Meshtastic

Meshtastic is a decentralized wireless off-grid mesh networking LoRa protocol.^[1][2] The main goal of the project is enabling low-power, long-range communication over unlicensed radio bands. It is designed around exchanging text messages and data in off-grid environments, with potential applications in IoT projects where a decentralized communication system is needed without existing infrastructure.^[3][4]

Meshtastic

A LILYGO TTGO T-Beam running in client mode on battery power.
International standard	Based on LoRa, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Compatible hardware	Supports ESP32, nRF52840 and others
Physical range	Typically 2–5 km (1.2–3.1 mi), upwards of 100 km (62 mi) possible via mesh
Website	meshtastic.org

Meshtastic uses LoRa peer to peer (P2P), a long-range radio protocol, to form a mesh network by rebroadcasting messages to extend communication reach. Each device can connect with a single phone, enabling messaging in off-grid areas, making it useful for not only messages, but also data transmissions.^[5][6][2]

Meshtastic was created by Kevin Hester in early 2020 as a solution for communication during hobbies where reliable internet access is unavailable.^[7] The project operates as a grassroots, community-driven endeavor with established local communities, maintaining a strong DIY ethos. The software is open source, with hundreds of contributors participating in its development.^[7]

Use cases and applications

Meshtastic has found applications in various scenarios where traditional communication infrastructure is unavailable or unreliable. The Mars Society, a nonprofit advocating for Mars exploration, uses Meshtastic T-Echo radios for communication during analog astronaut missions in remote areas. These expeditions can last weeks in locations with little cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity, where communication is critical for safety due to risks such as heat stroke and distance from medical facilities.^[7]

Other common use cases include hiking in remote areas, communication during natural disasters, and maintaining contact in areas with internet censorship. Some municipalities are exploring the deployment of Meshtastic networks as backup communication systems to protect communities during natural disasters. The system's optional location-tracking capabilities allow users to monitor community members without relying on data-intensive commercial applications.^[7]

Limitations

The system requires line-of-sight communication between devices, meaning obstructions such as buildings, trees, hills, or mountains can prevent successful mesh network connections. Network reliability depends on having multiple Meshtastic nodes in the operational area.^[7]

The system is limited to text messaging and cannot serve as an internet replacement, though messages can include emojis. Bandwidth limitations can cause network congestion when many users attempt to communicate simultaneously. This was demonstrated at the 2024 Hamvention in Dayton, Ohio, where the network crashed after excessive traffic from a single user's MQTT bridge overwhelmed the system. In response, developers created specialized firmware for large events, allowing between 2,000 and 2,500 nodes to operate simultaneously at conferences such as DEF CON.^[7]

Hardware

Meshtastic uses hardware development boards, based on micro controllers like ESP32 and nRF52840, that support LoRa and BLE communication technologies, along with GNSS receivers. These devices enable seamless mobile app connectivity via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, allowing long-range message retransmission across a mesh network using LoRa transceivers. This setup is ideal for developing communicators that don't rely on conventional infrastructure.^[8]

Commercial purpose built Meshtastic boards and kits are available.^[2]