Mesh Networking Resource Page
Introduction
This page contains links to a variety of material on Mesh Networking.
Articles
Devices
The following equipment has been deployed by CARES members. This list will be updated
as new information comes available.
NOTE: This list does not constitute an endorsement by CARES of any specific product.
All members interested in implementing a mesh node are strongly encouraged to do their own
research or reach out to other mesh-active members for help.
Grandstream VoIP Phones
- VoIP Phone GXP1405, Basic IP Phone, 1 SIP acct, 2 lines.
- VoIP Phone GXP1610, Simple IP Phone. 1 SIP acct, 1 line.
- VoIP Phone GXP1620, Basic IP Phone. 2 SIP accts, 2 lines.
- VoIP Phone GXP1625, Basic IP Phone. 2 SIP accts, 2 lines.
- VoIP Phone GXP2130, High-End IP Phone. 3 SIP accts, 3 lines.
- VoIP Phone GXP2200, Enterprise Media IP Phone. 6 SIP accts, 6 lines.
Mesh Devices, Radios
- AREDN Supported devices
- MikroTik hAP ac lite manual, A low-cost mesh alternative when you do not have a LOS path to a Mesh Node and want to establish an VPN tunnel to a mesh node with access.
- Ubiquiti LiteBeam LBE 5AC Gen2, QuickStart | Data Sheet. This device contains a second radio that can be configured as an Access Point to make setup and maintenance easier.
Links
AREDN - Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network
Main site for information on AREDN, supported equipment, and downloads.
Broadband-Hamnet / HSMM-MESH
Main site for information on BBHN, supported equipment, and downloads.
Santa Clara County RACES Mesh Site
A terrific resource with a good collection of information about Mesh Networking.
Books
Wireless Networking in the Developing World
2005, A terrific read on getting the resources you need to build a wireless network that solves your communication problems.
Reports
CARES Mesh Deployment
November 2015. CARES deployment to support the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Heroes Run.
CARES Mesh Deployment Video
November 2015. 3 min, video of results monitored from Sheriff's Command Vehicle.
AREDN Project: An Overview
Andre Hansen, K6AH, 2015, tapr.org.
Presentations
WiFi Mesh Networking; a Hands-on Workshop
18 June 2016, Santa Clara County RACES.
Upcoming Activities
8 Jan 2026, General Meeting
Forms Review, includes Incident Report (911); St Jude Parish Hall,19:30 to 21:00
5 Feb 2026, General Meeting
Winter Storm Comm Drill Prep; St Jude Parish Hall,19:30 to 21:00
21 Feb 2026, Field Communications Exercise
Winter Storm Communications Exercise, start from home, 8:00am to 12:00pm
5 Mar 2026, General Meeting
Topic: TBD & Exercise Debrief; St Jude Parish Hall,19:30 to 21:00
2 Apr 2026, General Meeting
Topic: TBD; St Jude Parish Hall,19:30 to 21:00
7 May 2026, General Meeting
Topic: TBD; St Jude Parish Hall,19:30 to 21:00
4 Jun 2026, General Meeting
Field Day, 4-July Prep, 4-July Fireworks PSA; St Jude Parish Hall,19:30 to 21:00
27 Jun 2026, ARRL Field Day
Tentative: Memorial Park | Parking lot behind Quinlan Center, 10185 N Stelling Rd. 08:00 to 17:00
4 Jul 2026, Forth of July Fireworks
Provide communication to/from 3 viewing venues to net control at Incident Command Post