MESHSTORM
Building resilient communications for field operatives using LoRa, mesh networks and open‑source tools.
Overview
Project MESHSTORM equips our teams with long‑range, low‑power communication capabilities that remain operational when traditional infrastructure is compromised. By combining LoRa radio technology with decentralised mesh networking, MQTT messaging and Node‑RED dashboards, we are developing a toolkit for covert field operations, disaster scenarios and everyday resilience.
LoRa Technology
LoRa (Long Range) is a wireless modulation scheme enabling devices to communicate over several kilometres while consuming minimal power. It operates in unlicensed sub‑GHz frequency bands and excels at penetrating obstacles such as buildings and foliage. This makes LoRa an ideal foundation for off‑grid sensor networks and tactical messaging when mobile or satellite links are unavailable.
Mesh Networks
A mesh network allows each node to act as both a transmitter and a relay, passing messages along until they reach their destination. This architecture eliminates single points of failure and extends range by hopping packets through multiple nodes. In the field, a mesh network ensures that operatives remain connected even if individual radios drop out.
Meshtastic & Mesh Nodes
Meshtastic is an open‑source project that packages LoRa radios, microcontrollers and firmware into small, affordable transceivers. We are experimenting with Meshtastic nodes—handheld devices that send text messages, location pings and sensor data through the mesh. Each node can operate autonomously or connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth for a richer user interface.
Our Mesh Node Project
As part of MESHSTORM we design and assemble custom mesh nodes. Using readily available microcontrollers, LoRa modules and 3D‑printed enclosures, we build devices tailored to our operational needs. Paired with solar panels or battery packs, these nodes can run for weeks in the field. We are also developing a web‑based dashboard—our MESH Dashboard—to visualise node status, routes and messages in real time.
MQTT & Node‑RED Integration
MQTT is a lightweight publish/subscribe messaging protocol suited for intermittent networks. Our nodes forward data to a broker using the LoRa mesh, and Node‑RED flows aggregate, filter and visualise that data. This integration allows us to pipe sensor readings, positional updates and alerts into dashboards or other systems without heavy overhead.
Hosted Server for LAN/WAN Access
To make the dashboard accessible beyond the mesh, we deploy a self‑hosted server on repurposed hardware. This server bridges the LoRa network to LAN/WAN connectivity, enabling remote monitoring and control over standard internet connections when available. Even in stand‑alone mode, field laptops can connect locally to the server via Wi‑Fi.
Why Mesh Matters
Traditional communication channels can be jammed, surveilled or destroyed. A distributed mesh based on LoRa provides anonymity, redundancy and the ability to operate under the radar. For clandestine or humanitarian missions, such a network allows team members to share intel, coordinates and sensor data without relying on commercial towers or satellites.
Future Work & Goals
- Integrate additional sensor payloads (environmental, biomedical and chemical).
- Automate configuration and over‑the‑air updates for nodes.
- Expand the dashboard with mapping layers and mission‑planning tools.
- Collaborate with community projects to standardise protocols and interfaces.
Resources & Downloads
For those who want to build their own LoRa mesh network or integrate sensors and dashboards, these links provide the essential tools and documentation:
- Meshtastic Project – official documentation, firmware and community resources.
- Meshtastic Web Client & App Downloads – download the latest web and mobile clients to configure your nodes.
- MQTT – learn about the lightweight messaging protocol that underpins our mesh.
- Node‑RED – the visual programming environment used to build our dashboards.