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LoRa Mesh Phone
A LoRa mesh phone is a device designed to enable SMS-like messaging in a group when outside cell coverage or in disaster scenarios. It utilizes Semtech LoRa radios for low-power and long-range communications, forming a mesh network where devices can relay messages to extend the communication reach. This technology allows for decentralized communication without relying on conventional infrastructure.
One example of a LoRa mesh phone is the Pinephone, a Linux phone that could potentially integrate with a LoRa module to function as a mesh node. This integration would allow users to carry around a node as part of their phone, combining two communication tools into one.16
Another approach involves adding an external LoRa module to a mobile phone, enabling it to send messages without cellular network coverage. Projects like LoRa Mesh Chat and Meshtastic provide tutorials and firmware for assembling and setting up boards that can connect to mobile phones via USB OTG cable, Bluetooth Classic, or Bluetooth LE.28
Dryad Networks has developed a proprietary LoRa mesh network that enhances LoRaWAN, offering extended range, enhanced resilience, and flexibility to scale with growing needs. This network can be particularly useful in remote areas lacking mobile network coverage.4
For those interested in building their own LoRa mesh phone system, there are various hardware options available, including the TTGO ESP32 Lora with OLED and Adafruit Feather M0 RFM96 boards. These boards can be connected to a mobile phone and flashed with appropriate firmware to enable messaging capabilities.28
- Pinephone: A Linux phone that could potentially integrate with a LoRa module to function as a mesh node, combining communication tools into one device.16
- LoRa Mesh Chat: A project that provides instructions on how to set up a LoRa mesh system capable of working without a cellular network, ideal for disaster scenarios or group messaging.28
- Meshtastic: An open-source, off-grid, decentralized mesh network designed for long-range communication using LoRa and BLE technologies.67
- Dryad Networks: Offers a proprietary LoRa mesh network that enhances LoRaWAN, providing extended range and resilience for remote areas.4
These systems and devices aim to provide reliable, decentralized communication solutions that work independently of traditional cellular networks.