App / Application / Client Application
An application that connects to a Meshtastic node, primarily for sending or receiving data through the mesh network.
Band
A range of frequencies used for LoRa, determined by region. Meshtastic further categorizes these bands into channels. Sometimes identified by the lower and upper frequency limits (e.g., 902-928MHz), sometimes by a center frequency within the range (e.g., 915MHz), and sometimes only by the applicable region (e.g., US).
Broadcast
Sending a message or data from one device to all other devices within range in the Meshtastic network, instead of targeting a specific recipient.
Channel
At least two definitions in Meshtastic usage: 1) One of the 8 configurable channels in the firmware, each with a distinct name and encryption, where one is designated as primary and the others as secondary. 2) A specific frequency within a LoRa band that a device may be configured to utilize.
CLI
Command Line Interface, a text-based interface used for interacting with software or devices like Meshtastic.
Client
A device or application that connects to a Meshtastic node, typically for the purpose of sending or receiving data through the mesh network.
Device
A physical piece of hardware that employs Meshtastic software and LoRa (Long Range) radio technology to create a decentralized, long-range mesh network.
DFU
Device Firmware Update, a mode in which a device is placed to receive a firmware update.
ESP32
A microcontroller chipset created by Espressif, utilized by various devices. It consumes more power than NRF52 but is often more affordable and supports Wi-Fi if necessary.
Firmware
The low-level software installed on a Meshtastic device that manages its hardware functions and enables it to communicate within the mesh network using LoRa technology.
Flash/Flashing
The process of updating or installing firmware on a Meshtastic device. This is typically performed using a computer to upload new firmware versions or custom software to enhance or modify device functionality.
Foreign Mesh
A Foreign Mesh refers to a scenario where the receiving node does not share any Channels with the transmitting node. When a node receives a message it cannot decrypt, the message is considered to originate from a Foreign Mesh.
GPIO
General Purpose Input/Output. A non-committed digital signal pin on a device.
LoRa
A low-power, long-range wireless communication technology utilized by Meshtastic devices to facilitate communication over distances of several kilometers without requiring cellular, Wi-Fi, or other traditional network infrastructures.
LoS
Line of Sight, a direct path through air between two points.
Mesh
In the context of Meshtastic and networking, a mesh refers to a network topology where devices (nodes) are interconnected, allowing them to directly and dynamically communicate with each other. This configuration enables data to be relayed across the network, enhancing coverage and reliability, particularly in challenging environments.
Message
A unit of data or text transmitted between Meshtastic devices over the mesh network, which can include text communications, GPS location updates, and other small data payloads.
MHz
Megahertz, a frequency unit equal to one million hertz (cycles per second), used to specify the operating frequency of LoRa devices in the Meshtastic network, influencing range and data rate.
Module
At least two definitions in Meshtastic usage: 1) A software plug-in that extends the capabilities of a Meshtastic device. 2) A physical component or add-on for a Meshtastic device, such as a temperature sensor or GPS.
MQTT
An acronym for Message Queuing Telemetry Transport, a lightweight messaging protocol designed for small sensors and mobile devices, facilitating efficient data transmission in the Meshtastic network for Internet connectivity and integration with IoT platforms. In Meshtastic, MQTT is employed to connect a node to the internet and can link multiple meshes together.
Node
A component within the Meshtastic network that can send, receive, and relay messages, aiding in forming and expanding the mesh network's coverage.
NRF52
A microcontroller chipset manufactured by Nordic, used by various devices such as the RAK Meshtastic Starter Kit and the Lilygo T-Echo. It consumes less power than ESP32.
OTA
An abbreviation for "Over the Air." Typically refers to an OTA update, which occurs over a wireless network.
Packet
A formatted unit of data transmitted over the network. In Meshtastic, packets carry messages, GPS locations, and other information through the LoRa mesh network.
Protobuf
Protocol Buffers, a method developed by Google for serializing structured data, used in Meshtastic for efficient communication protocols between devices.
Pre-Shared Key (PSK)
Pre-Shared Key, a secret code or passphrase utilized in Meshtastic channels for encryption, ensuring that only devices with the matching PSK can communicate within that specific channel.
Public Key Cryptography (PKC)
A cryptographic method introduced in Meshtastic v2.5 for Direct Messages and Admin Messages, where each device utilizes a unique public and private key pair. The public key is shared with other devices, enabling secure message encryption, while the private key allows only the intended recipient to decrypt and authenticate the message. This method enhances privacy and integrity for both direct device-to-device communication and sensitive admin functions.
Repeater
An infrastructure node that extends network coverage by relaying messages with minimal overhead. It is not visible in the Nodes list.
Router
An infrastructure node designed to extend network coverage by relaying messages. It is visible in the Nodes list.
rp2040
A microcontroller chip developed by Raspberry Pi, featuring dual ARM Cortex-M0+ processors.
RX
An abbreviation for Receive.
Sensor
A device component that detects and responds to specific inputs from the physical environment. In Meshtastic, sensors are used to collect environmental data (e.g., temperature, humidity, GPS location), which can then be transmitted over the mesh network for monitoring or other applications.
Serial
A communication protocol used to transmit data between the Meshtastic device and a computer or other devices, typically over USB or UART.
SNR
Signal-to-Noise Ratio, a measure in communications that quantifies the level of a desired signal compared to the level of background noise. In Meshtastic and other wireless systems, a higher SNR indicates a clearer signal, enhancing the reliability and quality of data transmission.
SWR
Standing Wave Ratio, a measurement of the efficiency of radio frequency (RF) power transmission from a transmitter through a transmission line to an antenna in Meshtastic devices. It indicates the ratio of the amplitude of a standing wave at its maximum to the amplitude at its minimum, with an ideal SWR close to 1:1, signifying that most power is transmitted to the antenna with minimal reflections.
Telemetry
The transmission of sensor data or system metrics over the mesh network.
Transceiver
A device capable of both transmitting and receiving communications.
Transmit
The act of sending data, such as messages or GPS locations, from one Meshtastic device to another via the LoRa network.
TX
An abbreviation for Transmit.
