Cellular Mesh Network

[TWP]

A mesh network is a collection of radio connected devices (wireless) which form an independent communication grid.  It does not need or use the existing cellular phone network, although it may be configured to use such connections if they are working.

The benefit for we, as preppers, lies in having a comm network which could continue to work in the event of a major failure of the cellular phone system (the tower system).  We could continue to use our existing cell phones.

HAM vs Mesh Network

Please note that this is Not a replacement for HAM radio, which has virtually unlimited range.  The benefit is that no license is required, nor do users need to purchase HAM transceivers.  Many common cell phones may be used, with minimal modification.  The number of cellphones in use far exceeds the HAM licensed operators.  The mesh network is compatible with HAM operations and may be interfaced to higher power, longer range HAM transmitters.  It is a win-win situation, and not a competition.

Limitations

The downside to mesh is the limited range between network nodes (individuals using their cell phones in the mesh network).  The range between nodes is, at best, only 1km or about 0.6 mile.  However, this can be greatly extended using common wireless routers.  Read about existing applications below and consider how this could be used within a prepper community.

For definitions of how a mesh network is configured, read the following links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesh_networking
Read the examples section for some existing mesh networks, now in operation.

Example Software

One network software is currently being promoted, The Serval Project, using existing cell phones which use the Android operating system.  The app is free, installable on your Android cell phone and extensible.  Read more here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serval_project

http://www.servalproject.org/

Another example of software for operating a cellphone mesh network is the Briar messaging app.  It can use Bluetooth, Wifi and/or the TOR secure browser.  Read more here:

https://briarproject.org/index.html

Note that these networks allow both voice and data communication.  They can be powered by solar or wind generated, battery backup systems.

As an example, our local prepper group lives in a valley which is approximately 20 miles long and 10 miles wide.  This could be adequately served using as few as 5 wifi adapters / routers located along the "backbone" of our valley, or better, placed on the surrounding hills.  Of course, more routers would be better and being a mesh, each user node can extend the range of coverage.

I would like to see an effort made to work with our local HAM operators and incorporate a cellular mesh network.

Your input is requested.