Overview

Meshtastic® is an innovative project designed to provide long-range, off-grid communication using affordable LoRa (Long Range) radios. These radios are ideal for areas lacking reliable cellular service, enabling seamless communication in remote or rural locations. Whether you’re hiking, skiing, paragliding, or engaging in other outdoor activities, Meshtastic allows you to stay connected without relying on cellular networks or the internet.

Meshtastic requires no cell phone network, no internet, and no membership or subscription of any kind. Simply build/buy, and configure one of several dozen types of Meshtastic-compatible devices and that’s it, you’re on the mesh!

Each user of the Meshtastic network can send and receive text messages, and optionally, enable GPS-based location sharing. The mesh network automatically forwards messages between nodes, ensuring that even the furthest member of the group can stay in touch. The radios are capable of working independently, but can also integrate with smartphones for enhanced features such as mapping and messaging. No phone is required for basic communication—just the LoRa radio itself.

Meshtastic empowers individuals and communities to build robust, decentralized communication systems that can be used in areas where traditional networks fail.

GOALS

  1. Create a Robust and Redundant Mesh Network:
    • Establish a resilient, expansive mesh network across the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) metro area to ensure widespread connectivity for outdoor enthusiasts, emergency responders, and underserved communities.
    • Leverage existing infrastructure, such as tall buildings, radio towers, and silos, to create a dense, reliable network capable of withstanding local network failures.
  2. Educate and Grow the Meshtastic Community:
    • Expand the knowledge base of Meshtastic users through ongoing education, training, and collaboration.
    • Foster an engaged community of users who contribute to the network’s expansion and reliability, including outdoor enthusiasts, hobbyists, and tech enthusiasts interested in LoRa technology.
    • Partner with local groups, organizations, and municipalities to raise awareness and grow the Meshtastic ecosystem.
  3. Conduct Research and Collect Data on LoRa Devices:
    • Continuously evaluate the performance, range, and efficiency of LoRa radios in various environments and use cases.
    • Gather data on real-world performance, network reliability, and user feedback to inform future developments and improve the technology.
    • Contribute to the broader understanding of mesh networks, low-power long-range communication, and the application of LoRa technology in diverse settings.