BEST PRACTICES

To maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of a Meshtastic network, follow these best practices for optimal performance, power usage, and security: 

• Use Appropriate Device Roles: For most users, the CLIENT role is recommended, as it intelligently repeats messages without causing network congestion. The ROUTER or REPEATER roles should be reserved for dedicated, well-placed, and reliably powered infrastructure nodes, as their overuse can cause network issues.

• Manage Network Traffic Efficiently:

  • Keep messages short and simple. Meshtastic is designed for light data transfer, not large files or heavy data streams.

  • Leave the maximum hops count set to the recommended default of 3 in most cases. Unnecessarily high hop counts can increase latency and packet collisions.

  • If using features like range testing or MQTT uplinking, configure them to run infrequently or disable them if not needed to reduce unnecessary channel traffic.

• Optimal Device Placement: Position devices in elevated locations with a clear line of sight (e.g., on a hill or a tower) to maximize range and signal strength. Avoid obstructions like buildings or dense trees if possible.

• Optimize Power Consumption:

  • Enable power-saving modes to significantly extend battery life by disabling unnecessary features like Wi-Fi or the screen when not actively in use.

  • Use power-efficient devices (nRF52-based chips are more efficient than ESP32) for battery-powered or mobile applications.

  • Adjust the transmit power to the lowest setting that still provides reliable connectivity to balance range and battery life.

  • For remote deployments, use reliable power sources like large power banks or solar chargers.

• Ensure Network Security and Privacy:

  • Create private channels with strong, unique Pre-Shared Keys (PSK) for sensitive communications to ensure encryption and prevent unauthorized access.

  • Disable location sharing on the public default channel (Channel 0); instead, use a private secondary channel to share your location with trusted users.

  • Do not configure private channel keys on unattended physical nodes, as the keys can be extracted if the device is compromised.

• Perform Regular Maintenance:

  • Always attach an antenna before powering on a device to prevent damage to the radio chip.

  • Regularly update your device's firmware to benefit from the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches. You can find updates on the Meshtastic GitHub repository or the project's official website.

  • Test your hardware and settings thoroughly before installing devices in hard-to-reach or critical locations.