Our project address the need for reliable, low-cost communication in areas where traditional networks (cellular or internet) are unavailable, unreliable, or compromised (such as during natural disasters, remote outdoor activities, or infrastructure outages). The project's goal is to create a decentralized, off-grid messaging networks using low-power LoRa radios, enabling users to communicate over long distances without centralized infrastructure. This project can be impactful for a wide range of individuals who depend on consistent access to communication in challenging or unpredictable environments, which can include outdoor enthusiasts, emergency responders, rural communities, and anyone requiring secure, infrastructure-independent communication.
This project uses LoRa (Long Range) radio technology and the open source Meshtastic platform to create a mesh network, where each device can relay messages to extend coverage. The project involves small handheld hardware boards (ESP32-based devices), antennas, and a mobile app to send and receive messages. We have fixed base station placed at an elevated location (on top of ET) which extends the network’s range by acting as a central relay point, allowing messages to travel farther across the mesh.
We successfully setup 3 portable communication nodes and 1 base station that function within the mesh network. Additional features, such as environmental sensing using integrated sensors, have also been incorporated into the devices. Our testing shows our system can reliably send messages over distances of 1.25 miles, even under varying signal conditions.