MSP Mesh Network Device Roles

Nearly all Meshtastic devices on the mesh should be set to either Client or Client-Mute roles.

Router and Repeater (and in now-obsolete firmware “Router-Client”) roles are only meant to be used by nodes in extremely high visibility/line-of-sight locations. Any node owner that may be interested in putting up a repeater or router should have that location reviewed/vetted by other local Meshtastic users to verify that it will benefit the mesh. Unfortunately, poorly-placed Routers/Repeaters severely degrade the performance of the entire network.

Here are some locations typically suitable for potential use as a Router or Repeater node, along with some notes about each type of installation.

• Commercial radio tower
  • Hobbyist radio towers may work in some situations.
• Tall building rooftop
  • It helps if it’s the tallest building around to avoid RF shadows.
  • Many rooftops or outdoor balconies above 5-6 stories from the ground can make useful infrastructure nodes.
• High mountain/hill vantage point
  • Minnesota is not really known for tall hills or mountains but there are a few choice locations — where if you knew the right people — could become a useful Router/Repeater location.

If you think you may have a node that is suitable to help the MSP Mesh infrastructure, check a generated coverage map and have fellow MSP Meshers review your findings before converting to a Router/Repeater.

DO NOT use Repeater, Router, or Router-Client mode if:

• your node’s antenna is indoors
• your node’s antenna is not at least 15-20 feet higher than the vast majority of surrounding buildings, trees, etc
• your node is not indefinitely powered by a backup source such as solar and/or grid-storage-capable batteries

Also check out Meshtastic.org’s roles documentation as well as their configuration tips.