Specialized Roles

Specialized Roles

Specialized roles optimize node behavior for specific use cases: tracking, sensing, and tactical operations. Each role adjusts transmission priority, sleep behavior, and telemetry to match its intended function.

Tracker

Behavior: Transmits high-priority location updates. Position packets from Tracker nodes are given priority in the relay queue, ensuring they are forwarded even in congested networks.

Use for: Personnel or vehicle tracking where real-time position data is critical. Common in search-and-rescue, outdoor event management, and field team coordination.

Lost and Found

Behavior: Sends periodic location beacons at a low duty cycle. Designed to conserve power while still allowing a lost asset or person to be located when the beacon is received.

Use for: Asset tags, pet trackers, equipment that is rarely moved but may need to be located. Lower power than Tracker due to less frequent transmissions.

Sensor

Behavior: Sends sensor readings at defined intervals and deep-sleeps between reports to minimize power consumption. Optimized for battery-powered environmental monitors.

Use for: Temperature/humidity sensors, weather stations, soil moisture monitors, or any application where the node sends data periodically and does not need to be interactive between readings.

Configure the sensor reporting interval in the Telemetry module settings to match your battery budget.

TAK (Android Team Awareness Kit)

Behavior: Optimized for integration with ATAK (Android Team Awareness Kit) tactical software. Formats and prioritizes packets for compatibility with TAK workflows.

Use for: Public safety, military, or emergency management teams using ATAK for situational awareness. Requires ATAK installed on the controlling device.

TAK Tracker

Behavior: High-priority position tracking variant for ATAK. Combines the position prioritization of Tracker with TAK-specific packet formatting.

Use for: Individual team members in a TAK-based deployment where real-time position is critical to the tactical picture.

All 12 Roles at a Glance

Role	Category	Key Behavior
Client	Personal	Default. Smart relay when best positioned.
Client Mute	Personal	Never relays. For dense/congested areas.
Client Hidden	Personal	Minimal presence. Privacy-focused.
Client Base	Personal	Aggressive relay for favorited nodes only.
Tracker	Specialized	High-priority location updates.
Lost and Found	Specialized	Periodic location beacon; power-efficient.
Sensor	Specialized	Sensor readings + deep sleep between reports.
TAK	Tactical	ATAK-optimized messaging.
TAK Tracker	Tactical	Priority tactical position for ATAK.
Router	Infrastructure	Early aggressive relay. Hilltop/tower only.
Router Late	Infrastructure	Backup relay; waits for others first.
Repeater	Infrastructure	Silent relay. No node list presence.