What is Mesh Radio?
Mesh Radio is a decentralised communication network built using low‑power long‑range (LoRa) radios. Instead of relying on mobile networks, Wi‑Fi, or the internet, each radio node relays messages for others, forming a resilient mesh network that can continue operating even when infrastructure is unavailable.
At Yorkshire Mesh, we explore and deploy open‑source mesh radio systems to create community‑owned communications for learning, emergency resilience, outdoor activities, and technical experimentation.
What is MeshCore?
MeshCore is an open, lightweight mesh networking stack designed for experimentation, research and advanced community networks. It provides a flexible foundation for building custom LoRa‑based mesh systems with full control over routing, protocols and node behaviour.
We use MeshCore as the backbone of Yorkshire Mesh because it:
- Prioritises true decentralisation
- Allows custom firmware and hardware designs
- Supports experimental routing and protocols
- Encourages learning and innovation rather than locked‑in ecosystems
MeshCore is ideal for builders, radio amateurs, researchers and anyone interested in how resilient networks really work.
Why MeshCore in Yorkshire?
Yorkshire’s varied terrain — hills, valleys, rural areas and dense towns — makes it an ideal environment for mesh radio experimentation.
MeshCore offers key advantages for the region:
- Resilience – continues operating during outages and congestion
- Independence – no telecom providers, no central servers
- Flexibility – custom routing, custom nodes, custom deployments
- Community ownership – every node is owned and operated by volunteers
What Can You Do With It?
MeshCore‑based networks can support:
- Off‑grid text and data messaging
- Emergency and resilience communications
- Hilltop and long‑distance relay links
- GPS tracking and position sharing
- Sensor networks and telemetry
- Protocol research and experimentation
- Learning radio, networking and embedded systems
Our Network
Yorkshire Mesh is building an experimental MeshCore LoRa mesh across the region, including:
- Home and fixed nodes
- Portable and vehicle nodes
- Hilltop relay stations
- Solar‑powered repeaters
The network is open, experimental and evolving — focused on learning, resilience and technical excellence.
Get Involved
If you are interested in building, experimenting or learning about mesh radio, we would love to hear from you.
You can:
- Run a MeshCore node
- Help test routing and coverage
- Build custom hardware
- Contribute firmware, documentation or research
Yorkshire Mesh is open to beginners and experts alike.