Router Deployment Guide - Freq51 Intermountain Mesh

🎯 Overview

This guide covers everything you need to know about deploying ROUTER nodes on the Freq51 Intermountain Mesh network. Router deployment is a critical responsibility that requires careful planning, community coordination, and technical understanding.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Router deployment should only be undertaken by experienced community members with proper coordination. Contact the Discord community before deploying any router nodes.

🏷️ Understanding Router Roles

🔄 ROUTER Role

• Purpose: Optimized for message forwarding and network infrastructure
• Behavior: Stores messages longer, prioritizes routing over local communication
• Power: Requires reliable, continuous power source
• Coverage: Should provide strategic coverage for the network
• Coordination: MANDATORY community approval required

🚫 REPEATER Role

• ❌ NOT RECOMMENDED: Should be avoided by all users
• Why avoid: Can cause network congestion and interference
• Community policy: Only deployed by experienced members with specific approval
• ⚠️ Critical: Never use without explicit network coordinator permission

📏 Strategic Placement by Elevation

Where we place routers is very important.

🏔️ High Elevation Backbone Routers (~9,361’ - Nelson Peak Level)

Purpose: Major backbone infrastructure for maximum regional coverage

Characteristics:

• Elevation: 9,000+ feet above sea level
• Coverage: 50+ miles with clear line-of-sight
• Role: Primary ROUTER role only
• Power: Must have reliable, continuous power (solar + battery backup recommended)
• Antenna: High-gain directional and omnidirectional antennas
• Coordination: Requires extensive community planning and approval

Example Locations:

• Mountain peaks and ridges
• Tall communication towers
• Strategic high points with 360° visibility
• Existing radio infrastructure sites

Requirements:

• Community approval and coordination
• Reliable power infrastructure
• Weather-resistant housing
• Remote monitoring capabilities
• Regular maintenance access

⛰️ Regional Coverage Routers (~5,600’ - Point of the Mountain Level)

Purpose: Regional coverage bridging high backbone to local nodes

Characteristics:

• Elevation: 5,000-7,000 feet above sea level
• Coverage: 15-30 mile radius depending on terrain
• Role: ROUTER_LATE
• Power: Reliable power source (grid-tied or robust solar)
• Antenna: Medium to high-gain antennas
• Coordination: Community coordination recommended

Example Locations:

• Foothills and elevated neighborhoods
• Radio towers and communication sites
• Elevated commercial/residential buildings
• Strategic overlooks and ridges

Requirements:

• Community notification and approval
• Stable power source
• Weather protection
• Basic monitoring capabilities

🏠 Local/Ground Level (25-35’ - House Roofs/Ground Level)

Purpose: Local mesh participation and user access

Characteristics:

• Elevation: Ground level to 100 feet
• Coverage: 1-5 miles in typical terrain
• Role: CLIENT or CLIENT_MUTE (NOT router roles)
• Why CLIENT: Prevents network congestion from too many routers
• Power: Standard residential power

Example Locations:

• Home installations
• Portable setups
• Vehicle mounts
• Temporary deployments

Key Principle: Higher elevation = greater responsibility and coordination requirements. Most users should remain clients regardless of their installation height.

🔧 Technical Requirements

Hardware Specifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Meshtastic-compatible device (Heltec V3, T-Beam, etc.)
• Reliable power source (grid-tied or solar with battery backup)
• Weather-resistant housing/enclosure
• Appropriate antenna for coverage area
• Network connectivity for monitoring (optional but recommended)

Recommended for High-Elevation Routers:

• Industrial-grade device with extended temperature range
• Redundant power systems (solar + battery + grid backup)
• Professional antenna installation
• Remote monitoring and management capabilities
• Lightning protection and grounding

Power Requirements

Grid-Tied Systems:

• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for short outages
• Automatic restart capability
• Power monitoring and alerts

Solar Systems:

• Sufficient panel capacity for location and season
• Deep-cycle battery bank with 3-5 day autonomy
• Charge controller with low-voltage disconnect
• Battery monitoring and maintenance access

Hybrid Systems (Recommended):

• Primary: Grid power
• Backup: Solar + battery
• Automatic switching between sources
• Remote monitoring of power status

Antenna Considerations

High-Elevation Routers:

• High-gain omnidirectional antennas (6-12 dBi)
• Directional antennas for specific coverage areas
• Professional installation with proper grounding
• Lightning protection systems

Regional Routers:

• Medium-gain omnidirectional antennas (3-6 dBi)
• Directional antennas for targeted coverage
• Weather-resistant mounting
• Proper grounding and lightning protection

Antenna Placement:

• Clear line-of-sight to target coverage areas
• Above surrounding obstructions
• Proper grounding and lightning protection
• Accessible for maintenance

📋 Pre-Deployment Checklist

Community Coordination

• Contact Discord community for approval
• Discuss placement with network coordinators
• Review coverage maps and existing infrastructure
• Coordinate with nearby router operators
• Plan maintenance and monitoring responsibilities

Technical Preparation

• Test device configuration in lab environment
• Verify power system reliability
• Test antenna performance and coverage
• Set up monitoring and alerting systems
• Prepare backup equipment and spare parts

Site Preparation

• Secure mounting location and permissions
• Install power infrastructure
• Set up weather protection
• Install lightning protection and grounding
• Test all systems before final deployment

Documentation

• Document exact location coordinates
• Record antenna height and orientation
• Document power system specifications
• Create maintenance schedule
• Set up monitoring and alerting

⚙️ Configuration Guidelines

Essential Settings

Node Configuration:

• Role: ROUTER (only after community approval)
• Node Name: Descriptive name indicating location/function
• Location: Enable GPS for accurate positioning
• Power Management: Optimize for continuous operation

Channel Settings:

• Primary Channel: Use community standard (Leave the name empty)
• Region: Set to “US”
• Frequency: 915MHz band (automatic for US region)
• Hop Limit: Set to 7

Router-Specific Settings:

• Store & Forward: Enable for message relay capability
• Neighbor Info: Enable for network mapping
• MQTT: Configure based on community guidelines
• Power Management: Disable sleep modes for continuous operation

Advanced Configuration

Network Optimization:

• Message Routing: Optimize for network topology
• Store & Forward: Configure based on coverage area
• Neighbor Discovery: Enable for network health monitoring
• Channel Utilization: Monitor and optimize as needed

Monitoring and Management:

• Remote Access: Set up secure remote management
• Logging: Enable comprehensive logging
• Alerting: Configure alerts for system issues
• Backup: Regular configuration backups

🚨 Safety and Legal Considerations

Safety Requirements

• Electrical Safety: Proper grounding and electrical installation
• Lightning Protection: Essential for elevated installations
• Fall Protection: Safe access for maintenance
• Weather Protection: Adequate housing for environmental conditions
• Fire Safety: Proper electrical installation and fire prevention

Legal Considerations

• Permits: Check local requirements for antenna installations
• Zoning: Verify compliance with local zoning regulations
• Property Rights: Ensure proper permissions for installation
• FCC Compliance: Verify device compliance with FCC regulations
• Insurance: Consider liability and equipment insurance

Environmental Impact

• Wildlife: Consider impact on local wildlife
• Visual Impact: Minimize visual impact where possible
• Noise: Ensure equipment doesn’t create noise issues
• Maintenance Access: Plan for minimal environmental disruption

🔧 Maintenance and Monitoring

Regular Maintenance Schedule

Daily Monitoring:

• Check device status and connectivity
• Monitor power system performance
• Review network traffic and performance
• Check for any error messages or alerts

Weekly Tasks:

• Review system logs for issues
• Check antenna connections and mounting
• Verify power system operation
• Update community on status

Monthly Tasks:

• Physical inspection of equipment
• Clean antennas and equipment
• Check weather protection
• Review and update documentation

Quarterly Tasks:

• Comprehensive system testing
• Update firmware if needed
• Review and optimize configuration
• Plan for seasonal changes

Monitoring Systems

Essential Monitoring:

• Device connectivity and status
• Power system performance
• Network traffic and routing
• Environmental conditions

Recommended Monitoring:

• Remote access and management
• Automated alerting systems
• Performance metrics and reporting
• Community communication channels

🆘 Troubleshooting Common Issues

Connectivity Problems

• No Network Connection: Check power, antenna connections, and device status
• Poor Coverage: Verify antenna placement and orientation
• Intermittent Issues: Check power system stability
• High Packet Loss: Review antenna and environmental factors

Power Issues

• Battery Problems: Check battery health and charging system
• Solar Issues: Verify panel output and charge controller
• Grid Power: Check UPS and power monitoring systems
• Weather Impact: Plan for seasonal power variations

Network Performance

• Routing Issues: Review network topology and configuration
• Congestion: Monitor channel utilization and optimize
• Coverage Gaps: Coordinate with community for improvements
• Interference: Identify and mitigate sources of interference

📞 Support and Resources

Community Support

• Discord: Primary support channel for router operators
• Local Meetups: In-person support and coordination
• Mentorship: Experienced operators available for guidance
• Documentation: This guide and related resources

Technical Resources

• Meshtastic Documentation: Official technical documentation
• Hardware Guides: Equipment-specific setup guides
• Configuration Examples: Community-tested configurations
• Best Practices: Lessons learned from existing deployments

Emergency Procedures

• System Failure: Rapid response procedures
• Power Outage: Backup power activation
• Weather Events: Storm preparation and recovery
• Network Issues: Coordination with community

🎯 Success Metrics

Network Health Indicators

• Message Delivery: Successful message routing rates
• Coverage Area: Effective coverage radius
• Uptime: System availability and reliability
• Network Growth: Contribution to network expansion

Community Impact

• User Connectivity: Improved access for community members
• Emergency Preparedness: Enhanced emergency communication capability
• Network Resilience: Increased network redundancy and reliability
• Knowledge Sharing: Contribution to community knowledge base

Remember: Router deployment is a significant responsibility that directly impacts the entire network. Always coordinate with the community, follow best practices, and prioritize network health over individual preferences.

For questions or support, contact the Freq51 community through Discord or local meetups. We’re here to help ensure successful router deployments that benefit the entire network.