ᵗʰ, all four tracks and five new stations had been completed in the space of eight days, over tripling the size of the network.  
The NTN experienced unseen exponential growth in the month of June. A pet project of {{Player|marbou9}}'s to extend the East track to near the world border and his private island was completed on the 12<sup>th</sup>. By chance, {{Player|Broga_}} (then Brogaman) was directed to the endpoint of the Northern track to dig after asking for a place to mine for Netherrack on the 15<sup>th</sup>. After extensive digging, Broga began to build the additional ice track infrastructure and enlisted the help of many other players to complete the task of finishing NTN North and South ice tracks to the world border, with major contributors including {{Player|briggsmech}}, {{Player|darparniox}} and {{Player|Snowflake_Elsa}}. Observing this sensation, {{Player|Mrs_Diss}}, who had previously completed a sizeable section of the Western track to her [[MicroMesa]], continued the march onward by extending this track, also to the world border. By the 20<sup>th</sup>, all four tracks and five new stations had been completed in the space of eight days, over tripling the size of the network.


An additional 2x2 combined in-game NTN and SRN network map was created on the 15ᵗʰ of July, designed by ''misterblue28'' and built in lead with ''William278''. The map was hung alongside the original one in NTN stations.
An additional 2x2 combined in-game NTN and SRN network map was created on the 15<sup>th</sup> of July, designed by {{Player|misterblue28}} and was a team-construction project organised by {{Player|William278}}. The map was hung alongside the original one in NTN stops as well as in the counterpart SRN stations.


Further expansion on NTN from this point was limited to a handful of new stations, until the closure of the Survival 2 world on October 20ᵗʰ 2018.
Further expansion on NTN from this point was limited to a handful of new stations, until the closure of the [[Survival 2]] world on October 20<sup>th</sup> 2018.
-----
=== Survival 3===
{{Infobox project
|title        = Nether Transport Network
|image        = NTN Hub Sur3.png
|caption      = The Survival 3 NTN hub
|type        = Transport
|leader      = {{Player|darparniox}}
|contributors =
|world        = Survival 3
|status      = {{Defunct}}
}}
NTN construction for [[Survival 3]] began before world launch, as part of the [[Spawn (Survival 3)|Spawn]] building project. The NTN Hub was given more aesthetic attention than usual with a design by {{Player|marbou9}}, and the very beginnings of new ice tracks were in place when the new world launched. This was a very welcome occurrence, given the awkward nature of previous NTN Hub locations, and led to a major increase in the awareness and use of the NTN.  


== Survival 3 ==
The NTN tunnels were re-designed for the world in accordance with feedback gathered of the course of the two previous iterations. A field trip to the Iskall85 server was conducted by prominent NTN players and many aspects of the nether tunnel design there were incorporated. The new tunnel was wider, lacked a lane system, and removed the need for the restrictive spawn-proofing platform by replacing packed ice with non-spawnable regular ice and careful lighting to prevent melting. The result was a tunnel with much more freedom and vision for the traveler with limited downside, whilst allowing much more accessibility to non-station connections (later coined 'side-doors'). Improved vision allowed for distance markers in overworld blocks to be added to the ceiling of tunnels, a useful guide for players.
{{Infobox_project|title1 = Nether Transport Network|image1 = NTN Hub Sur3.png|type = Transportation Project|world(s) = [[Survival 3]]|project_manager = darparniox|status = Active}}NTN construction for [[Survival 3]] began before world launch, as part of the [[Spawn (Survival 3)|Spawn]] building project. The NTN Hub was given more aesthetic attention than usual with a design by ''marbou9'', and the very beginnings of new ice tracks were in place when the new world launched. This was a very welcome occurance, given the awkward nature of previous NTN Hub locations, and led to a major increase in the awareness and use of the NTN.  


The NTN tunnels were re-designed for the world in accordance with feedback gathered of the course of the two previous iterations. A field trip to the ''Iskall85'' server was conducted by prominent NTN players and many aspects of the nether tunnel design there were incorporated. The new tunnel was wider, lacked a lane system, and removed the need for the restrictive spawn-proofing platform by replacing packed ice with non-spawnable regular ice and careful lighting to prevent melting. The result was a tunnel with much more freedom and vision for the traveler with limited downside, whilst allowing much more accessibility to non-station connections (later coined 'side-doors'). Improved vision allowed for distance markers in overworld blocks to be added to the ceiling of tunnels, a useful guide for players.
Work on expanding the NTN began very early into the new world, an effort again headed by {{Player|Broga_}}. With a large collection of helpers, he had completed all four NTN tunnels to the world border by the 11<sup>th</sup> of November, less than a month after the opening of the world. New side-doors began to pop up around the network, to great effect. However, efforts to build stations had been confused after mixed feelings about a new design created in November. A second re-design was made much later in March 2019 by {{Player|darparniox}}. This was more discreet than previous examples, reflecting a new lower emphasis on SRN connections and toward player bases and towns as well being more customisable aesthetically. Later, in May, an 'approved stop' design was created after demand for a door for more significant locations outside of full stations.
[[File:NTN tunnel Sur3.png|left|thumb|264x264px|''Distance marker and CKC side-door, unique to Survival 3's NTN'']]
Work on expanding the NTN began very early into the new world, an effort again headed by ''Brogaman''. With a large collection of helpers, he had completed all four NTN tunnels to the world border by the 11ᵗʰ of November, less than a month after the opening of the world. New side-doors began to pop up around the network, to great effect. However, efforts to build stations had been confused after mixed feelings about a new design created in November. A second re-design was made much later in March 2019 by ''darparniox''. This was more discreet than previous examples, reflecting a new lower emphasis on SRN connections and toward player bases and towns as well being more customisable aesthetically.


With probable world border expansion for the 1.14 update looming, ''SJONES1997'' began to extend NTN North past the border and toward the future border, with a 1000 block section completed in May. ''Brogaman ''and company once again performed significant tunnel construction, completing each track to the same distance through June.
With probable world border expansion for the 1.14 update looming, {{Player|SJONES1997}} began to extend NTN North past the border and toward the future border, with a 1000 block section completed in May. {{Player|Broga_}} and company once again performed significant tunnel construction, completing each track to the same distance through June.


The even more ambitious 'window-box' project was devised by ''Brogaman ''following the rush of players brought by the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjaoZQlIFFo SRN and NTN base tour video] in early July. The window-box consisted of a loop track of ice following the 1.13 world border, adding in four new world corner stations and forming a window box shape with the existing cardinal tracks. The project was completed on the 9ᵗʰ of August after many hours of work from many players.
The even more ambitious 'window-box' project was devised by {{Player|Broga_}} following the rush of players brought by the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjaoZQlIFFo SRN and NTN base tour video] in early July. The window-box consisted of a loop track of ice following the 1.13 world border, adding in four new world corner stations and forming a window box shape with the existing cardinal tracks. The original border stations by this time resembled 'mini-hubs', with three tracks departing from them. The project was completed on the 9ᵗʰ of August after many hours of work from many players.
[[Category:Project]]
 
From this point on onward, the NTN was considered 'complete', and the only new activity was the construction of new stations, stops, and side-doors. Unfortunately, the planned border increase only took effect with the server update to 1.15 on the 20<sup>th</sup> of March 2020, and could only be opened from then, around a week before the closure of the world. Overall the Survival 3 NTN was clearly the most used and recognised, which can be predominantly attributed to the improved design and portal location.<gallery>
File:NTN tunnel Sur3.png|Distance marker and CKC side-door, unique to Survival 3's NTN
File:NTN Approved Stop.png|The approved stop for [[Chronia]]
</gallery>
-----
 
=== Survival 4 ===
{{Infobox project
|title        = Nether Transport Network
|image        = Sur4 NTN Hub.png
|caption      = Husky's NTN Hub after the 1.16 Nether Update
|type        = Transport
|leader      = {{Player|Broga_}}  {{Player|dmgdog}} (former) →<br> {{Player|TrainerMoon}}
|contributors =
|world        = Survival 4
|status      = {{Defunct}}
}}
 
The beginning of Survival 4 started in 1.15, nearing the release of Nether Update 1.16, so the NTN started out as a temporary design waiting for the reset of the nether. Upon the reset, the NTN team lead by {{Player|Broga_}} and {{Player|dmgdog}} would go on to dig and build a network built with normal and red netherbrick for the dual purpose of highlighting the update of the nether and repurposing the netherrack mined during the dig. The tunnels featured a new arched roof, making the tunnels taller. 
 
 
There would be a change in leadership during Survival 4 from {{Player|Broga_}} and {{Player|dmgdog}} to add {{Player|TrainerMoon}} as an officer, with {{Player|Broga_}} and {{Player|dmgdog}} both stepping down later on in Survival 4. NTN Officers were aided by the Junior Officers, consisting of {{Player|SJONES97}}, {{Player|mrkalaspuff}}, {{Player|StenLluk}}, {{Player|Lakosius}} {{Player|colliecolie}}, and {{Player|GG553}}. Junior Officers helped with everyday NTN work and maintenance.
 
 
The minihubs and corner hubs featured new 1.16 blocks, such as crimson and warped wood, soul flames, and strider enclosures. In September 2021, the first [[NTN Tower Build Contest 2021|NTN Tower Build Contest]] was held to create homes for the minihubs and corner hubs' portals on the overworld side. {{Player|TrainerMoon}} and the Events Team gave players the chance to create a tower - although some participants chose to build boats instead - that was no bigger than 25x25 blocks in size, and 50 blocks tall. Many designs were created, ranging from a stack of teacups to an asteroid's crumbled remains.
 
 
In March 2021, the NTN team hosted the first NTN Tunnel Building Competition. Players were tasked with connecting their portals to the completed tunnel network, and to create a design that reflected not only their creativity, but the base on the other side. The winner of the Best Player Tunnel was {{Player|TheGoldenBudgie}}, with a snowy cabin ice pathway to their ski resort base, with the Best Community Tunnel going to {{Player|SplittingAdams}} and the greater Confederation of Desert Islands or [[Confederation of Desert Islands|CODI]] area of Husky North, connecting many player bases and having access to two SRN branch line stations, Gates and Witchead. NTN Officer Broga's Pick went to {{Player|ThatRoger1}}, who created a seemingly treacherous pathway over a faux basalt delta leading to a nether base. Winners were featured on the [[Cyberdog News Network|CDNN]] March 2021 episode with a tour of each tunnel and {{Player|OldManLP85}} doing an interview with {{Player|ThatRoger1}}.
 
<gallery>
File:Nether hub.png|The temporary design of the NTN hubs before the 1.16 Nether Update.
File:1.16 NTN Tunnel.png|The design of the NTN Tunnel after the 1.16 update.
File:Ntn player example.png|Example of player stops displayed in the main hubs on both worlds.
File:NTN Tunnel Sur4.png|A section of NTN in the West tunnel, featuring the city stop for Gaia.
</gallery>
-----
 
=== Survival 5 ===
{{Infobox project
|title        = Nether Transport Network
|image        = Labrador NTN Hub.png
|caption      = The design of the NTN hub, as seen on the Labrador world.
|type        = Transport
|leader      = {{Player|TrainerMoon}} (former) →<br> {{Player|colliecolie}} , {{Player|GG553}}
|contributors ={{Player|PerskyPuff}} {{Player|strawberrysham}} (former) →<br> {{Player|AwesomeTom21}}, {{Player|HatterSkye}}, {{Player|Mika_Panda}}, {{Player|TrainerMoon}}
|world        = [[Survival 5]]
|status      = {{Active}}
}}
On the 3rd of March, 2022, {{Player|TrainerMoon}} would announce the new additions to the NTN leadership team consisting of {{Player|colliecolie}} for Labrador, {{Player|GG553}} for Akita, {{Player|PerskyPuff}} for Shepherd, and {{Player|strawberrysham}} for Corgi. The original NTN management team of Survival 5 was also the first majority transgender management team of any Dogcraft Transportation network, with an 80% trans group.
 
On the 31st of December, 2022, {{Player|colliecolie}} and {{Player|GG553}} would become joint Project Leaders, with {{Player|TrainerMoon}} becoming a manager on Corgi, and with new additions of {{Player|Mika_Panda}} managing Labrador, {{Player|HatterSkye}} on Akita, and {{Player|AwesomeTom21}} on Shepherd. This change in leadership also saw {{Player|colliecolie}} and {{Player|GG553}} as the first female and agender leaders of any Dogcraft Transportation network. This also means that these two are the first AFAB (assigned female at birth) leaders of any transport network on the server.
 
After the announcement of Survival 5, {{Player|TrainerMoon}} quickly announced public creative build sessions to work on the spawn and new tunnel designs. The new tunnel designs were created to address the issues with Survival 4's NTN, now including color coordinated tunnels, taller tunnels, lighter colors, and a more aesthetic viewing experience all while maintaining ease of access. The main hubs were designed in creative in the months leading up to Survival 5. The main hubs were designed to be much more grand, open, and brighter than before. The hubs feature information on the Network, information on player settlements in each direction, as well as a public piglin bartering area, access to the outdoors of the nether, a rest area for relaxation and respawn anchor needs, as well as the famous, gorgeous, and talented pig statue on each world named Joel, Gilbert, Wilbur, and most famously Wilm.   
 
[[File:Shepherd Hub Opening.png|alt=Minecraft players in the main Nether Transport Network hub. They are standing around the tall Nether portal, with a tall, grand ceiling and a grey mosaic floor. High above on the top of the ceiling is a recreation of the Dogcraft cog logo in the color scheme of the Genderqueer pride flag.|thumb|Players enjoying the newly opened Shepherd NTN Hub in June 2022.]]
The main hub's Cyberdog cog logo designs featured on every world have a different pride flag's color pallete to reflect the identities of the world managers at that time, with Akita featuring the Agender pride flag, Shepherd featuring the Genderqueer pride flag, Labrador featuring the Bisexual pride flag, and Corgi featuring the transgender pride flag. This design was made to reflect the diversity of the managers, being the first fully queer Dogcraft transportation network management team. This design was also created with the intention of showing new players that Dogcraft and the NTN itself was a safe haven for LGBT+ players.
 
The Survival 5 NTN was also intentionally designed to be accessible to colorblind players, with directional banners stating which direction you were going. These banners were designed to be high contrast so all players would be able to benefit from them. {{Player|AwesomeTom21}} and {{Player|starr274}} assisted in this process with information on high-contrast visability, different forms of colorblindness, and how to make it accessible to all players as well.
 
Before Survival 5 even started, {{Player|TrainerMoon}} had the idea of hosting NTN work sessions on designing the hubs in creative. This happened again once in the beginning of the world to work on digging out the start of the tunnels and the main hubs. But, after a seemingly one-off dig session in the first month of the new server, {{Player|colliecolie}} had an epiphany whilst working on the NTN to host the same type of session - but on a weekly basis. This idea blossomed into the weekly NTN work sessions on Friday nights hosted in discord.
 
 
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{{Navbox ServerInfo}}
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[[Category:Survival 1]]
[[Category:Survival 2]]
[[Category:Survival 3]]
[[Category:Survival 4]]
[[Category:Builds]]
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[[Category:Transport]]

Latest revision as of 18:31, 28 July 2024

Nether Transport Network
Survival 6
NTNHubRetriever.png
The current design of the NTN hub, as seen on the Retriever world.
Project
TypeTransport
World(s)Survival 6
Leader(s)20.png colliecolie , 20.png GG553
Contributors20.png AwesomeTom21, 20.png HatterSkye, 20.png Mika_Panda, 20.png TrainerMoon

For the guide on how to contribute to the network, see Guide:Nether Transport Network.

The Nether Transport Network (NTN) is a community-led public transport service that runs on the Survival Multiplayer worlds of the Dogcraft Server. The system is comprised of a network of tunnels in the Nether, utilising the mechanics of using boats on ice blocks which allows for very fast movement. This is coupled with another mechanic, being that every block traveled in the nether is counted for eight in the Overworld, meaning the network allows for travel over many blocks quickly. The NTN was formed during the first Survival world and has existed in every subsequent world, with the project being led by management of the Survival Railway Network organisation.


Survival 6

History

Survival 1

Nether Transport Network
Survival 1
NTN Hub Sur1.png
NTN Hub gathering during ice track development, August 2016
Project
TypeTransport
World(s)Survival 1
Leader(s)20.png _edo (former) →
20.png darparniox

The idea for a nether based transport system was thought of by _edo, alongside his conceptualisation of what would become the SRN rail network. After successful implementation of the railway concept, attention was turned to its nether counterpart.

NTN Hub in survival 1, with the mini-diorama of the overworld spawn area

The first NTN Hub was built in early August 2016. It was accessible via the nether portal in a prominent plaza area of Spawn. The hub was reasonably straightforward, the main stylistic feature being the mini-diorama of the greater overworld spawn area on the central floor, based on the overhead Dynmap view.

The initial ice track design featured a dual lane system, split with iron bars, and a platform above the packed ice to prevent Zombie Pigmen from spawning in the way of travellers. Stations were interspersed along the track, providing access to the nether, ender chests, and overworld portals. Junction stations were numerous and provided access to perpendicular tracks. Both were standardised.

Valhalla Station, an example of a Survival 1 NTN Station

NTN building took priority through the August - October period and this is when the bulk of the network was created. Many NTN stations were built, most around their SRN equivalents but with a handful at other locations such as the Dogcraft Space Association build. It was apparent that junctions would be needed during this time - many SRN stations were far enough from the ice track. Hot air balloons high up in the air were constructed at some SRN station sites in order to improve the strength of connection between portals and to allow for easy elytra take-off spots during a time before rocket-boosted flight.

The NTN was not as well known or used as the SRN. The main cause of this the counter-intuitive location of the NTN hub portal. The building housing this portal had been standing for many months before the NTN Hub was constructed, and was part of the aforementioned 'utilities' plaza, next an enchanting facility and newbie gear build among others. The portal here was recognised by most the as the server nether portal, so was used for the NTN. However, the layout of the building was unnecessarily convoluted. 20.png _edo, in line with his other concepts, believed that the building should be changed so that portal was more prominent. The builder of the building disagreed, and the portal stayed in the same difficult to access location. Another factor was some confusion as to the correct method to use the ice tracks. The mechanics of the network were not widely known, and the spawn-proofing platform limited vision. The result was that some practice was required to use the NTN to its full extent.

Survival 2

Nether Transport Network
Survival 2
NTN Hub.png
The Survival 2 NTN hub
Project
TypeTransport
World(s)Survival 2
Leader(s)20.png darparniox

The NTN made a similar return in Survival 2. In this world, a server nether hub was built in creative prior to its opening, at Spawn, with a preliminary link to Spawn Station. However, the hub was built at a much lower level than the previous NTN, and did not have any amenities for boat launch. Therefore, the decision was made to construct the NTN Hub at a separate location, and link it with Grand Central Station as oppose to its Spawn equivalent. The arrangement left a rather awkward situation when entering the NTN from Spawn. It wasn't until January 2018, four months after the start of the world, that it this was fixed. Players would first need to enter the server nether hub before locating a fake end portal that would teleport them up to the NTN.

In the meanwhile, during the previous October and November considerable early progress had been made and stations began to pop up in December. The NTN Hub was outfitted with a complex boat storage system, holding many shulker boxes of boats at a time and sending them to be used. The station design was altered slightly and slow down pads, to solve a long-known issue of players struggled to 'hit the cactus' in their boat to enter the station.

A long discussed in-game NTN Map was designed and completed by 20.png _edo in March. The map was spread throughout NTN Stations and was sold for a modest fee in the Hub. Feedback on the map was positive and helped greatly with navigating the network.

First ever iteration of the NTN Map

The NTN experienced unseen exponential growth in the month of June. A pet project of 20.png marbou9's to extend the East track to near the world border and his private island was completed on the 12th. By chance, 20.png Broga_ (then Brogaman) was directed to the endpoint of the Northern track to dig after asking for a place to mine for Netherrack on the 15th. After extensive digging, Broga began to build the additional ice track infrastructure and enlisted the help of many other players to complete the task of finishing NTN North and South ice tracks to the world border, with major contributors including 20.png briggsmech, 20.png darparniox and 20.png Snowflake_Elsa. Observing this sensation, 20.png Mrs_Diss, who had previously completed a sizeable section of the Western track to her MicroMesa, continued the march onward by extending this track, also to the world border. By the 20th, all four tracks and five new stations had been completed in the space of eight days, over tripling the size of the network.

An additional 2x2 combined in-game NTN and SRN network map was created on the 15th of July, designed by 20.png misterblue28 and was a team-construction project organised by 20.png William278. The map was hung alongside the original one in NTN stops as well as in the counterpart SRN stations.

Further expansion on NTN from this point was limited to a handful of new stations, until the closure of the Survival 2 world on October 20th 2018.

Survival 3

Nether Transport Network
Survival 3
NTN Hub Sur3.png
The Survival 3 NTN hub
Project
TypeTransport
World(s)Survival 3
Leader(s)20.png darparniox

NTN construction for Survival 3 began before world launch, as part of the Spawn building project. The NTN Hub was given more aesthetic attention than usual with a design by 20.png marbou9, and the very beginnings of new ice tracks were in place when the new world launched. This was a very welcome occurrence, given the awkward nature of previous NTN Hub locations, and led to a major increase in the awareness and use of the NTN.

The NTN tunnels were re-designed for the world in accordance with feedback gathered of the course of the two previous iterations. A field trip to the Iskall85 server was conducted by prominent NTN players and many aspects of the nether tunnel design there were incorporated. The new tunnel was wider, lacked a lane system, and removed the need for the restrictive spawn-proofing platform by replacing packed ice with non-spawnable regular ice and careful lighting to prevent melting. The result was a tunnel with much more freedom and vision for the traveler with limited downside, whilst allowing much more accessibility to non-station connections (later coined 'side-doors'). Improved vision allowed for distance markers in overworld blocks to be added to the ceiling of tunnels, a useful guide for players.

Work on expanding the NTN began very early into the new world, an effort again headed by 20.png Broga_. With a large collection of helpers, he had completed all four NTN tunnels to the world border by the 11th of November, less than a month after the opening of the world. New side-doors began to pop up around the network, to great effect. However, efforts to build stations had been confused after mixed feelings about a new design created in November. A second re-design was made much later in March 2019 by 20.png darparniox. This was more discreet than previous examples, reflecting a new lower emphasis on SRN connections and toward player bases and towns as well being more customisable aesthetically. Later, in May, an 'approved stop' design was created after demand for a door for more significant locations outside of full stations.

With probable world border expansion for the 1.14 update looming, 20.png SJONES1997 began to extend NTN North past the border and toward the future border, with a 1000 block section completed in May. 20.png Broga_ and company once again performed significant tunnel construction, completing each track to the same distance through June.

The even more ambitious 'window-box' project was devised by 20.png Broga_ following the rush of players brought by the SRN and NTN base tour video in early July. The window-box consisted of a loop track of ice following the 1.13 world border, adding in four new world corner stations and forming a window box shape with the existing cardinal tracks. The original border stations by this time resembled 'mini-hubs', with three tracks departing from them. The project was completed on the 9ᵗʰ of August after many hours of work from many players.

From this point on onward, the NTN was considered 'complete', and the only new activity was the construction of new stations, stops, and side-doors. Unfortunately, the planned border increase only took effect with the server update to 1.15 on the 20th of March 2020, and could only be opened from then, around a week before the closure of the world. Overall the Survival 3 NTN was clearly the most used and recognised, which can be predominantly attributed to the improved design and portal location.

  • Distance marker and CKC side-door, unique to Survival 3's NTN

    Distance marker and CKC side-door, unique to Survival 3's NTN

  • The approved stop for Chronia

    The approved stop for Chronia

Survival 4

Nether Transport Network
Survival 4
Sur4 NTN Hub.png
Husky's NTN Hub after the 1.16 Nether Update
Project
TypeTransport
World(s)Survival 4
Leader(s)20.png Broga_ 20.png dmgdog (former) →
20.png TrainerMoon

The beginning of Survival 4 started in 1.15, nearing the release of Nether Update 1.16, so the NTN started out as a temporary design waiting for the reset of the nether. Upon the reset, the NTN team lead by 20.png Broga_ and 20.png dmgdog would go on to dig and build a network built with normal and red netherbrick for the dual purpose of highlighting the update of the nether and repurposing the netherrack mined during the dig. The tunnels featured a new arched roof, making the tunnels taller.


There would be a change in leadership during Survival 4 from 20.png Broga_ and 20.png dmgdog to add 20.png TrainerMoon as an officer, with 20.png Broga_ and 20.png dmgdog both stepping down later on in Survival 4. NTN Officers were aided by the Junior Officers, consisting of 20.png SJONES97, 20.png mrkalaspuff, 20.png StenLluk, 20.png Lakosius 20.png colliecolie, and 20.png GG553. Junior Officers helped with everyday NTN work and maintenance.


The minihubs and corner hubs featured new 1.16 blocks, such as crimson and warped wood, soul flames, and strider enclosures. In September 2021, the first NTN Tower Build Contest was held to create homes for the minihubs and corner hubs' portals on the overworld side. 20.png TrainerMoon and the Events Team gave players the chance to create a tower - although some participants chose to build boats instead - that was no bigger than 25x25 blocks in size, and 50 blocks tall. Many designs were created, ranging from a stack of teacups to an asteroid's crumbled remains.


In March 2021, the NTN team hosted the first NTN Tunnel Building Competition. Players were tasked with connecting their portals to the completed tunnel network, and to create a design that reflected not only their creativity, but the base on the other side. The winner of the Best Player Tunnel was 20.png TheGoldenBudgie, with a snowy cabin ice pathway to their ski resort base, with the Best Community Tunnel going to 20.png SplittingAdams and the greater Confederation of Desert Islands or CODI area of Husky North, connecting many player bases and having access to two SRN branch line stations, Gates and Witchead. NTN Officer Broga's Pick went to 20.png ThatRoger1, who created a seemingly treacherous pathway over a faux basalt delta leading to a nether base. Winners were featured on the CDNN March 2021 episode with a tour of each tunnel and 20.png OldManLP85 doing an interview with 20.png ThatRoger1.

  • The temporary design of the NTN hubs before the 1.16 Nether Update.

    The temporary design of the NTN hubs before the 1.16 Nether Update.

  • The design of the NTN Tunnel after the 1.16 update.

    The design of the NTN Tunnel after the 1.16 update.

  • Example of player stops displayed in the main hubs on both worlds.

    Example of player stops displayed in the main hubs on both worlds.

  • A section of NTN in the West tunnel, featuring the city stop for Gaia.

    A section of NTN in the West tunnel, featuring the city stop for Gaia.

Survival 5

Nether Transport Network
Survival 5
Labrador NTN Hub.png
The design of the NTN hub, as seen on the Labrador world.
Project
TypeTransport
World(s)Survival 5
Leader(s)20.png TrainerMoon (former) →
20.png colliecolie , 20.png GG553
Contributors20.png PerskyPuff 20.png strawberrysham (former) →
20.png AwesomeTom21, 20.png HatterSkye, 20.png Mika_Panda, 20.png TrainerMoon

On the 3rd of March, 2022, 20.png TrainerMoon would announce the new additions to the NTN leadership team consisting of 20.png colliecolie for Labrador, 20.png GG553 for Akita, 20.png PerskyPuff for Shepherd, and 20.png strawberrysham for Corgi. The original NTN management team of Survival 5 was also the first majority transgender management team of any Dogcraft Transportation network, with an 80% trans group.

On the 31st of December, 2022, 20.png colliecolie and 20.png GG553 would become joint Project Leaders, with 20.png TrainerMoon becoming a manager on Corgi, and with new additions of 20.png Mika_Panda managing Labrador, 20.png HatterSkye on Akita, and 20.png AwesomeTom21 on Shepherd. This change in leadership also saw 20.png colliecolie and 20.png GG553 as the first female and agender leaders of any Dogcraft Transportation network. This also means that these two are the first AFAB (assigned female at birth) leaders of any transport network on the server.

After the announcement of Survival 5, 20.png TrainerMoon quickly announced public creative build sessions to work on the spawn and new tunnel designs. The new tunnel designs were created to address the issues with Survival 4's NTN, now including color coordinated tunnels, taller tunnels, lighter colors, and a more aesthetic viewing experience all while maintaining ease of access. The main hubs were designed in creative in the months leading up to Survival 5. The main hubs were designed to be much more grand, open, and brighter than before. The hubs feature information on the Network, information on player settlements in each direction, as well as a public piglin bartering area, access to the outdoors of the nether, a rest area for relaxation and respawn anchor needs, as well as the famous, gorgeous, and talented pig statue on each world named Joel, Gilbert, Wilbur, and most famously Wilm.

Minecraft players in the main Nether Transport Network hub. They are standing around the tall Nether portal, with a tall, grand ceiling and a grey mosaic floor. High above on the top of the ceiling is a recreation of the Dogcraft cog logo in the color scheme of the Genderqueer pride flag.
Players enjoying the newly opened Shepherd NTN Hub in June 2022.

The main hub's Cyberdog cog logo designs featured on every world have a different pride flag's color pallete to reflect the identities of the world managers at that time, with Akita featuring the Agender pride flag, Shepherd featuring the Genderqueer pride flag, Labrador featuring the Bisexual pride flag, and Corgi featuring the transgender pride flag. This design was made to reflect the diversity of the managers, being the first fully queer Dogcraft transportation network management team. This design was also created with the intention of showing new players that Dogcraft and the NTN itself was a safe haven for LGBT+ players.

The Survival 5 NTN was also intentionally designed to be accessible to colorblind players, with directional banners stating which direction you were going. These banners were designed to be high contrast so all players would be able to benefit from them. 20.png AwesomeTom21 and 20.png starr274 assisted in this process with information on high-contrast visability, different forms of colorblindness, and how to make it accessible to all players as well.

Before Survival 5 even started, 20.png TrainerMoon had the idea of hosting NTN work sessions on designing the hubs in creative. This happened again once in the beginning of the world to work on digging out the start of the tunnels and the main hubs. But, after a seemingly one-off dig session in the first month of the new server, 20.png colliecolie had an epiphany whilst working on the NTN to host the same type of session - but on a weekly basis. This idea blossomed into the weekly NTN work sessions on Friday nights hosted in discord.


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