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radio:mesh [2025/11/16 13:17] – [Other Mesh Networks] cocoradio:mesh [2025/11/17 11:04] (current) – coco
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 ====== Mesh Networking ====== ====== Mesh Networking ======
  
-**Mesh networking** is a decentralized wireless communication system in which each device //(or **"node"**)// acts as both receiver & repeater, automatically relaying data for other nodes. Instead of relying on a central router, access point, or cellular tower, messages “hop” from node to node until they reach their destination.+**Mesh networking** is a decentralized communication system in which each device //(or **"node"**)// acts as both receiver & repeater, automatically relaying data for other nodes. Instead of relying on a central router, access point, or cellular tower, messages “hop” from node to node until they reach their destination.
  
 The lack of central authority in mesh networks makes them extremely popular for those looking to bypass traditional ISP monopolies, [[hazards:stingray|cell towers]], and draconian censorship laws. The lack of central authority in mesh networks makes them extremely popular for those looking to bypass traditional ISP monopolies, [[hazards:stingray|cell towers]], and draconian censorship laws.
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 === LoRaWAN === === LoRaWAN ===
  
-Before we continue, it should be noted **LoRaWAN** is not a true mesh network. Rather it is **extended-star //(or "star-of-stars")// topology**, ie: devices talk only to gateways. It trades very low data rates (0.3–50kbps) for exceptional range and robustness against interference. LoRaWAN devices can last 5–10 years on a single battery, and operate over distances of 2–15km, while sending data only a few times per hour or day.+**LoRaWAN** is one of the most popular **LoRa** implementations. Before we continue, it should be noted LoRaWAN is not a true mesh network. Rather it is **extended-star //(or "star-of-stars")// topology**, ie: devices talk only to gateways. It trades very low data rates (0.3–50kbps) for exceptional range and robustness against interference. LoRaWAN devices can last 5–10 years on a single battery, and operate over distances of 2–15km, while sending data only a few times per hour or day.
  
 Unlike true mesh systems, devices in standard LoRaWAN do not relay messages for each other — all traffic goes through gateways connected to the internet or private backhaul. We mention it here because other mesh systems oftentimes work on the same hardware, which is a major source of confusion for mesh newbs. However, LoRa can also be used in pure peer-to-peer mesh configurations such as **Meshtastic** //(see below)//.  Unlike true mesh systems, devices in standard LoRaWAN do not relay messages for each other — all traffic goes through gateways connected to the internet or private backhaul. We mention it here because other mesh systems oftentimes work on the same hardware, which is a major source of confusion for mesh newbs. However, LoRa can also be used in pure peer-to-peer mesh configurations such as **Meshtastic** //(see below)//. 
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 Unlike LoRaWAN, [[radio:meshtastic|Meshtastic]] is a true long-range mesh system built on LoRa hardware where every device is its own independent node. Meshtastic nodes automatically rebroadcast messages from nearby Meshtastic nodes, creating self-reliant off-grid text messaging & location-sharing networks that can transmit data up to a **whopping 37kbps!** It's not practical at all for transmitting media //(or anything with a large file size)// but it excels at plaintext, which is quite versatile if you know how to work it. Unlike LoRaWAN, [[radio:meshtastic|Meshtastic]] is a true long-range mesh system built on LoRa hardware where every device is its own independent node. Meshtastic nodes automatically rebroadcast messages from nearby Meshtastic nodes, creating self-reliant off-grid text messaging & location-sharing networks that can transmit data up to a **whopping 37kbps!** It's not practical at all for transmitting media //(or anything with a large file size)// but it excels at plaintext, which is quite versatile if you know how to work it.
  
-The Meshtastic firmware can be installed on any compatible [[tools:esp32|ESP32-based]] device. There are many prebuilt Meshtastic devices on Amazon, some of which have Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity. It is especially popular with hikers, preppers, and disaster-response groups. Range per hop is typically 5–20 km in good conditions.+The Meshtastic firmware can be installed on any compatible [[tools:esp32|ESP32-based]] device. There are many prebuilt Meshtastic devices on Amazon, some of which have Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity. It is especially popular with hikers, preppers, and disaster-response groups. Range per hop is typically 2-10 miles or 5–15 kilometers in good conditions, but records of 100-200 miles have been achieved.
  
 If you are new to mesh networking, Mestastic is one of the easier entry points. If you are looking to DIY your own Arduino-esque off-grid texting device with a 3D printed case, this is the network most hobbyists are doing that on. For more information on Meshtastic devices and how to use them, read our [[radio:meshtastic|Meshtastic guide]]. If you are new to mesh networking, Mestastic is one of the easier entry points. If you are looking to DIY your own Arduino-esque off-grid texting device with a 3D printed case, this is the network most hobbyists are doing that on. For more information on Meshtastic devices and how to use them, read our [[radio:meshtastic|Meshtastic guide]].
  
  
-=== Helium ===+=== MeshCore ===
  
-**Helium** is a **LoRaWAN-based** network originally launched in 2019, which uses community-deployed “Hotspots” that people buy and host at home. These hotspots provide long-range LoRaWAN coverage, relay data to the internet, and form a global blockchain-based network where participants originally earned $HNT cryptocurrency for proof-of-coverage & data transfer. Because of the financial incentive, Helium became notorious for its users setting up hotspots in National Parks & Forests.+[[github>meshcore-dev/MeshCore|MeshCore]] is another LoRa-based mesh, similar to Meshtastic and even runs on the same devices. Unlike Meshtastic's "flooding" approach //(where all messages are rebroadcast by any node until they reach their destination or hop limit)// Meshcore takes a "flood-then-direct" approach //(it floods initially to discover paths & efficient routes, falling back to flood only when necessary)//.
  
-In 2023–2024 the original project split: The IoT/LoRaWAN portion migrated to the Solana blockchain as **Helium IoT**, while a separate **Helium Mobile** network now focuses on 5G/cellular offloading using the same hotspot model & tokenomics. Today it remains one of the largest crowdsourced LoRaWAN networks, with hundreds of thousands of hotspots worldwide.+This and several other features makes MeshCore useful for large planned mesh networks. Since Meshtastic is primarily designed for quick-deployment by hobbyists, hikers & emergency response, it is easily overwhelmed in congested urban & corporate environments.
  
  
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 **Project OWL** //(**O**rganization, **W**hereabouts & **L**ogistics)// is an open-source initiative that centers on **"DuckLink"** devices: small, solar- or battery-powered LoRa nodes that form ad-hoc clusters called **ClusterDuck networks**. DuckLink nodes relay small data packets like location, messages, and sensor readings over distances up to 1 km per hop. Specialized nodes can be set up to communicate with smartphones and even function as internet gateways. **Project OWL** //(**O**rganization, **W**hereabouts & **L**ogistics)// is an open-source initiative that centers on **"DuckLink"** devices: small, solar- or battery-powered LoRa nodes that form ad-hoc clusters called **ClusterDuck networks**. DuckLink nodes relay small data packets like location, messages, and sensor readings over distances up to 1 km per hop. Specialized nodes can be set up to communicate with smartphones and even function as internet gateways.
  
-Like Meshtastic, it is a true open-source mesh system that can be run on any compatible device. Unlike Meshtastic, there is far more fine-grained control over how ClusterDuck networks behave. If you find yourself feeling 'limited' by Meshtastic, this option might be worth considering. +Like Meshtastic, it is a true open-source mesh system that can be run on any compatible device. Unlike Meshtastic, there is far more fine-grained control over how ClusterDuck networks behave. If you find yourself feeling 'limited' by Meshtastic, this option might be worth considering. 
 + 
 + 
 +=== Helium === 
 + 
 +**Helium** is a **LoRaWAN-based** network originally launched in 2019, which uses community-deployed “Hotspots” that people buy and host at home. These hotspots provide long-range LoRaWAN coverage, relay data to the internet, and form a global blockchain-based network where participants originally earned $HNT cryptocurrency for proof-of-coverage & data transfer. Because of the financial incentive, Helium became notorious for its users setting up hotspots in National Parks & Forests. 
 + 
 +In 2023–2024 the original project split: The IoT/LoRaWAN portion migrated to the Solana blockchain as **Helium IoT**, while a separate **Helium Mobile** network now focuses on 5G/cellular offloading using the same hotspot model & tokenomics. Today it remains one of the largest crowdsourced LoRaWAN networks, with hundreds of thousands of hotspots worldwide. 
  
  
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 ==== Local Area Mesh ==== ==== Local Area Mesh ====
  
-While the above applications & protocols make some types of mesh networking easier, you do not need any of them. Any **LAN** or **local area network** is basically a type of mesh network. Pretty much every major operating system has LAN networking support, meaning all you have to do is plug your computer into the LAN. There is nothing stopping you from running miles of LAN cables and wifi repeaters with your friends to create a city-wide LAN. In fact, residents of cities like Havana, New York, Barcelona, Berlin, Rome, Toronto and more, have done exactly this to varying degrees of success.+While the above applications & protocols make some types of mesh networking easier, you do not need any of them. Any **LAN** or **local area network** can be set up as a type of mesh network. Pretty much every major operating system has LAN support, meaning all you have to do is plug your computer into the LAN and it will usually autodetect. There is nothing stopping you from running miles of LAN cables and wifi repeaters with your friends to create a city-wide LAN. In fact, residents of cities like Havana, New York, Barcelona, Berlin, Rome, Toronto and more, have done exactly that to varying degrees of success.
  
-If your mesh requires fast speeds and the ability to transfer large files, this is the type of mesh you will want to build.+If your mesh requires persistent connections, fast speeds and the ability to transfer large files, this is the type of mesh you will want to build.
  
  
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-{{tag>Communications}}+{{tag>Communications Networking}}
radio/mesh.1763299079.txt.gz · Last modified: by coco

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