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Hosting a NEO Mesh Node

The NEO Mesh is a volunteer-led community building a resilient, off-grid communication network across Northeast and North Central Ohio. Our network spans cities, towns, schools, homes, and rural communities throughout the region.

Our mission is simple: create a decentralized communication system that continues operating even when traditional infrastructure fails. Hosting a node is one of the most impactful ways you can help your community.

What is this technology all about?​

Modern communication relies on infrastructure that can fail: cell towers, internet providers, fiber backbones, cloud platforms, and commercial data centers.

A mesh network is different as it uses small, low-power radios that connect directly to each other, forming a distributed network that continues to function during:

  • power outages
  • natural disasters
  • fiber/cell backhaul failures
  • cyber incidents
  • extreme congestion at large events
  • rural coverage gaps

Every new node strengthens the network’s reliability for the entire region.

What you need to know​

NEO Mesh supports two complementary technologies:

MeshCore​

  • Forms the long-range regional backbone
  • Best for buildings with height or clear lines of sight
  • Perfect for municipalities, emergency ops, public buildings, and commercial sites

Meshtastic​

  • Ideal for local, neighborhood-level coverage
  • Great for hobbyists, individuals, and community spaces
  • Works alongside MeshCore but serves a different role

You can host either or both.

If you're unsure which is right for your location, we’ll help you decide.

Ideal hosting locations​

Good sites include:

  • Municipal buildings (DPW, town hall, water towers, public safety buildings)
  • Schools, universities, libraries, or campuses
  • Churches, synagogues, mosques, and community centers
  • Commercial buildings with roof access
  • Existing ham / communications towers
  • Private homes on hills or with clear views

All you need is:

  • a small weatherproof device (hand-sized)
  • a safe place to mount it
  • access to standard power (or install with solar and a battery)

No special networking, no licensing, and no internet uplink is required for MeshCore nodes.

What hosting involves​

Hosting is very low effort:

  • Installation takes about 10–20 minutes
  • Power draw is typically 2–5 watts
  • No maintenance is required beyond keeping the device plugged in
  • We provide guidance or can assist with the setup if needed

If you'd like to configure a MeshCore repeater yourself, see MeshCore Repeater Setup.

Next steps​

If you're interested in hosting a node, please reach out to the person who introduced you to NEO Mesh and share the following information:

  • Your name
  • The address or approximate location where you can host a node
  • Whether you would like us to provide hardware
  • Whether you're interested in MeshCore, Meshtastic, or you're not sure yet
  • Any details about roof access, building height, or obstructions (optional)

If you found this page independently or prefer to contact us directly, you can also join our public community Discord: https://discord.gg/hDCxm47JSF

A volunteer will follow up to help determine the best option for your location.

Frequently Asked Questions​

Does this require internet access?​

No. MeshCore nodes do not require internet.
Meshtastic nodes can use an internet gateway if available, but it is optional.

Is it safe for buildings, schools, or public facilities?​

Yes. The devices are low-power (typically under 1 watt RF) and meet FCC/CE emissions limits.
They are passive, non-invasive, and have no access to internal building systems.

How much power does it use?​

Around 2–5 watts, similar to an LED night-light.
At Ohio electricity rates, that’s roughly $3–$8 per year.

Will this interfere with existing radios?​

No.
MeshCore and Meshtastic use licensed or lightly-licensed spectrum that is compatible with existing public safety, ham, and commercial equipment.

Do I need a radio license?​

No.
Hosting a node does not require a ham radio license or any special certification.

However: if you plan to run above 1W transmit power, you do need to make sure you’re operating under the proper licensing/authorization for your region (for example, ham radio rules where applicable), because higher power can move you out of “license-free” territory.

Can the community help with installation?​

Yes — volunteers can assist with site assessment, mounting, configuration, and hardware recommendations.

Want to get more involved?​

Explore the rest of this website or join our community spaces to learn more.
We’re always excited to welcome new volunteers, building partners, and curious neighbors.