Meshtastic (LoRs-based Mesh)
Meshtastic is a relatively new digital mesh network technology that uses LoRa for low-power, long-range digital communications. Although it uses LoRa, it is not LoRaWAN. Meshtastic has defined their own network protocol. It is meant to provide an off-grid communications capability suited to situations such as in emergencies where normal communications may be disrupted.
General Info
Meshtastic uses the unlicensed ISM bands so that anyone can use a with a node can join and use a local mesh network. Unlicensed use allows nodes to operate with up to 1 watt of transmit power. Meshes typically use encryption although, to foster wider use, the default encryption key is pretty lame and not hidden. Meshes are typically limited to seven hops due to the small memory size of typical devices used for nodes.
There are also provisions for use by Amateur Radio licensees which allows the node to operate at higher power levels, up to 10 watts. In this mode the Callsign of the user must be configured in the node and encryption is no longer allowed.
Most Meshtastic nodes are inexpensive IoT devices with limited or no displays and controls. Rather you control it through a Meshtastic app on a cellphone, tablet or computer with Bluetooth or through a wireless network connection. You can build your own node using an inexpensive ESP32 board. (See the references below).
The STEMLab's Meshtastic Node
The PARC node is a Station G2 Meshtastic device by Uniteng as shown below.
Using Meshtastic requires you to have a Meshtastic node of your own to talk to the network. PARC's node is identified as "PARC W6NWG" and is open to anyone.
Note: the Station G2 is discontinued. Uniteng now sells the Station G3.
The STEMLab Meshtastic node demonstrates the use of LoRa as a long-distance communications protocol. Its high vantage point gives it the node the ability to reach throughout San Diego County to the south and west.
Information about Meshtastic apps can be found here ⓘ Meshtastic App Information
References:
- Meshtastic Organization 🔗 The Meshtastic Project
- Meshtastic DIY - How To Build Your Own Meshtastic Node ESP32 & Lora Radio 🔗 Adrenalien's Meshtastic DIY
Note: PARC does not sell or endorse any products mentioned in these pages.
Information is provided for education and instructional purposes only.