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Mesh Networks & Satellite

Building internet infrastructure that doesn't require traditional ISPs. From LoRa mesh to LEO satellites - connectivity anywhere.

The Nomadic ISP Vision

Imagine carrying internet access in your backpack. A portable satellite dish connects to LEO satellites overhead. A mesh radio extends that connection to everyone nearby. Software automatically handles billing and routing.

Backpack ISP Kit
The components needed to be your own mobile internet provider
  • Starlink Mini dish (portable satellite terminal)
  • LoRa mesh node (Meshtastic or custom)
  • WiFi access point for local users
  • Battery pack or solar panel
  • Software to manage billing and routing

Technologies

LoRa / LoRaWAN
Long Range radio modulation achieving 10+ km range on unlicensed spectrum with minimal power.
Range: 2-15 km
Speed: 0.3-50 kbps
Power: Ultra-low (years on battery)
Use: IoT sensors, asset tracking, agriculture
Meshtastic
Open-source mesh networking on LoRa. Text messaging without cellular or internet infrastructure.
Range: 1-10 km per hop
Speed: Text only (~200 bytes)
Power: Days on small battery
Use: Hiking, emergencies, off-grid comms
Starlink
SpaceX's LEO satellite constellation providing broadband internet globally.
Range: Global coverage
Speed: 50-500 Mbps
Power: ~100W (requires power)
Use: Rural broadband, maritime, aviation
WiFi Mesh (802.11s)
Self-configuring WiFi networks where each node routes for others.
Range: 50-100m per hop
Speed: 100+ Mbps
Power: Moderate (wall power typical)
Use: Home coverage, community networks

Key Concepts

Mesh Topology

Every node can route traffic for other nodes. No central point of failure - the network heals around outages.

Store-and-Forward

Messages hop between nodes, stored temporarily at each. Enables communication even when no end-to-end path exists.

LEO vs GEO

Low Earth Orbit (500km) satellites have 20-40ms latency vs Geostationary (36,000km) at 600ms+. LEO requires constellations of thousands.

Chirp Spread Spectrum

LoRa's modulation technique that trades bandwidth for range and noise immunity. Signals can be decoded below the noise floor.

Active Projects

Helium Network
Live

Decentralized wireless network using LoRaWAN. Hotspot operators earn cryptocurrency for providing coverage.

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Meshtastic
Active

Open-source off-grid mesh communicator. Works on cheap LoRa hardware ($20-50).

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goTenna
Commercial

Commercial mesh networking devices for emergency services and outdoor recreation.

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Starlink
Commercial

5,000+ satellites launched, serving 2M+ customers globally. Starlink Mini enables portable use.

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Off-Grid Connectivity

We're researching how to build resilient communication networks that work anywhere, anytime.

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