Is There Already a Network in Your Area?
Is There Already a Network in Your Area?
Before starting a new mesh network, check whether an existing network already covers your area. Joining an established network is almost always better than starting from scratch - you immediately have more repeaters, a larger community, and tested infrastructure.
How to Check
Live Node Maps
- map.meshcore.io - live worldwide MeshCore nodes
- meshmap.net - worldwide Meshtastic nodes that uplink to the public MQTT server (community map; nodes with MQTT uplink off do not appear)
- map.wcmesh.com - West Coast Mesh node map
Community Search
- Search Discord for "[your city/state] mesh" or "[your city/state] meshtastic"
- Search Reddit for r/meshtastic or r/meshcore posts in your area
- The official MeshCore project Discord is at meshcore.gg - ask in a general channel if anyone covers your area. For RegionMesh-specific coverage questions, use RegionMesh's own community channels (regionmesh.com/community).
Existing Networks by Region
| Region | Network | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Nationwide US | RegionMesh | regionmesh.com |
| North Dakota & surrounds | NoDakMesh | nodakmesh.org |
| West Coast | WCMesh | wcmesh.com |
| Pacific Northwest | CascadiaMesh | cascadiamesh.org |
If No Network Exists
If you genuinely can't find an existing network in your area, you have the opportunity to start one. A few considerations:
- Start with RegionMesh: If in the US, consider deploying MeshCore repeaters that join RegionMesh rather than a proprietary local network. You get national infrastructure from day one.
- Two nodes minimum: A single repeater is not a "network." You need at least two nodes to demonstrate mesh functionality and attract more participants.
- Elevation first: Your first repeater should be your highest-elevation option. One hilltop repeater can enable dozens of low-elevation nodes to communicate.
- Document your settings: Publish your channel name, frequency, and preset on a simple webpage or in a Discord server so others can join.