LibreMesh

Summary

LibreMesh is a collection of OpenWrt packages and firmware tools for community networks. It combines a local mesh with routing between mesh areas, with community-wide and device-specific configuration. See community networks for the ownership and maintenance questions behind the firmware.

How it works

The documented architecture has two layers. BATMAN-adv joins a local mesh into a layer-2 broadcast domain, so it behaves like a shared LAN. Babel supplies layer-3 routing between these areas. The project describes this separation as a way to support local roaming while connecting a larger network. Compare BATMAN-adv and cjdns.

Configuration comes from /etc/config/lime-* files. The documented merge order distinguishes defaults, community settings, node settings and generated settings. This makes a shared network profile possible without pretending every router has the same interfaces or role.

Trust model / threat model

Choose who can change the community profile, administer routers and operate internet gateways. Mesh routing does not by itself establish a confidentiality policy for users' applications. Keep sensitive services encrypted and separate administrative access from public client access.

Readiness

Usable. LibreMesh publishes installation instructions, package selection guidance and firmware tooling. Hardware selection remains device-specific: the getting-started guide tells operators to check OpenWrt support and the installation instructions for the exact router before flashing it.

Limits

Firmware cannot replace a coverage survey, power planning or someone able to recover a failed node. The package guide documents radio-driver constraints and reduced configurations for limited hardware; do not assume all OpenWrt-supported routers make equally suitable mesh nodes.

For a deployment workflow, follow Build a community Wi-Fi network. For separate low-bandwidth radio options, compare Meshtastic and MeshCore in Building a mesh.

Primary sources

• LibreMesh architecture: BATMAN-adv and Babel
• Installation and hardware prerequisites
• Package selection and driver constraints
• Configuration layers
• OpenWrt packages and firmware build instructions