Central Indiana Mesh Network

What is CIMN

The Central Indiana Mesh Network (CIMN) is a community-driven effort focused on expanding the use of open-source mesh communication tools—like Meshtastic—across Central Indiana. Our mission is to create a stronger, more resilient, and decentralized way to stay connected when traditional services aren’t available.

Through the setup and growth of LoRa-based mesh nodes, we provide off-grid, low-power messaging that works independently of cellular networks, internet connections, or even the power grid. This makes CIMN a valuable resource during emergencies, local events, and in rural or underserved areas where connectivity is limited.

By sharing knowledge, hosting nodes, and working alongside local groups and individuals, CIMN is building a volunteer-powered communication network designed to enhance preparedness, foster collaboration, and bring people closer together—one node at a time.

Select a Device Role

Meshtastic lets you assign a role to each node so it behaves the way you expect. Choosing the right role helps keep the CIMN mesh healthy, efficient, and easy to use.

• 📱 CLIENT: The standard everyday user role. Ideal for handheld or personal nodes that send and receive messages, share location (if enabled), and participate in the mesh without acting like heavy infrastructure.
• 🔕 CLIENT_MUTE: Similar to CLIENT, but quieter. Great when you mostly want to listen in, reduce background traffic, or run a node that rarely sends beacons or telemetry. Also great for a mobile car based node to avoid creating temporary mesh bridges as you move about.
• 🏠 CLIENT_BASE: Designed for a plugged-in home or office node that stays in one spot. Often paired with a better antenna, it can help improve coverage around your house or neighborhood while still behaving like a user-facing device.

Important: Avoid setting your first node to a dedicated ROUTER or always-on backbone role unless you fully understand the impact. Misconfigured routers can create extra traffic, drain batteries quickly, and actually reduce reliability for everyone on the mesh. Select CLIENT_BASE for your home base style node. Unless your new node is 300 feet up on a tower or tall building please do not select either of the router roles!

What Can It Do?

With a basic node and the Meshtastic app, CIMN members can do far more than just send simple texts. Here are a few of the most common uses:

• 📢 Broadcast Messages: Share open messages on the main channel so anyone on the mesh can see them—ideal for alerts or neighborhood announcements.
• 🔒 Group Channels: Create private groups with encryption keys so teams (like a neighborhood watch or event staff) can communicate securely.
• ✉️ Direct Messaging: Send encrypted, private messages to a single person—like secure texting without the cell network.
• 📍 Location Sharing: Optionally share your live position so other users can see where you are on the map.
• 🌍 Global Gateway (MQTT): If someone nearby runs a gateway, your local mesh can connect to the global Meshtastic network—bridging communities worldwide.
• 📊 Telemetry & Sensors: Hook up sensors to your node to report data like battery levels, signal quality, or even environmental readings such as weather conditions.

See You Around Town On The Mesh Network!

Whether you’re checking coverage from a trail, coordinating at a festival, or just saying hi from your porch—welcome to the mesh. CIMN is a friendly, volunteer‑powered network that grows stronger with every new node online.

Have questions or want help picking your first device? Drop us a line at info@cimesh.net and we’ll get you pointed in the right direction.

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