In order to communicate with each other without cell service, you should get start with Meshtastic devices and LoRa wireless off-grid communication technology.
LoRa is a long range wireless communication technology that cost very low power. People can transfer data package even in areas without cellular network coverage.
Meshtastic is a open-source, decentralized mesh network communication platform based on LoRa technology. It builds a self-organization and self-healing communication network via connection of multi LoRa devices. Then, users can communicate and text to each other with no need of cell phone, base station or tradition network.
Below are the detailed working principle that how can Meshtastic helps people to communicate without cell services.
1. Decentralized mesh network: Every device that operated by Meshtastic firmware like handheld terminal device, development board or integrated module can act as a node in the mesh network. When device A send a message, other nodes within the range like device B, C, D will receive and transmit that message automatically and that called multi-hop transmission. This significantly enlarges communication range with the help of every node.
2. Independently operated hardware: users easily communicate with friends, family or teammates easily and don’t need to connect to mobile phone all the time. Now, there are many complete hardware and firmware exclusively designed for Meshtastic. They works totally independently with built-in LoRa receiver and transmitter, micro-controller, battery, screen and button or key. For example:
- T-Deck Pro/ T-LoRa pager: Designed with keyboard and screen to help user to type and read messages directly via the device and no need cell phone.
- GAT562 Mesh Trial Tracker、Seeed T1000-e: Compact waterproof complete Meshtastic device with built-in GPS module and large capacity battery. These devices are especially designed for outdoor and emergency use, interactions happen through screen and key.
- Heltec MeshPocket: An excellent Meshtastic device that can be used as a wireless power bank. It has a digital screen and works as a independent node.
3. Communication Flow without Cell Phone: Just need to assign a Meshtastic firmware device to each user. Turn on the device and it will automatically search and join Meshtastic networks nearby. Users in the team can send text message through preset channels and message auto-transfer to all members in the team. Some Meshtastic devices with GPS positioning function can share locations to each other, that makes a great benefit for outdoor adventure, emergency rescue and more.
4. Encryption & Channel Management: It is easily to create encrypted channels for different groups and teams to make sure communication is secure. When it is used for crew or outdoor group, private channel is a good choice to make sure only device with secret key can join and send messages in the team.
In a word, if you need to communicate without cellular service and mobile phone. Meshtastic devices would be a good choice for you. Based on LoRa communication technology, users easily communicate with each other by sending reliable text messages and location sharing.
