E-Mail 'Using Mesh Networking, by Aden Tate' To A Friend

10 Comments

1. I’m no tech guy, quite the opposite. However, I find this mesh networking absolutely fascinating. Excellent article!

2. Forgive me but how does Viber do a mesh network? I’ve researched and I think you’re mistaken.

   1. Unfortunately, I think you’re right JR, and for that I apologize. When I was researching mesh networks and encrypted messaging apps, an article led me astray into believing Viber was a mesh network. Upon an even deeper look, it doesn’t appear to be.

      Viber is encrypted, but it appears to work solely with WiFi. That’s not to say it isn’t good within prepping circles, it’s just not a mesh network.

      FireChat is still king. There are other mesh networking apps out there but they tend to be solely for android or iPhone. As a result, the potential nodes are drastically cut. That’s why I still like FireChat and prefer it to others.

      If you are looking at alternatives outside of FireChat, I recommend looking into the Mesh Serval or Briar (for Android), and Vojer for iPhone.

      Thank you for being gracious about it JR. I sincerely appreciate it.

3. If I had that hypothetical 1000 acre ranch and had the money I’d set up solar powered wireless access points, probably Ubiquiti brand, in at least a few points around the property. Could set them up as a mesh or, if you have the money or luck into leftover cable, run single mode fiber to them. Connect neighbors to the net if you want. If you’re really ambitious, go look up what B4RN has done in rural Britain.

   GoTenna’s are a lot less work if you just want text comms though.

4. Near as I can tell cell phone wifi has about a 25 yard range. If this is true then I would think this tech has limited use. But I am far from being a tech guy.

   1. I think that would apply for the FireChat and Viber apps. A quick look on google it seems the Gotenna would have better range using the radio frequencies.

      “The Mesh works a lot like the original goTenna, which pairs to your phone using Bluetooth, then uses walkie-talkie radio frequencies to send text communications (no cell network necessary) to another device paired to someone else’s phone — perhaps a mile or two away.”

5. Thank you , manimal

6. This is great information but being an old man (and somewhat a skeptic) I would like to see this developed more with other folks who have actually used this “system,” before i put out cash for the tech stuff. Thanks.

7. This is great information but being an old man (and somewhat a skeptic) I would like to see this developed more with other folks who have actually used this “system,” before i put out cash for the tech stuff. Thanks.

8. The skeptics might be correct with their comments here on, SurvivalBlog.
   … However, the ‘mesh’ might provide a convenient and easy method of communicating in a ‘grid down’ situation. ~ People here are just asking for more information.

   SurvivalBlog has numerous articles with good information about being able to communicate with the people during an emergency; in addition to just listening to the news being broadcasted.

   During an emergency people want to communicate with family and neighbors. All of the typical communication networks, often become overloaded or damaged during some disasters.

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