meshtastic / firmware

Meshtastic device firmware
https://meshtastic.org
GNU General Public License v3.0
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[Feature Request]: Ability to physically connect multiple nodes together to share messages as if they were one single node #4839

Closed Bcpratt2000 closed 1 month ago

Bcpratt2000 commented 1 month ago

Platform

Cross-Platform

Description

Request I would like the ability to connect multiple Lora boards Physically over I2C or Serial, and share messages between them as if they were a single node. I would bluetooth connect to one of the nodes and it would sync messages/position reports/etc. between N number of radios. Additionally, I would like the option of cross-node repeating If board 1 recieves a packet, board 2 can repeat that packet(See use case 2).

Use Case:

  1. I have a tracker node that I attach to my dog's collar when backpacking/outside. My ideal modem preset for that node is "Very Long Slow" because it is only for very low bandwidth, long range position reports, often in the backcountry without much infrastructure. In order to use this, I would need to set my pocket node to "Very Long Slow" However, I would also like to be able to monitor the local LongFast/MediumFast Traffic (3 modem presets total, for 3 different nodes). In this case I would not like to repeat messages cross-node.
  2. If I am wanting to bring coverage to a local area that is far away from a Router, I can connect a node with a high-gain yagi antenna physically to a node with a dipole (for local coverage) and treat that as a single Router node. This would ensure a solid connection to the rest of the network, without compromising local area connectivity.