Meshtastic Radios Glossary

A

– AES Encryption: Advanced Encryption Standard used to secure data transmitted over the Meshtastic network.
– API (Application Programming Interface): A set of protocols and tools for building software applications, allowing Meshtastic to communicate with other software.

B

– BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy): A wireless personal area network technology used for connecting Meshtastic radios to smartphones and other devices with low energy consumption.

C

– Channel: A specific frequency or range of frequencies that Meshtastic radios use to communicate with each other.
– Configuration: The process of setting up Meshtastic radios with specific parameters like channel, encryption keys, and device roles.
– Coverage Area: The geographical area within which Meshtastic radios can communicate effectively.

D

– Device ID: A unique identifier assigned to each Meshtastic radio.
– DIY (Do It Yourself): The practice of building, modifying, or repairing things without the direct aid of experts or professionals, common in Meshtastic communities.

E

– Encryption: The process of converting information or data into a code to prevent unauthorized access, essential for secure communication in Meshtastic networks.

F

– Firmware: The permanent software programmed into Meshtastic radios to control their functions.
– Frequency: The rate at which the Meshtastic radio waves oscillate, measured in hertz (Hz).

G

– Gateway: A device that acts as a bridge between the Meshtastic network and the internet or other networks.
– GPS (Global Positioning System): A satellite-based navigation system used in some Meshtastic radios to provide location information.

H

– HF (High Frequency): A range of radio frequencies from 3 to 30 MHz, not typically used by Meshtastic but relevant in broader radio communication contexts.

I

– IoT (Internet of Things): The network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies to connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet, including Meshtastic devices.
– IP67: An international standard for water and dust resistance, indicating that a device is protected against immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes and is dust-tight.

L

– LoRa (Long Range): A modulation technique that enables long-range communication with low power consumption, used by Meshtastic radios.

M

– Mesh Network: A network topology where devices (nodes) connect directly, dynamically, and non-hierarchically to as many other nodes as possible, collaborating to route data from/to clients efficiently.

N

– Node: Any device connected to a Meshtastic mesh network, capable of sending, receiving, and relaying messages.

P

– Payload: The actual data carried over the Meshtastic network, excluding headers and metadata.
– PTT (Push-to-Talk): A method of communicating on half-duplex communication lines, including radio, by pushing a button to switch from voice reception mode to transmit mode.

R

– Repeater: A device that receives a signal and retransmits it to extend the range of communication.
– RF (Radio Frequency): The electromagnetic wave frequencies within the range at which radio signals can be transmitted.

S

– SSID (Service Set Identifier): The name of a wireless network, used to identify the Meshtastic network.
– Sleep Mode: A low power mode in which Meshtastic radios conserve energy when not actively transmitting or receiving.

T

– Telemetry: The process of recording and transmitting the readings of an instrument, such as location data from Meshtastic GPS-enabled radios.

U

– UHF (Ultra High Frequency): A range of radio frequencies from 300 MHz to 3 GHz, some of which are used by Meshtastic radios.
– USB (Universal Serial Bus): A standard for connecting peripherals to a computer, used for programming and powering Meshtastic radios.

V

– VHF (Very High Frequency): A range of radio frequencies from 30 MHz to 300 MHz, some of which may be used by certain Meshtastic radios.

W

– Wi-Fi: A wireless networking technology allowing devices to connect to the internet, sometimes used alongside Meshtastic for additional connectivity.

Z

– Zigbee: A specification for a suite of high-level communication protocols using low-power digital radios, relevant in the context of IoT and sometimes compared with LoRa technology used by Meshtastic.

* This glossary covers the fundamental terms and concepts associated with Meshtastic radios and their operation.