# Meshtastic > [!ai]+ Perplexity > > Meshtastic is an open source, decentralized mesh networking project focused on providing affordable, low-power mesh networking capability. > > ## Overview > > Meshtastic allows users to send messages and share locations between devices without relying on traditional cellular or internet connectivity. It uses [LoRa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LoRa) radio communication protocol to create mesh networks between devices. > > Some key features of Meshtastic include: > > - Works without cellular or internet connectivity using LoRa radios > - Creates decentralized peer-to-peer mesh networks between devices > - Low-power consumption allowing devices to run on batteries for weeks/months > - End-to-end encrypted messaging between devices > - Sharing of locations and other sensor data between devices > - Open source software and hardware designs > > ## Hardware > > Meshtastic runs on a variety of hardware devices: > > - **Nano series** - Small, portable devices powered by ESP32 chips. Popular options are the [Nano G2 Ultra](https://meshtastic.org/docs/hardware/devices/nano/nano-g2-ultra) and [Nano G1 Explorer](https://meshtastic.org/docs/hardware/devices/nano/nano-g1-explorer). > - **Station series** - More powerful devices meant for fixed installations. The [Station G1](http://www.uniteng.com/wiki/doku.php?id=meshtastic%3Astation) supports dual band LoRa. > > The hardware requires a LoRa radio module, microcontroller, battery, and antenna to function. Devices typically communicate over the 915MHz band in North America and 868MHz in Europe. > > ## Software > > Meshtastic provides open source software including firmware for devices and mobile apps. > > The [main Meshtastic firmware](https://github.com/meshtastic/Meshtastic-device) runs on devices and handles the mesh networking and messaging functions. This firmware can be easily loaded onto hardware using the [web-based flasher](https://meshtastic.org/docs/getting-started/web-flasher). > > Mobile apps for [Android and iOS](https://meshtastic.org/docs/software) are available to connect to Meshtastic devices via Bluetooth and view messages, location data, and network status. There are also web and CLI interfaces. > > ## Community > > Meshtastic has an active [community forum](https://meshtastic.discourse.group/) for discussion and support. There is a growing community of contributors creating plugins, customized firmware, and integrating Meshtastic with various hardware and software systems. > > Overall, Meshtastic provides an easy way to get started with private mesh networking focused on decentralization and privacy. Its open source model and affordability makes mesh networking technology more accessible. > > Citations: > [1] https://meshtastic.org > [2] https://meshtastic.org/docs/hardware/devices/nano/ > [3] https://meshtastic.discourse.group/t/feature-documentation/2629 > [4] http://www.uniteng.com/wiki/doku.php?id=meshtastic%3Aoverview > [5] https://meshtastic.org/docs/hardware/antennas/lora-antenna > [6] http://www.uniteng.com/wiki/doku.php?id=meshtastic%3Astation > [7] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LoRa > [8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OYDr4HPGgo