# 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](https://map.meshcore.io) - live worldwide MeshCore nodes
- [meshmap.net](https://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](https://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](https://meshcore.gg) - ask in a general channel if anyone covers your area. For RegionMesh-specific coverage questions, use [RegionMesh](https://wiki.meshamerica.com/books/north-american-networks/page/regionmesh)'s own community channels (regionmesh.com/community).

### Existing Networks by Region

<table id="bkmrk-regionnetworkwebsite"> <thead><tr><th>Region</th><th>Network</th><th>Website</th></tr></thead> <tbody> <tr><td>Nationwide US</td><td>RegionMesh</td><td>[regionmesh.com](https://regionmesh.com)</td></tr> <tr><td>North Dakota &amp; surrounds</td><td>[NoDakMesh](https://wiki.meshamerica.com/books/north-american-networks/page/nodakmesh)</td><td>[nodakmesh.org](https://nodakmesh.org)</td></tr> <tr><td>West Coast</td><td>WCMesh</td><td>[wcmesh.com](https://wcmesh.com)</td></tr> <tr><td>Pacific Northwest</td><td>[CascadiaMesh](https://wiki.meshamerica.com/books/north-american-networks/page/cascadiamesh)</td><td>[cascadiamesh.org](https://cascadiamesh.org)</td></tr> </tbody></table>

### 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.