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Network Planning

Good network coverage does not happen by accident. A few decisions about where you place devices and how you arrange your mesh can make the difference between reliable communication and frustrating dead zones.

Location matters​

The single most important factor in Meshtastic range is where you put the device. A device on a high point with clear line of sight will dramatically outperform one in a valley or behind a building.

Key principles:

  • Elevation wins. A device on a second-floor balcony, a rooftop, or a ridge will reach much further than one at ground level.
  • Line of sight is ideal. If you can see the other device's location from where you are standing, you will likely get a connection.
  • Obstacles reduce range. Buildings, dense forest, hills, and terrain features all absorb or block radio signals.
  • Water and wet foliage absorb signals. During rain or in dense wet forest, expect reduced range.

Terrain effects in Japan​

Japan's mountainous terrain creates both challenges and opportunities:

  • Valleys block signals between adjacent areas. A ridge between two valleys can completely prevent direct communication.
  • Ridgelines are excellent relay positions. A single device on a ridge can connect two valleys that cannot reach each other directly.
  • Urban areas have shorter range due to buildings, but the density of potential relay nodes compensates.
  • Coastal areas with flat terrain and water provide excellent range, sometimes exceeding expectations.

Planning your mesh​

Small group (2-5 devices)​

For a hiking group or small team:

  • No special planning needed. Devices communicate directly or relay through each other.
  • Keep devices at chest height or higher (not buried in a pack).
  • If the group stretches along a trail, the middle devices automatically relay between front and back.

Medium group (5-15 devices)​

For an event, scout camp, or neighborhood:

  • Identify high points. Place at least one device at the highest available position (rooftop, hilltop, upper floor).
  • Map your coverage area. Walk the area with two devices and test where messages get through.
  • Use relay nodes. A device left at a high point, even without anyone actively using it, extends the mesh for everyone.

Fixed installation (neighborhood or community)​

For permanent or semi-permanent coverage:

  • Survey the area first. Walk the boundaries with devices and note where signals fade.
  • Place relay nodes at high points with clear views of the area you want to cover.
  • Power relay nodes with USB power adapters or solar panels for always-on operation.
  • Plan for redundancy. If one relay goes down, can other devices still reach each other?

Range expectations​

These are rough guidelines for the 920 MHz band in Japan:

EnvironmentTypical rangeWith elevated relay
Open field / ridge3-8 km5-15+ km
Suburban / residential1-3 km2-5 km
Dense urban0.5-1.5 km1-3 km
Forested mountain trail1-3 km2-5 km
Deep valley0.3-1 kmDepends on relay position

Actual range depends on many factors: antenna quality, device model, terrain, weather, and obstacles. These numbers are starting points for planning, not guarantees.

Relay strategies​

A relay node is simply a Meshtastic device placed in a position where it can bridge communications between devices that cannot reach each other directly.

Tips for effective relays:

  • Place relays as high as possible with the clearest view of the area.
  • A relay does not need someone actively using it. It automatically forwards messages.
  • For temporary events, clip a device to a pole, tree branch, or tent peak.
  • For permanent setups, use weatherproof enclosures and solar power.
  • Battery-powered relays work well for events lasting a day or weekend.

Testing your network​

Before relying on your mesh for an important activity:

  1. Walk-test the coverage. Have someone at the base send periodic messages while you walk the area. Note where messages stop arriving.
  2. Check for dead zones. Valleys, building shadows, and dense tree cover create spots where signals do not reach.
  3. Adjust relay positions. Even moving a relay a few meters higher or to the other side of a building can make a significant difference.
  4. Test under realistic conditions. If your event will have people moving, test while moving. If it will be raining, know that range will be shorter.

Common mistakes​

  • Keeping devices too low. A device in a pants pocket or at the bottom of a backpack has much shorter range than one at chest or shoulder height.
  • Ignoring terrain. Planning based on map distance alone misses the impact of hills, buildings, and vegetation.
  • No relay for split groups. If your group will split (e.g., two hiking subgroups going different directions), plan how they will stay in mesh contact.
  • Forgetting power. A relay that runs out of battery in the middle of an event is worse than no relay at all.

Further reading​