Prior to a disaster, establishing a reliable communication network is crucial, according to expert Meadors. It is vital to prepare a communication system with all necessary contacts before a situation arises that disrupts cell and internet connectivity. Regular firmware updates necessitate that users do not simply store their devices away for emergencies. “If you use it regularly, like once a month, you should be fine,” notes Bennett.
Another consideration is bandwidth, which can become a bottleneck when multiple users access the network simultaneously. This was evidenced at a ham radio convention in Dayton, Ohio, where a sudden influx of traffic caused the Meshtastic network to crash. Vander Houwen explained that a single individual activated an MQTT bridge that overloaded the network, resulting in an immediate failure of the interconnected devices.
In response to this incident, Vander Houwen, along with Bennett and Meadors, focused on enhancing the system prior to the upcoming Defcon hacker convention in Las Vegas. They released a tailored firmware update that can support approximately 2,000 to 2,500 devices running concurrently on the network. A similar firmware update is anticipated for the 2025 Hamvention, which has already garnered positive feedback from the user community.
Despite the challenges facing Meshtastic, the platform remains an appealing backup communication solution, attracting a growing base of users who appreciate its engaging functionality. The Android app has received thousands of reviews, and interest is reflected in the burgeoning Meshtastic subreddit, which has nearly 50,000 members. Some local governments are exploring the possibility of implementing Meshtastic networks to enhance emergency response systems in the wake of natural disasters.
For technology developers like Bennett, Meadors, and Vander Houwen, the aim extends beyond increasing the number of Meshtastic nodes; they envision creating a user-friendly experience accessible even to those who are not tech-savvy. Meadors emphasized that improving software accessibility is a key priority. “I want to ensure that it is easy enough for anyone to pick up the device, download the app, and start using it without difficulty. We’ve made significant progress, but there is still room for enhancement,” he stated.
Updated at 10:25 am ET, June 4, 2025: Corrected a misspelling of Ben Meadors’ surname.
