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.