I'm Getting into Mesh Networks (Meshtastic, MeshCore, and Reticulum) (jonaharagon.com)

Article summary

The article discusses the author's exploration of mesh networking, specifically Meshtastic, MeshCore, and Reticulum, as a means to create a decentralized network that can coexist with the internet. The author highlights the limitations of Meshtastic and MeshCore, including scalability issues and proprietary software, and presents Reticulum as a more promising solution. Reticulum is a networking stack that allows for seamless interconnection of different physical networks, including LoRa, Wi-Fi, and the internet. The author sees Reticulum as a potential solution for building a resilient, peer-to-peer network that can provide connectivity in underserved regions.

Main themes

• Mesh Networking
• Decentralized Networks
• LoRa Technology
• Reticulum
• MeshCore
• Meshtastic

What commenters say

• Mesh networking has the potential to provide a resilient and decentralized alternative to traditional internet infrastructure, but it is not without its limitations and challenges.
• Meshtastic and MeshCore are not suitable for large-scale mesh networking due to their scalability issues and proprietary software.
• Reticulum offers a more promising approach to mesh networking, allowing for seamless interconnection of different physical networks and providing a more decentralized and resilient solution.
• The use of mesh networking for messaging and other applications can be an effective way to avoid problems like spam and illegal content, but it may not be suitable for applications that require high bandwidth or low latency.
• The development of mesh networking technology is still in its early stages, and more work is needed to create a robust and scalable solution that can support a wide range of applications.
• Some commentators argue that mesh networking is not a viable replacement for traditional internet infrastructure, and that it is better suited for niche applications such as personal networks or emergency response systems.
• Others argue that mesh networking has the potential to provide a more democratic and community-driven approach to internet infrastructure, allowing individuals and communities to take control of their own connectivity and communication needs.
• The use of mesh networking raises important questions about the role of centralized infrastructure and the potential for decentralized, community-driven networks to provide alternative forms of connectivity and communication.