Wide Area Coverage
Strategically placed repeater sites can extend practical network coverage across large parts of the Delmarva Peninsula.
The Delmarva Peninsula
CONNECTED.
A resilient, community-built mesh network across Delaware, Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
People. Nodes. Communities. Resilient together.
Hero artwork shows the Delmarva Peninsula with thirteen prominent backbone repeater locations, smaller representative community nodes, and a clean Atlantic coastal scene.
What is DMV Mesh?
A long-range, community-built messaging network for the Delmarva Peninsula.
Small, low-power devices send short digital messages from one device to another over long distances. Instead of depending on cellular service, internet access, or a single central system, devices on the network can help pass messages along to the next point in the path. DMV Mesh uses MeshCore as the network platform.
A message can travel through multiple sites before reaching its destination, even when the sender and receiver cannot communicate directly. Cellular or internet service is not required for basic operation.
Backbone repeaters are placed at strategic locations across Delmarva to provide the regional framework. People can then join the network using compatible devices at home, in vehicles, or as portable handheld units.
Most compatible devices can connect to a smartphone, tablet, or computer, typically by Bluetooth. This lets users send and receive messages through an app while the radio device handles the long-range network connection.
No monthly service fees. DMV Mesh is free to use. The primary cost to an individual user is the compatible hardware they choose to purchase. The network is funded and operated by volunteers, with individuals, businesses, organizations, and municipalities able to contribute equipment, funding, technical support, or infrastructure sites.
Messages may be exchanged in shared public channels or sent directly between users. As with any communications platform, users should exercise appropriate discretion and respectful conduct.
No Monthly Service Required
Basic operation does not depend on a cellular subscription or traditional internet connection.
Self-Healing
Built to survive failures by finding alternate paths through the network.
Community expandable
Additional useful nodes can strengthen local coverage and connectivity.
Think of it as a regional digital text network that grows stronger as more communities participate.
Connect your community
Built to Connect All of Delmarva.
DMV Mesh has established a best-in-class regional framework capable of supporting more than 9,000 square miles of potential coverage area across the Delmarva Peninsula.
You can connect your neighborhood, town, farm, organization, or community to that framework by installing a repeater node capable of reaching one of the DMV Mesh backbone sites. Once your community repeater is connected to the backbone, compatible companion nodes within range of that repeater become part of the larger network.
Repeater performance is strongly influenced by installation height and RF path quality. In general, repeaters perform best when installed as high as practical with a clear path toward both the desired local coverage area and a reachable DMV Mesh backbone site.
Volunteer Fire Companies can be excellent strategic partners. Many are centrally located within the communities they serve and already have towers, elevated structures, power, and secure facilities suitable for repeater installations. Tall commercial or municipal buildings, agricultural structures, communications sites, and radio enthusiasts with access to towers or other elevated mounting locations can also provide excellent opportunities for community repeater placement.
Connect Your Community
Install a community repeater that can reach a DMV Mesh backbone site.
Choose the Right Location
Height, clear RF paths, and strategic placement determine how useful a repeater can be.
Join the Regional Network
Once connected, nearby companion nodes can communicate through the broader DMV Mesh infrastructure.
PinnacleMesh participation opportunity. Certain strategically valuable repeater locations using PinnacleMesh equipment may be eligible for equipment discounts and participation in the DMV Mesh Live Network Health Map.
People make the network possible
Help connect the peninsula.
Host a site, operate a node, contribute technical work, or help document what we learn in the field.