Back in 2016, I got my hands on an exciting and potentially game-changing piece of tech called the goTenna – an off-grid communications device engineered to serve as a localized communications grid that would function independently of normal ‘public’ communication grids. And while the technology was very impressive, it felt like there was a definite flaw in its design – it just didn’t have the signal range to make it truly usable. But, like I said, this really was a ground-breaking idea and something that all survivalists had been dreaming about for a long time. And like all disruptive technology, after the initial idea is born, it takes time to innovate, create and improve the technology to get it to a stage where it’s true potential is realized.
And, I believe, that with the release of the goTenna Mesh – the latest evolution in the goTenna range – that potential has been met.
The idea behind the goTenna device is this – a portable UHF device that links with your mobile phone via Bluetooth and allows you to send communications on a private network.
So what’s the difference between the original goTenna and the current goTenna Mesh device? Simply put, range.
The original goTenna was limited to a 4 mile communication range. And that 4 mile range was open to a bit of debate. Although I never had the chance to test out the goTenna’s full communication range personally, I did read a lot of reviews written by people that had and a lot of those people found that it was only possible to achieve the four mile communication radius while using the device in a flat, open space such as a large field or ranch
Why Is Mesh Better?
To circumvent the range issue experienced by previous models, goTenna introduced Mesh technology. In simple terms, Mesh technology works by utilizing all other goTenna Mesh devices in an area to form a webbed network of devices that each individual device can piggy-back off and send communications through. Think of it as a chain of devices, linked together, that allows your message to be sent down the chain until it reaches its intended recipient. Unfortunately, at the moment, the maximum number of links in this chain is four but as the technology evolves and advances, there’s no telling how far this technology could travel.
For those of you worried about privacy – and you should be – rest assured that the beauty of the Mesh system is that all messages are fully encrypted end-to-end, meaning that you and the recipient will be the only ones privy to your private correspondence.
In testing conducted by goTenna, they were able to reach a communication range of 6.5 miles over two transmission in the chain – a range further than can be achieved by FRS/GMRS Walkie Talkies.
The current range of an individual goTenna Mesh is still roughly the original 4 miles so by using basic math and a little creativity, we can see that it’s plausible to achieve roughly a 16 mile communication radius using these devices.
An interesting idea that has been put into action to achieve greater range is the use of drones. In one case, a drone was used as a link in a two step communication chain and the individual was able to successfully send an encrypted message to another device 10 miles away! And being that the receiving device was positioned 10 miles away from the transmitting device, it’s conceivable that that particular communication could have, in fact, traveled even further. Bearing this in mind, we can begin to see that the communication range of an individual device is not a static 4 miles but is limited by the laws of physics. I believe, over time, we will see a drastic increase in the performance and reach of the goTenna devices.
Battery Life
goTenna Mesh devices contain a rechargeable Lithium-polymer battery that charges via a micro-USB port located beneath the power button. Micro-USB charging ports are great, as it means you don’t require a stand-alone charging station to recharge your device, so it’s one less item you need to carry and look after.
The battery standby time is listed by goTenna as 24 hrs but I found that my device can last up to 27 hrs on standby and still have a small amount (under 10%) of charge left.
But what really impressed me was the charging speed. It takes just 1 to 2 hours to fully charge this device and I found that my goTenna Mesh went from 70% to 95% charged in just 10 minutes. Pretty impressive, huh? Especially if you are relying on portable solar charging in a survival situation. You don’t want to be stuck waiting for slow charging batteries to fully charge.
Design And Specifications
The slim, compact and tough design of the goTenna Mesh has no moving or extruding parts, making it a self-contained UHF powerhouse. The biggest danger with most UHF devices is that the external antenna is susceptible to being easily damaged – rendering the devices virtually useless. The goTenna Mesh is designed with the antenna located inside the body of the device, eliminating this flaw and greatly increasing the durability of the device.
Its rubber and aluminum body is weatherproof (not waterproof), super tough and looks great. It basically looks like a slightly larger-than-usual USB stick.
What Is The Mesh Network?
Now that you have a basic idea of what the Mesh network is and does, let’s get into a bit more detail about its features and benefits.
The key to the Mesh system is its decentralized network. A centralized network works by connecting remote devices to a central control point, like a main server. Think of it like a bicycle hub. All devices on the network are linked to the center point like wheel spokes connecting to the wheel axle. The axle acts as the central server. Devices that wish to communicate on the network must send the information through this central point.
A decentralized network, on the other hand, has no central point. Devices are connected randomly to others on the network by many different pathways sending information and communications through the network without relying on a central point.
This allows devices to send encrypted information to specific devices without having to go through a central authority, such as an ISP or government server, giving you greater control over your private correspondence and information.
The benefit of having a private, decentralized network is self-evident in a situation where the main communications grid is down – you simply just won’t be able to access things like the internet or networks relying on a centralized server system.
But even now, this technology has the huge benefit of absolute privacy. No one will be able to read your private communications, capture your metadata, mine your data, retain your personal correspondence and information etc.
If you care about your privacy, you should care about decentralized network technology.
And while other decentralized networks still retain some data about you, the goTenna Mesh network is completely anonymous and that’s precisely why I like it so much.
goTenna has none of my personal data. Not my email address, my phone number, postal address, not anything. After all, that really is the point of an off-grid network – you want to be off the grid completely. Unlike other encrypted networks, such as WhatsApp, goTenna does not require the user to provide a phone number to gain access to the network.
And the best part is, these devices come ready for use and ready to act as relays in the network chain from right out of the box. This makes sure that all devices on the network are functioning correctly and being used the way they should – to benefit all devices on the network. And the more devices connected to the network – the stronger the network becomes.
iMeshYou.com is a real-time map that shows you current goTenna devices in your area and the current network coverage range. You need to register your device on the website so that your device will show up on the network map.
The added bonus of registering with this decentralized and encrypted network map is that you can connect with like-minded preppers, tech nerds, survivalists, etc. in your local area. There is also a ‘shout’ feature on the app which is a great way to stay informed about natural disasters and emergency situations in your area.
User Interface And The goTenna App
The goTenna app and user interface is incredibly simple and easy to use. If you’ve ever used a messenger app before then you’ll take to this like a fish to water.
It works like any of the other centralized messenger networks. You’ll receive any messages in real-time when you are online. If you are offline, your incoming messages will be held within your device itself and will be delivered when you next hook up to the network. All messages are marked with a timestamp and are shown in chronological order.
And while the goTenna was designed to primarily link up with phones, I had no dramas linking it with my android tablet. However, and I’m unsure of the reasons, it didn’t link up so well with my Chromebook.
How To Carry And Utilize A goTenna Mesh Device
When you purchase a goTenna device, it comes in a set of two, so it’s a good idea to label them so you don’t leave the house carrying the wrong device.
The devices themselves are super easy to carry around with you. Personally, I just attach mine to a safe and secure spot on my bag and basically just forget about it until it needs recharging.
As long as I am close to my bag, my connected devices will remain synced up with my goTenna, awaiting to receive incoming information and communications.
I’ve never experienced a problem while using my goTenna Mesh. I just make sure I charge it before I head out and I always make sure that I carry a portable power bank in case I am away from an AC power outlet for an extended period of time. Most of the time it just sits inside my backpack and I don’t need to think about it.
Another new innovation that comes with this device is the introduction of goTenna Plus which allows a goTenna device to relay SMS messages to another goTenna device if it cannot connect to the cell phone network. This feature, while not necessary, is a handy option and costs $10 per year. You can trial it free for 30 days when you first activate your goTenna Mesh.
Another optional extra available for $10 per year is a function that gives you the ability to send your coordinates to other devices on the network. Your location will be sent on an easy-to-read topographic map to your chosen device. Like I said, it’s purely optional but it may prove very helpful in an emergency situation.
Final Thoughts On The goTenna Mesh
It’s important to keep in mind that when reviewing the goTenna Mesh, it’s not just the individual device that is being reviewed but the entire network. The Mesh network has a wide range of uses and applications. From having the ability to communicate with fellow hikers on a trekking expedition, to being able to promptly, efficiently and securely communicate with members of a survivalist community in an emergency situation.
I’m sure a lot of our readers are (like us) concerned about the current state of privacy laws surrounding our personal correspondence and information and this device really does offer a viable solution to such problems as data retention and private data collection by ISPs, governments and corporations.
Another real-world application that the goTenna is perfect for is keeping in contact with family members who live independently but require care and supervision. It means that even if the communication grid is down, you’ll be able to reach elderly and vulnerable family members and friends in an instant.
Whether or not you think this piece of technology has serious potential to revolutionize our digital communication habits is ultimately up to you. Personally, I strongly believe that this form of encrypted, decentralized communication will only grow and evolve. What we are witnessing now is still just the beginning of a disruptive technology that, while incredibly advantageous now, will only continue to improve and change in ways that we can’t fully imagine. The future is now. Don’t get left behind.