Node Setup

In these instructions, we will cover how to deploy a mesh node that is privacy-enabled by default, and allows you to share an Internet connection with your neighbors. The whole setup process takes about 2 hours from start to finish. The necessary hardware is listed below, and instructions for everything from flashing the firmware to placing the antenna are covered.

Definitions

• Mesh Node: A mesh node is the smallest unit on a mesh network. Every mesh node is a router, and is critical for delivering the online traffic of its neighbors. For more details about how mesh networks and neighborhood networks work internally, please see the Network Architecture page.
• Firmware: Firmware is the first thing that you will install on your mesh node. Firmware is just like the operating system on your computer (Linux, Windows, Mac, etc.) Firmware is what allows us to install applications, manage users, and all the other things you can do on a functioning computer. The firmware that we use on our network is a customized version of OpenWrt.
• Antenna/Radio: The antenna (or radio) is what allows your mesh node to communicate with other mesh nodes. Our antennas communicate in free spectrum at 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz -- just like the wi-fi in your home or workplace.
• Router: A router is any computer that is responsible for "routing" information on a network. All the mesh nodes on our network can also be called routers.
• Gateway: A gateway or gateway server is a computer (usually a big one) that acts as a bridge between two networks. In order to provide a high level of security on our network, all of our mesh nodes reach the Internet through a gateway server. For more details about how mesh networks and neighborhood networks work internally, please see the Network Architecture page.

Preparation

Note: Set yourself up for success, and introduce yourself in one of our chat rooms before you begin. Something will go wrong during the setup process, and it's best to have experienced friends ready to help when it does.

Considerations

• Time: about 2 hours
• Cost: about $150
• Internet Access: If you do not already have Internet access, you will need to find a neighbor (on your same street) who is willing to set up a mesh node at their home too, and work out a deal to share their Internet connection fairly.
• Difficulty: The instructions contained on this website are quite technical, and may be incomplete in some places. Most of these instructions were written with Linux users in mind. If you are using another operating system (like Windows or Mac,) some "googling" may be necessary to get through them. As stated above, it's good to have friends. Introduce yourself in any of our chat channels if you want some help getting started!

Materials

Standard Mesh Node

To set up a standard mesh node that broadcasts a secure Internet connection in all directions, you will need to obtain the following equipment:

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  RPF Raspberry Pi 4 Model B

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  Official Raspberry Pi 4 Power Supply

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  microSD Card (4GB+)

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  Ethernet Cable (3x) (Three sections, cut to length)

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  USB to Ethernet Adapter (1+)

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  Ubiquiti UAP AC Mesh

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  PoE Injector (One should come with the UAP AC Mesh if you buy it new)

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  One Paperclip (Seriously, these come in handy)

Custom Mesh Nodes

If you know what kind of hardware you want, and this 'aint it, please see the recommended Hardware Bundles, or browse the full list of Devices.

Firmware Installation

If you prefer, bring your hardware to one of our weekly meetups, and we will be happy to flash it for you!

Raspberry Pi 4

Materials & Software

Warning: Download and install the appropriate version of the Raspberry Pi Imager for your computer before continuing.

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  RPF Raspberry Pi 4 Model B

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  microSD Card (4GB+)

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  Ethernet Cable (1x)

Install the Firmware

1. Download the latest stable version of Mass Mesh's free firmware here
2. Open the Raspberry Pi Imager (Download and install it from here if you haven't yet.)
3. Select "Choose OS"
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4. Scroll to the bottom of the list, and select "Use Custom"
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5. Find the Mass Mesh firmware you just downloaded, and select it from the filesystem.
6. Once you have selected the appropriate firmware, select "Choose SD Card"
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7. You should see something like the following. Go ahead and select that card. (You probably only see one, but use the size of the card as a hint if you see several.)
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8. Once you have selected the OS and the SD Card, select "Write." You will see a warning like the one shown below... Go ahead and select "Yes."
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9. You should see a screen like the following. Click "Continue," and remove the SD card from your computer.
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10. Plug the micro SD card into your Raspberry Pi 4.

Congratulations!!! You have successfully prepared your Raspberry Pi 4b to act as a secure mesh node. Set it aside for now while we prepare the other hardware. We will assemble it at the end in #Assembly.

UAP AC Mesh

Materials

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  Ubiquiti UAP AC Mesh

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  Ethernet Cable (2x)

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  PoE Injector (One should come with the UAP AC Mesh if you buy it new)

• 

  One Paperclip (Seriously, these come in handy)

Assembly

In addition to providing power to the node, you may also want to use the following ports on your device:

• The WAN port (on multi-port devices) may be connected to a spare LAN port on your regular router (or directly to your modem) to share your internet connection with the mesh
• The LAN port may be connected to a switch or any device to provide internet to that device through the mesh

Tips For Best Results

In order to communicate on the mesh, your node must be able to talk to other nodes in your area. Here are some suggestions to help maximize your signal:

• Weather resistant nodes should be mounted on the outside of the house or to a column facing the street
• Indoor nodes should be placed on or near windows facing the street and other buildings
• Nodes will work best if they have a direct line of sight to each other