Think about the ability to communicate without a mobile signal, Wi-Fi, or even the Internet. This is essentially what the Meshtastic technology is about – it’s a decentralized communication system that relies on low-energy radio transmitters creating a local mesh network.
This technology may be interesting for use in cases where traditional mobile phone networks are not available for hikers, campers, emergency preparation communities, and other outdoors-oriented teams.
Meshtastic technology is based on LoRa radio – a wireless technology specifically engineered to provide long-distance communication using low power.
What Is Meshtastic?
Meshtastic is an off-grid communication system that works using open-source software and is designed for use on inexpensive and power-efficient hardware. This project calls itself a decentralized mesh network that does not need a cell tower or internet connection to operate.
Usually, there are small radio nodes that feature LoRa-enabled hardware. There are three ways to work with such devices – using a smartphone, computer, and hardware that comes with display and controls.
The crucial thing here is that it is not just a long-distance communication channel that exists between two nodes. Many nodes can be present in one network and deliver messages to each other. Thus, the data could move from one node to another.
In case two users cannot talk directly because of the distance between them, the third user, whose node is located between them, can help to deliver the message. Consequently, additional nodes can increase the area of a local network.
How Does the Mesh Network Work?
The solution uses a blend of LoRa radio technology and mesh networking.
LoRa is famous for its long-range capability, although it consumes very low power. In fact, the actual range of LoRa depends greatly on various things including the quality of the antenna, terrain, building, elevation, radio configuration, and interference. The LoRa Alliance says that the range depends a lot on the environment and obstacles.
Mesh networking is another feature. This means that instead of having to have all devices talking to each other, nodes can relay the message through possible paths.
Here is a basic example outdoors:
Node A → Node B → Node C → Node D
If the node A is unable to contact node D directly, then the use of other nodes will help transmit the message to its destination. This is why the network becomes extremely fascinating in cases such as large trekking parties, rural areas, outdoor functions, and emergencies where the normal infrastructure might not be available.
But having many nodes does not necessarily ensure infinite transmission distance due to various factors.
Why Use Off-Grid Communication Systems?
There are many benefits of off-grid communications systems, but the most important one is that they are independent of any existing communications system infrastructure.
A cellular system needs towers and other supporting infrastructure. Similarly, Wi-Fi requires an internet connection or an access point. On the other hand, a properly configured mesh radio system can communicate without the need for an internet connection at all.
It may have some usefulness in certain scenarios.
Hiking and Outdoor Activities
People hiking on mountain ranges, forests, deserts, or even on less frequented paths can make use of mesh radios to communicate where there may not be any cellular service available.
Emergency Situation
In a situation of power cut, disaster, or disruption in communication systems, regular networks might get overloaded or not be available. An additional means of communication could be handy in such situations.
But this doesn’t mean that one must think of it as the emergency services network or an emergency communication system.
Events and Distance Ventures
Races, festivals, outdoor research studies, construction sites, and countryside ventures might benefit from the use of brief text messages and status reports without each individual needing cellular access.
What Hardware Do You Need?
Hardware variety is one of the benefits of the ecosystem. The resources provided by Meshtastic officially list a wide range of compatible devices produced by such companies as LILYGO, RAK, Heltec, Seeed, M5Stack, and others.
Which of the devices to choose depends on your goals.
For example, if you will be hiking with your equipment, a portable node powered by a battery will be the right choice. A more powerful antenna and a battery will make an excellent device for using it at a stationary relay point. Some hardware comes with screens, GPS capabilities, buttons, etc., whereas simple boards could be combined with a mobile phone.
In selecting hardware, please consider the following parameters:
- Compatibility of your region’s frequency
- Antenna and its connector
- Battery power
- Availability of GPS
- Size and durability of the device
- Availability of Bluetooth or another connection type
- Supported firmware and community documentation
At the moment, there are several LoRa regions and a lot of community-supported devices.
Is Meshtastic Secure?
Privacy is essential for any off-grid communication, and according to the project, its network allows for AES-256 encryption.
This means that users cannot expect their every message to be automatically encrypted. Security is based on settings, keys management, access to devices, and firmware of the network.
At the same time, it is worth noting that while encryption ensures the privacy of messages, it does not mean that every piece of metadata will not be transmitted. For secure communication, it is important to understand which information is exposed and by whom.
Meshtastic Versus Cellular and Wi-Fi
It is not necessarily an aim to replace the cellular network or Wi-Fi.
Cellular technology is far more appropriate for high-bandwidth internet access, voice calls, video communication, and vast geographically distributed communications. Wi-Fi is also meant for fast short-range communication.
Communication using the LoRa network works in a slightly different way: long range, low energy consumption, and limited data transfer.
This particular communication is more suitable for short message sending, location tracking, telemetry data, and so forth than any large data transmission or video streaming.
In other words, speed is not important here.
Getting Started
Getting started with Meshtastic usually isn’t complicated but depends largely on the particular radio hardware that you choose.
First, select an appropriate radio that works in your area for your intended purpose. Then install the right firmware with the tools provided by the project and connect the node to the right client.
Second, configure the radio and set up your network channel. If there are several participants, ensure all of them have compatible settings and understand the channel and encryption setup.
Finally, test the entire system in advance of using it in the field. Move away from another node, test at various locations, and see the impact of buildings, hills, trees, and elevation on the connection.
It is important to do testing since the stated or theoretical range of a radio can never be a real one.
Performance Improvement Tips
Placement of good hardware will have a huge impact.
Wherever possible, try to mount relay nodes on raised grounds, having a relatively clear route between two communicating devices. Do not place any antenna close to large metallic bodies and do not place them in highly shielded environments.
Also, take care of batteries. Any device running out of batteries will become unusable. Make sure you carry additional batteries or use power supplies suitable for your trips.
Lastly, test the system before you start using it in actual emergency situations.
Conclusion
Going off-grid with communication doesn’t necessarily have to involve the use of difficult and costly radio communication equipment. This is because the combination of inexpensive hardware, long-range capabilities of LoRa, and mesh networking makes it possible to use Meshtastic as a means of exchanging low-bandwidth information without relying on cellular masts or the internet.
Its biggest advantage may actually turn out to be its main drawback – the fact that it is created for low-bandwidth communication instead of regular internet connectivity. However, when it comes to messages, location data, coordination, and basic telemetry, this can prove very helpful.
With the increase in the availability of compatible devices and community initiatives, this decentralized form of communication becomes increasingly easy to implement. It will be especially interesting for outdoor enthusiasts, technophiles, preparedness fans, and remote workers.
