If you’re interested in off-grid communications with inexpensive hardware, there’s a new name you might be hearing more often: MeshCore. Launched just a couple of months ago, MeshCore is already generating buzz among amateur radio operators and open-source developers for its clean approach to decentralized mesh networking. But what exactly is MeshCore? What problems does it solve? And how can it help you build a resilient network when traditional infrastructure isn’t available?
Before we dive in, it’s worth taking a moment to acknowledge Andy Kirby, the lead developer behind MeshCore. His vision and dedication brought this project to life, and it’s been gaining traction rapidly thanks to the generous support of a growing volunteer community of developers, contributors, and testers. Their ongoing work is what makes MeshCore not just possible, but accessible and rapidly coming together before our very eyes.
Liam Cottle’s amazing work to concurrently develop iOS and Android apps have made the user experience easy, intuitive, and consistent across platforms, though there is a learning curve with the entire MeshCore ecosystem if you’re coming from a different mesh network scenario.
What Is MeshCore?
At its core (pun intended), MeshCore is a lightweight, open-source C++ library built to enable mesh networking over LoRa and other packet-based radios. Designed for embedded devices, MeshCore provides a multi-hop routing protocol that lets devices communicate with each other without needing internet access or centralized infrastructure.
That means radios in a MeshCore network can pass messages across multiple hops, making it possible to reach nodes that would otherwise be out of range. Think of it like a digital bucket brigade, where each device helps relay information along to the next.
MeshCore was developed with portability and efficiency in mind, making it ideal for microcontrollers and single-board computers like the ESP32. It supports devices from manufacturers like Heltec and RAK Wireless, and it can run on low-power setups, including solar-powered nodes in the middle of nowhere.
Visit the official site at: https://meshcore.co.uk
Why Mesh Networking?
Before diving deeper into how MeshCore works, it helps to understand why mesh networking is valuable. In traditional radio setups, you often rely on a repeater (a single point of failure), to get your messages through. If that repeater goes down, your nice big coverage area just went away completely or maybe fragmented into a few simplex regions. Not ideal in an emergency situation.
Mesh networks, on the other hand, are decentralized. Every node is capable of routing data for other nodes. If one node fails, traffic can be rerouted through others. This self-healing nature makes mesh networks incredibly robust, especially in environments where infrastructure is limited or unreliable.
For amateur radio operators, emergency preparedness groups, off-grid explorers, and even IoT enthusiasts, that kind of reliability is gold.
How MeshCore Works
MeshCore operates by forming a self-organizing mesh network where each node maintains a routing table and can forward packets on behalf of other nodes. When a message is sent from one node to another, MeshCore determines the best path through the network—which may include hopping through several intermediate nodes.
Some standout features include:
- Multi-hop routing: Messages can travel across multiple nodes to reach their destination.
- Self-healing network: If one node fails or moves out of range, MeshCore will find an alternative path.
- Low power consumption: Ideal for battery or solar-powered nodes.
- No central server required: Everything happens peer-to-peer, which is perfect for off-grid setups.
At the packet level, MeshCore uses a lightweight protocol optimized for the limited bandwidth and payload constraints of LoRa. Each node is identified by a unique address, and the system supports message retries and acknowledgments to improve reliability.
Three MeshCore Images: Companion, Room Server, and Repeater
As of the most recent release, MeshCore provides three distinct firmware images for most devices that each serve a different purpose within the mesh ecosystem:
- Companion: This is the standard node image that most users will start with. It allows you to participate in the mesh network, send and receive messages, and interact with other nodes. It’s great for handheld devices or portable nodes used during events or hikes.
- Room Server: This image adds persistent storage for messages, acting as a sort of message board or mailbox that nodes can leave and retrieve messages from. It’s ideal for scenarios where users may be out of range but still need to communicate asynchronously. Think of it as a digital dead-drop that retains messages until they’re picked up.
- Repeater: This image is designed for permanent installations that help extend the range of the mesh. The repeater image forwards packets without user interaction and can be remotely administered using over-the-air (OTA) commands, which makes maintenance and configuration much easier, especially when the repeater is installed in a hard-to-reach location. You’ll still need console access for firmware updates but there are numerous ways to work within that requirement.
This trio of roles makes it easy to tailor your MeshCore deployment to your specific needs—whether you’re building a community-wide network, covering a public event, or experimenting with messaging workflows.
Use Cases for MeshCore
MeshCore isn’t just a toy for hackers and tinkerers. It’s a powerful tool with real-world applications:
- Emergency communications: In the aftermath of a disaster, MeshCore networks can restore basic messaging functionality even when cell towers are down. Recent flooding in Kentucky and West Virginia have clearly shown the need for communications during times of extended carrier outages.
- Outdoor adventures: Imagine hiking through remote terrain with a MeshCore-equipped device that keeps you connected to your group.
- Community events and public service: Local amateur radio clubs can deploy MeshCore networks to support marathons, bike races, or parades where reliable short-range messaging is critical.
Getting Started with MeshCore
If you’re ready to dip your toes in, MeshCore makes it fairly straightforward. The official GitHub repository provides example sketches and documentation to help you with the downloadable firmware image of your choosing. A faster and easier route is to use the online flasher, see below.
To get started, you’ll need:
- LoRa-capable hardware: An inexpensive Heltec V3 is a great start for a companion node. They’re inexpensive, well supported, and have integrated Bluetooth and WiFi for future capabilities.
- MeshCore software image: Download or use the online flasher (link below).
- Mobile client app: Apps are available for Apple and Android devices.
Once you flash the example firmware onto your devices, they will start broadcasting their presence and listening for peers. It is important at this point to configure your device to get it on the unlicensed ISM portion of the 33cm band. First, you’ll want to set it to 910.525MHz, then make sure bandwidth is set to 250khz, spreading factor is 10, and coding rate is 5. That’s a complete recipe for spread spectrum.
For room servers, my sources recommend an nRF based product like a RAK or Heltec T114. The T114 makes a good repeater or room server as it can be built out without a screen.
It doesn’t take long before you have a functioning mesh network. You can send test messages, login to room servers, and view the map to find nearby nodes. Note, the map is not connected in realtime quite yet, nor is GPS integration working. We are still in very early development stages of this application with major revisions and feature enhancements coming at a rapid pace. It will all come together in due time, but for now the focus is on debugging, optimizing, and perfecting the core capabilities. If you enjoy experimenting with developmental products, MeshCore might be right up your alley.
MeshCore on Mobile
The mobile apps give you a user-friendly way to interact with your MeshCore network. The app lets you send and receive messages, login to room servers, check node status, manage repeaters, and view more. Download from Apple App Store or Google Play.
Installing MeshCore: Flashing Made Easy
To streamline setup, the MeshCore team provides a really slick web-based flashing tool. You can find it at flasher.meshcore.co.uk, and it allows you to select a supported device, choose the appropriate firmware, and flash it via your browser (yes, really). It takes a lot of the friction out of getting started and in my experience, it has worked reliably every time I’ve tried it from my Raspberry Pi 5 desktop.
Under the Hood: Protocol Design
MeshCore uses a custom packet format tailored to work within LoRa specifications. It breaks messages into small chunks and uses routing tables stored in memory to decide where each packet should go. The nodes constantly listen for incoming packets and update their tables based on what they hear, forming a dynamic map of the network.
One of the clever things MeshCore does is route discovery: When a node doesn’t know how to reach a destination, it broadcasts a query that ripples through the mesh. Nodes that have a route will respond, and the initiating node caches the result for future use. This ensures efficient delivery without requiring massive amounts of overhead and network chatter.
High-gain yagi and stacked “super” colinear antennas can be utilized for permanent repeater site installations. Multiple repeaters and high-gain directional antennas can be stacked on a single mast for exceptional coverage area. MeshCore’s intelligent routing makes this amazing capability possible.
Limitations and Considerations
Like any system, MeshCore has its trade-offs. Here are a few to keep in mind:
- Bandwidth is limited: LoRa isn’t designed for high-throughput communication. It’s great for text messages but not adequate for audio calls or streaming video.
- Latency: Multi-hop routing introduces some delay, especially as the mesh grows in size. Reliable, yes; fast, not so much.
- Range varies: Environmental factors (terrain, buildings, interference) can dramatically affect node-to-node range. This frequency has fairly good penetration but does attenuate in dense foliage.
Despite these limitations, MeshCore offers a highly effective way to build resilient, decentralized networks in environments where traditional infrastructure isn’t available.
Ready to try MeshCore?
MeshCore is a compelling project for anyone interested in building off-grid or decentralized communication networks. Whether you’re a ham radio operator interesting in the radio and communications aspect, a hobbyist experimenting with LoRa and small SoC systems, or someone with a real-world need to use the product, MeshCore delivers an impressive blend of simplicity, flexibility, and power.
It turns a handful of low-cost radios into a smart, self-healing network that works where cell service doesn’t. And best of all, it’s open-source and well-documented, so you can dive right in, build something cool, and contribute back to the community.