What is Alabama Mesh and Meshcore ?
Alabama Mesh is a community group working to create a mesh network of solar-powered Meshcore radios.
This network acts like a city-wide text messaging system, allowing people to communicate publicly or privately with anyone on the mesh network. NO LICENSE IS REQUIRED !
Cheap and Effective Emergency Communications
Low Initial Investment
Mesh devices are designed to be budget-friendly. You can start with a few inexpensive modules, such as the popular mesh radios, which are available for a fraction of the cost of traditional communication devices. This low entry cost makes it accessible for individuals, families, and community groups.
No Monthly Fees
Unlike cellular plans or other communication services, these open networks operate as a self-discovering mesh, eliminating the need for monthly subscriptions or data charges. Once you have your devices, there are no ongoing fees to worry about, making it a sustainable option for long-term use.
A Self-Sufficient Network
These devices create their own network, independent of cellular or Wi-Fi infrastructure. This means that in areas with poor or no cellular coverage, you can still maintain communication. The mesh network expands with each additional device, enhancing coverage and reliability without extra costs.
No License Required
No amateur radio license, testing or permission is required to send and receive traffic. This technology can supplement your existing emergency communications plans. Spouses, kids and neighbors can all benefit from Birmingham Mesh without needing to study for an exam. They can use their own low-priced mesh radios to send traffic across the mesh.
Resilient
Alabama Mesh nodes are 100% off the grid and don’t rely on commercial power. Each repeater is solar powered with over-sized battery capacity designed to power the nodes through cold, overcast days. While some nodes are connected to the internet, it’s not required for day-to-day functionality. The nodes automatically form a mesh network that can drop and add other nodes as they become available.
Public and Private Conversations
Unlike amateur radio, open mesh networks can (and may) use encryption. Encryption is end-to-end for the Sub-packet (payload). Alabama Mesh nodes are “blind repeaters” and do not need to decrypt the traffic to pass it on to the next node. You’re welcome to setup your own channels with known keys and use them as public chat-rooms for your community. You can also start a private mesh channel and keep your keys private between just a few contacts.
How does it Work ?
The Technology
The MeshCore devices Alabama Mesh uses, use LoRa mesh radio technology operating in the 902-928 MHz band (ISM band, license-free in the US (Under 1W)). MeshCore is the open-source firmware that runs on these small, inexpensive LoRa mesh radio devices.
The Network
Handheld mesh radio devices called “companions” pair to your phone using a Bluetooth connection. Your phone with the MeshCore app communicates with the radio device over Bluetooth to get you connected to the mesh where you send text messages back and forth with friends, family, and other users in the community. Repeater devices listen for messages and and pass them along by rebroadcasting them for others to receive. When you send a message, it hops from repeater to repeater until it reaches its destination. The more repeaters stretched out over an area, the stronger and more reliable the network becomes.
Direct Communications Example
This is how a direct message between two nearby users works: Type a message in the MeshCore app (On your Phone) and tap send >> Your phone sends the message to your Meshcore radio via Bluetooth >> The Meshcore radio broadcasts it over the air >> The other person’s Meshcore radio receives it >> and sends it to their phone via Bluetooth >> The message shows in their MeshCore app (On their Phone)
Repeater Communications Example
If users are too far apart for direct communication, repeater nodes relay messages across the network. A message travels through repeaters like this: Type a message in the MeshCore app (On your Phone) and tap send >> Your phone sends the message to your Meshcore radio via Bluetooth >> Your Meshcore radio broadcasts it over the air >> Repeater 1 receives and rebroadcasts the message >> Repeater 2 receives and rebroadcasts >> Repeater 3 receives and rebroadcasts >> The other person’s Meshcore radio receives it >> and sends it to their phone via Bluetooth >> The message shows in their MeshCore app
