Communication Continuity
During National Grid Failure
In the event of a catastrophic natural disaster causing a multi-day national blackout, traditional communication infrastructure (Cellular, Internet, Landline) will fail within 4-24 hours as tower backup batteries deplete. This report analyzes the viability of Meshtastic (LoRa) networks as a decentralized, community-driven emergency response layer.
The Core Problem
Centralized networks have single points of failure. When the grid drops, the "backbone" severs.
The Mesh Solution
Decentralized nodes relay messages for each other. No central server. Ultra-low power consumption.
Status Report
Comparative Technology Analysis
Why choose Meshtastic over Ham Radio or Satellite? The following data visualizes the trade-offs between accessibility, range, power dependence, and cost. While Satellite offers the best connectivity, its reliance on power and subscription costs makes it fragile for mass adoption.
Resilience Radar
Higher score is better (1-10)
Energy Independence (Runtime on 3000mAh)
| System | Range (Urban/Rural) | Infrastructure Needed | Skill Level | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meshtastic (LoRa) | 1-4km / 20km+ | None (Peer-to-Peer) | Medium (Setup once) | Low ($40) |
| Ham Radio (VHF/UHF) | 2-10km / 50km+ | None (Direct) or Repeaters | High (Licensing) | Med ($100+) |
| Satellite (Iridium) | Global | Satellites (External) | Low | Very High ($400+) |
| GMRS/FRS Walkie | 0.5km / 3km | None | Very Low | Low ($30) |
Understanding Mesh Topology
In a blackout, A cannot see C. But A can see B, and B can see C.
The message "hops" automatically: A → B → C.
Interact: Click the canvas to add a new "Relay Node" to bridge gaps.
Nodes: 0
Status: Disconnected
Deployment Calculator
Estimate the capability of your node based on terrain and hardware choices.
With this setup, you need approximately X nodes to cover a 20km city radius.
Calculating...