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Could 'mesh networks' help overcome authoritarians' internet blocks?
Could 'mesh networks' help overcome state internet blocks?
Martin Muno07/25/2026July 25, 2026In authoritarian countries, the state is often either monitoring online communications or has the ability to shut them down in a political crisis. But there are other ways that activists can keep in touch.
https://p.dw.com/p/5HVuNIran, January 2026: During some of the country's largest protests in decades, the Iranian government shut down the internet.
US-based internet monitor, IODA — short for Internet Outage Detection and Analysis — registered almost no data traffic at all and US internet infrastructure analyst Doug Madory described it as "one of the largest government-directed communication shutdowns in history."
During that time, the Iranian government killed and arrested thousands of people but to this day, nobody knows exactly how many. Estimates of the death toll have been anywhere between 7,000 and 40,000, though many observers suspect its closer to the higher number. The lack of clarity is partially because the internet blackout meant that communication with the outside world was all but impossible.
The Iranian government's behavior is not unusual. In Russia, Belarus, Myanmar and Sudan, particularly when governments fear resistance, the internet has become a weapon — because those who cannot communicate cannot organize.
One solution for these sorts of communications crises could be what is known as a "LoRa mesh network."
LoRa, which is short for "long range," is based on a simple principle invented for industrial purposes. Small radio modules, also known as LoRa transmitters, have regularly been embedded into physical silicon chips that are used for industrial devices that connect to the internet, things such as smoke alarms, smart water or power meters and environmental sensors — basically any device that requires long battery life and long-range data transmission but only for small amounts of data.
To transmit information, these devices use license-free radio frequencies of the sort available for civilian use, the same frequencies used by weather stations and garage door openers.
To form an internet-free communications network, users first need to purchase a transmitting device that uses LoRa; these can cost anything from about €30 ($35) to €80 ($91). Then users can connect their phone to the device using special software.
The LoRa devices transmit encrypted data packets over a distance of several kilometers. Each device automatically forwards messages to the next one, like a baton being passed through a crowd. If any single device fails, the message finds the next nearby device, via a different route. This means the communications network that is formed can repair itself.
The result of all of the above is what is known as a "LoRa mesh network."
The different transmitting devices are called "nodes" in the network and because there is no central node, there's no way the communications network can be shut down. The radio modules can be kept hidden and powered either by batteries or a small solar panel.
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Only smaller messages, no pictures
The major disadvantage of a network like this is that, unlike the ordinary internet, users can only exchange smaller messages, with a maximum size of around 237 bytes, equivalent to a short text message.
On the other hand, the less data transmitted, the longer the distance it can travel, the less power it consumes, and the less likelihood the radio transmission could be tracked.
Two of the best-known platforms that enable this type of communication are Meshtastic and MeshCore, both of which are free to use and open source.
Both place emphasis on data protection. The transmitting devices merely forward messages and cannot read the content. Third parties, including the police or government agencies, cannot intercept the messages either.
MeshCore's motto is "your communications, your keys, your control."
That the concept works, even under extreme conditions, has been demonstrated by users in Ukraine. Meshtastic-UA offers a real-time network map that shows active nodes throughout the country; there are a lot of nodes near the front lines.
MeshCore has a similar map showing the global distribution of nodes. But there are also many other users who conceal their locations.
It's not possible to censor information sent on LoRa mesh networks. When governments halt the internet, they do things like block internet addresses and domains, scrutinize data packets and legally compel providers to cooperate.
For example, Russian security agencies require locally operating telecommunications companies to grant them direct access to communications data. Those who don't comply lose their license. This works mainly if communication takes place over the internet.
That is something that doesn't happen with LoRa mesh networks. The messages travel via radio waves, bypassing firewalls and surveillance systems.
Mesh networks imperfect
There are still risks to this kind of communication, however. For one thing, transmitters can be tracked as encryption protects the content of a message, but not the sender's location. Authorities with the right equipment can triangulate the radio signals, meaning they can physically locate the transmitter to within a certain distance.
Additionally, in some countries, operating unauthorized radio equipment is a criminal offense. In Iran or Russia, being found to be in possession of such devices can have serious legal consequences.
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With any other mesh network — such as those that use mobile phones as transmitters — a LoRa mesh network can only work if enough people participate. If there are not enough nodes, then the distance messages can travel is limited. Building up a network like this takes time, something that isn't possible in crisis situations.
It is unclear whether anti-government activists in authoritarian states are using LoRa mesh networks at all. For good reason, anyone taking part in such a network would prefer not to reveal it.
However Ukraine has demonstrated that the concept can work in the real world. The hardware and required software is freely available worldwide and the technology is mature enough that even people without a lot of technical expertise can set it up themselves .
In a world where more and more governments are using the internet as an instrument of power, and where companies such as Apple are increasingly subject to government pressure, what options are left for safe communication? A network of small radio modules could be the answer for some.
This story was originally published in German.
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