Hardware/Roles Explained
Hardware
This section covers hardware that is commonly used across the MeshCore network in Ottawa. Hardware falls broadly into two categories: Companion Nodes and Repeaters. Both play an important role in extending and stabilizing the mesh.
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.
→ 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.
→ See Hardware/Repeaters for details.
This hardware section is maintained by the Greater Ottawa Mesh Enthusiasts to provide information and track deployments.