Meshtastic: Building LoRA Mesh Networks for Communication
By Xavier Collantes
9/27/2025
In our modern world, we are dependent on internet and cellular connectivity.
Every text you send, every phone call, email, or social media post is sent over
the internet or cellular network.
Originally, the mesh network concept was an Internet of Things (IoT) for
tracking an array of assets such as farming equipment or livestock.
What Is Meshtastic?
In the last several years, Meshtastic as an open-source project has grown to be
a powerful tool for emergency communications, remote area communications, and
hobbyist experimenting with radio technology.
The map above only shows nodes connected to the internet. So the total number of nodes multitudes greater since Meshtastic is usually used outside of the internet.
At its core, Meshtastic enables long-range communication using low-power radio
devices that costs as little as $20-$40 per node device. The system is
independent of internet or cellular coverage.
A mesh network is built of nodes that can communicate with each other and pass on messages to other nodes without the need for a central server.
As the project develops, some devices are less DIY and more
commercial-looking you can buy on
Amazon.
Mobile Apps
Meshtastic has a mobile app for Android and iOS.
A user can download the app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store
then connect to a Meshtastic node device using Bluetooth to send and receive
text messages.
Usage In Other Industries
The Mesh Technology
The beauty of Meshtastic lies in its simplicity and resilience. When you send a
message, it automatically routes through the network via other Meshtastic nodes,
extending your communication range far beyond what any single device could
achieve. This creates a peer-to-peer mesh network that becomes more robust
as more nodes are added.
Other peer-to-peer concepts similar to Meshtastic would be Torrent networks or Cryptocurrency networks.
Key Features
- No licensing required: Operates on unlicensed ISM bands not strictly regulated by FCC
- End-to-end encryption: For secure communications using AES-256
- Battery: Devices usually last weeks or months or more with solar panels
- GPS integration: Able to attach cheap GPS modules to the device for location sharing and position reporting
- Cross-platform apps: Android, iOS, and desktop (via browser)
- MQTT integration: Bridging to internet when available (for telemetry, etc.)
The fun in Meshtastic is using it outside of the internet but the mesh can be bolstered with internet connectivity using MQTT protocol.
Radio Propagation
Meshtastic is built on LoRA (Long Range) technology, a wireless modulation
technique specifically designed for long-distance, low-power communication.
Unlike Wi-Fi or cellular signals that prioritize high data rates, LoRA
sacrifices speed for range and power efficiency.
The map above only shows nodes connected to the internet. So the total number of nodes multitudes greater since Meshtastic is usually used outside of the internet.
Frequencies Used
LoRA operates in unlicensed radio frequency bands:
- 433 MHz (Europe, Asia)
- 868 MHz (Europe)
- 915 MHz (North America)
- 923 MHz (Asia-Pacific)
These bands are set aside for devices specifically designed for commercial and
personal use.
Different frequencies behave differently depending on the environment and power of the transmitter.
The Future Of Mesh Networking
MeshTastic represents just the beginning of what's possible with decentralized
mesh networking. As the technology matures and adoption grows, we can expect to
see:
- Improved hardware with better range, lower power consumption, and integrated features
- Enhanced software with more sophisticated routing algorithms and user interfaces
- Broader ecosystem including sensors, IoT devices, and specialized applications
- Community networks providing local internet alternatives and emergency communications
- Integration with existing systems including ham radio, satellite communications, and internet infrastructure
Example Of My Mesh Network
Further Reading
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