While Meshtastic is by far the most popular off-grid messaging solution relying on LoRa radios, MeshCore offers an alternative as a lightweight C++ library and firmware designed for multi-hop packet routing and made for developers who want to create resilient, decentralized communication networks that work without the internet.
The project’s GitHub repository provides some high-level differences compared to the Meshtastic and Reticulum projects:
MeshCore provides the ability to create wireless mesh networks, similar to Meshtastic and Reticulum but with a focus on lightweight multi-hop packet routing for embedded projects. Unlike Meshtastic, which is tailored for casual LoRa communication, or Reticulum, which offers advanced networking, MeshCore balances simplicity with scalability, making it ideal for custom embedded solutions., where devices (nodes) can communicate over long distances by relaying messages through intermediate nodes. This is especially useful in off-grid, emergency, or tactical situations where traditional communication infrastructure is unavailable.
MeshCore key features:
- Multi-hop packet routing – As a mesh network, devices can forward messages across multiple nodes, and MeshCore supports up to a configurable number of hops to balance network efficiency and prevent excessive traffic.
- Supports LoRa radios – Compatible with Heltec, RAKwireless, and (some) other LoRa-based hardware.
- Decentralized & resilient – No central server or internet required, and the mesh network is self-healing
- Low Power – Design for battery-powered or solar-powered devices.
- Simple to Deploy – Flash MeshCore Companion firmware to the device, and install the MeshCore app for Android or iOS, or use the web client. There’s also a JavaScript library and a Python client for developers.
Supported devices include LILYGO T-Deck Plus for standalone operation without a smartphone, Seeed Studio T1000-E, Heltek Lora32 V3, and others. You’ll find the full list of supported devices on the web flasher.
The video below shows how to get started with MeshCore, and the onboarding and messaging functionality is very similar to MeshTastic. It looks a bit simpler, and there’s no QR code, but instead, flood adverts are sent to add users. The video also demonstrates the use of MeshCore repeaters to further extend the network coverage.
MeshCore lacks features like real-time GPS tracking or sensor integration by default, but MeshCore premium features can be enabled on the T-Deck, T-Display Pro, and T5 ‘Ultra’ firmware, by purchasing an 8 GBP (about $11) license on the MeshCore store. Premium features include:
- Map zoom to higher detail levels
- MeshCore profiles:
- Remote repeater or room server admin CLI
- Telemetry support (and location sharing)
- Ripple profiles:
- Post office support. (msg store-n-forward, group chats, shared calendars, etc…)
- GPS location broadcast mode
- Pair tracker/sensor devices
MeshCore and Ripple are different profiles that can be enabled as needed. So while the MeshCore library/firmware is open-source under an MIT license, there must still be close-source binaries to handle the premium features. Another premium option will be the upcoming MeshCore ESP-NOW bridge licence. Those are designed to fund the development of the project. More details can be found on the project’s website.
Thanks to Marek for the tip.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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