Hardware/Roles Explained

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Hardware

This section covers hardware that is commonly used across both MeshCore and Meshtastic networks in Ottawa. Hardware falls broadly into two categories: Companion Nodes and Repeaters. Both play an important role in extending and stabilizing the mesh, but they are used differently depending on the protocol.

Companion Nodes

A companion node is typically a small, personal device (often handheld or portable) that allows a user to connect into the mesh.

• They usually run on battery or USB power.
• Often paired with a smartphone over Bluetooth for messaging.
• There are also standalone nodes, such as the T-Deck, which include a screen and a keyboard and can operate independently without a smartphone.

In MeshCore

• Companion nodes do not route packets between themselves.
• A companion node can talk directly to another companion node.
• Only repeaters are responsible for routing packets across the MeshCore network.

In Meshtastic

• Meshtastic relies on each companion node to forward packets, which is how the mesh is built.
• Dedicated repeaters are rarely deployed in Meshtastic networks.
• This design allows clusters of users to interconnect easily without centralized infrastructure, but coverage can be less predictable compared to MeshCore.

→ See Hardware/Companion Nodes for details.

Repeaters

A repeater is a fixed installation, usually mounted at height (e.g. rooftop, tower, or mast), that helps extend range and link mesh segments together.

• They run continuously on mains or solar power. In Ottawa most repeaters run off solar power.
• In MeshCore: repeaters form the stable, consistent backbone infrastructure of the network and are the only devices that perform packet routing.
• In Meshtastic: dedicated repeaters are uncommon — the network primarily relies on companion nodes forwarding packets instead.

→ See Hardware/Repeaters for details.

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This hardware section is shared between both MeshCore and Meshtastic users in Ottawa.