MeshCore Protocol Overview
MeshCore is an open-source mesh networking protocol built on LoRa radio hardware. It was designed as a next-generation alternative to flooding-based mesh protocols, prioritizing efficient routing, battery life, and reliable message delivery.
The core idea: path discovery over flooding
Many mesh protocols work by flooding: when a message is sent, every device in the network rebroadcasts it, and the message eventually reaches (or fails to reach) its destination. This is simple but wasteful —— it generates heavy radio traffic and drains batteries.
MeshCore instead uses path discovery: before sending a message, it identifies an efficient route from sender to recipient, then transmits along that path only. This means:
- Less redundant radio traffic on the network
- Significantly lower power consumption
- More reliable delivery, especially on busy networks
- Better scalability as the number of nodes grows
Encryption
Private messages in MeshCore are end-to-end encrypted by default using AES-256. Only the intended recipient can decrypt the message —— not intermediate nodes relaying it, not the network operator, not anyone else. Public channel messages are visible to all nodes in range.
Self-healing
If a relay node goes offline, MeshCore automatically discovers an alternative path. There is no single point of failure. The network adapts to changes in topology without any manual intervention.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency (US/Canada) | 915 MHz ISM band (license-free) |
| Modulation | LoRa (Long Range) |
| Encryption | AES-256 (private messages, default) |
| Data rate | 0.3 |
| Transmit power | Up to 1 watt (FCC Part 15 compliant) |
| Topology | Mesh with path discovery routing |