# MeshCore > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/MeshCore > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/MeshCore.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MeshCore > Source revision: 1354197045 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Open-source mesh networking protocol MeshCore Original authors Scott Powell and Liam Cottle[1] Developer MeshCore community Written in C++ Operating system Embedded systems Platform LoRa-enabled hardware Type Mesh networking License MIT License Website meshcore.io Repository github.com/meshcore-dev/MeshCore **MeshCore** is a [LoRa](/source/LoRa)-based [mesh networking](/source/Mesh_networking) protocol and software project created by Scott Powell in 2024. It is designed for low power [off-the-grid](/source/Off-the-grid) text communication, therefore not depending on [cellular networks](/source/Cellular_network).[2][3] The software is published under the [MIT License](/source/MIT_License). MeshCore is often compared to [Meshtastic](/source/Meshtastic), another LoRa-based mesh networking protocol. While Meshtastic primarily relies on broadcast-style message flooding, MeshCore emphasizes structured routing roles and store-and-forward mechanisms, resulting in different scalability and energy-consumption characteristics. ## History MeshCore was developed by Scott Powell in late 2024,[4] with web and mobile clients being developed by Liam Cottle in the wake of the severe tropical [cyclone Gabrielle](/source/Cyclone_Gabrielle) that devastated parts of the [North Island](/source/North_Island) of [New Zealand](/source/New_Zealand).[5] ## Characteristics MeshCore allows LoRa-enabled embedded devices to form self-organizing mesh networks in which messages can be relayed across multiple intermediate nodes. The project emphasizes low power consumption, scalability, and structured routing roles, distinguishing it from broadcast-based LoRa mesh systems. MeshCore is designed to run on [microcontroller](/source/Microcontroller)-based hardware equipped with LoRa transceivers, including boards based on the [ESP32](/source/ESP32) platform. Commonly used devices include Heltec LoRa32 and LilyGo LoRa development boards. Devices operate in unlicensed [ISM frequency bands](/source/ISM_radio_band) such as 868 MHz and 915 MHz, depending on regional regulations. In 2025 LILYGO brought out the first Meshcore smartphone: T-Display P4.[6] The software consists of [firmware](/source/Firmware) flashed onto supported devices and optional companion applications used for configuration and messaging. ### Features - Decentralized architecture: nodes communicate peer-to-peer without centralized servers. - Multi-hop routing: messages can traverse multiple relay nodes to extend range. - Low-power operation: optimized for battery-powered embedded devices using LoRa radios. - Encryption support: optional end-to-end encryption mechanisms are available (as described in project documentation). - Role-based nodes: includes companion nodes, repeaters, and room servers to structure network behavior. ### Limitations - Low data throughput: LoRa modulation supports only low-bandwidth text or telemetry data. - Environmental constraints: range and reliability are affected by terrain, obstacles, and antenna placement. - Setup complexity: reviewers have noted fragmented documentation and a steep learning curve for new users. - Regulatory constraints: operation is subject to regional ISM band regulations and transmit power limits. - Setup style: MeshCore is based more on infrastructure. This means that instead of all devices contributing to the mesh network, only repeaters can retransmit data sent. This could also be a feature, as there is less packet collisions and errors.[*[according to whom?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style/Words_to_watch#Unsupported_attributions)*] ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-pe1hvh_1-0)** [pe1hvh.nl: MeshCore Complete Manual Off-grid mesh communication Text-based communication via LoRa radio. Version 2.0 - January 2026. By PE1HVH / ChatGPT / Claude.ai](https://www.pe1hvh.nl/pdf/MeshCore_Complete_Guide_EN.pdf), [backup](https://web.archive.org/web/20260405172629/https://www.pe1hvh.nl/pdf/MeshCore_Complete_Guide_EN.pdf) Citat: "...At the end of 2024, Australian developer Scott Powell (Ripple Radios) started a new protocol. In early 2025, he launched the MeshCore project together with Andy Kirby (UK) and Liam Cottle (NZ)...13. Dechirp Analysis..." 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Smith, Jenny (2025-12-06). ["Lessons Learned After Trying MeshCore for Off-Grid Text Messaging"](https://hackaday.com/2025/12/06/lessons-learned-after-trying-meshcore-for-off-grid-text-messaging/). *Hackaday*. Hackaday Media. Retrieved 2026-01-05. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Gómez, R.; Martínez, L. (2024). "Routing Strategies for LoRa-Based Mesh Networks". *Proceedings of the International Conference on Low Power Wide Area Networks*. IEEE. pp. 112–118. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["The Year In Review"](https://buymeacoffee.com/ripplebiz/the-year-review). *RippleRadios.com*. 2025-12-12. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Council, Gisborne District (2025-09-19). ["Back-up comms crucial in emergencies"](https://web.archive.org/web/20260107103829/https://www.gdc.govt.nz/council/news/media-releases/back-up-comms-crucial-in-emergencies). *Gisborne District Council*. Archived from [the original](https://www.gdc.govt.nz/council/news/media-releases/back-up-comms-crucial-in-emergencies) on 2026-01-07. Retrieved 2026-01-07. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Chung, Jackson (2025-12-17). ["First Look at the MeshCore Smartphone, a Pocket-Sized Off-Grid Communicator in Disguise"](https://www.techeblog.com/meshcore-smartphone-lilygo-t-display-p4/). *TechEBlog*. Retrieved 2026-01-07. ## External links - [Free and open-source software portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Free_and_open-source_software) - [Radio portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Radio) - [Official website](https://meshcore.io/) --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [MeshCore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MeshCore) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MeshCore?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.