OpenMANET - A higher-bandwidth Meshtastic alternative leveraging 802.11ah WiFi HaLow

Published on Vinjo by Vinay • OpenMANET is an open-source project for building long-range wireless mesh networks using Raspberry Pi SBCs and Wi-Fi HaLow. It provides higher bandwidth than LoRa-based systems, enabling PTT voice, video streaming, and ATAK integration in off-grid environments.

Quick Overview & Specifications

AttributeDetails
PublicationVinjo Engineering & Technology
CategoryHardware & IoT
AuthorVinay
Article TypeTechnical Tutorial & Case Study
Published2026-10-20
Last Updated2026-10-20
License / AccessOpen Educational Resource
Core Engineering Highlights:
  1. Verified hardware architecture, schematics, and pinout diagrams.
  2. Comprehensive firmware routines, protocol benchmarks, and build steps.
  3. Production design rules, tolerances, and thermal considerations.
Related Topic Taxonomy:
  • #OpenMANET
  • #WiFi HaLow
  • #Mesh Networking
  • #Raspberry Pi
  • #OpenWrt

OpenMANET - A higher-bandwidth Meshtastic alternative leveraging 802.11ah WiFi HaLow

Summary: OpenMANET is an open-source mobile ad-hoc mesh networking solution utilizing Wi-Fi HaLow (802.11ah) and Linux single-board computers to supply high-bandwidth off-grid communications. It bridges the gap between ultra-low-power LoRa networks like Meshtastic and high-data requirements such as push-to-talk voice, RTSP video streaming, and ATAK integration.

Key Takeaways

  • Higher Bandwidth Capabilities: Achieves throughput between 1 to 15 Mbps (depending on regional regulatory limits) via 802.11ah Wi-Fi HaLow, enabling full IP network support, real-time video, and voice transmission.
  • Robust Open Source Stack: Built on top of OpenWrt, leveraging the 802.11s Wi-Fi mesh standard and batman-adv routing protocol alongside a Go-based daemon (OpenMANETd).
  • Flexible Hardware Compatibility: Runs on platforms like Raspberry Pi, Gateworks Venice, HaLowLink 2, and Heltec HT-HD01 V2, with USB Wi-Fi HaLow adapters helping streamline physical hardware builds.

Detailed Overview

OpenMANET is an open-source project created to establish long-range, wireless Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANETs) using single-board computers (SBCs) like the Raspberry Pi combined with Morse Micro 802.11ah Wi-Fi HaLow transceivers.

OpenMANET Logo

The platform is engineered specifically for scenarios where traditional infrastructure is unavailable or has failed, such as search and rescue operations, disaster response, tactical field communication, and airsoft events.

Key capabilities provided by OpenMANET in field operations include:

  • Field Communications: Native support for Push-to-Talk (PTT) voice communication.
  • Situational Awareness: Live GPS position sharing and support for the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK).
  • Video Feeds: Camera connectivity with real-time RTSP video stream distribution across the mesh.
  • Internet Gateway Sharing: A single node can act as a "mesh gate," distributing satellite (e.g., Starlink) or cellular connectivity across the entire ad-hoc network.

Detailed Breakdown & Technical Insights

Hardware Ecosystem

OpenMANET supports multiple hardware architectures depending on the deployment scenario and payload constraints:

  • Raspberry Pi Series: Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, and Raspberry Pi 4.
  • Industrial & Specialized Boards: Gateworks Venice SBCs, HaLowLink 2 access points, and the Heltec HT-HD01 V2.

Raspberry Pi OpenMANET Node

While lightweight SBCs are supported, a Raspberry Pi 4 setup is recommended for full feature set deployments. The extra processing capability allows nodes to run core mesh management services, handle camera processing, execute Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) routing to bridge distant MANETs over the internet, and host the web user interface. Recent availability of direct USB Wi-Fi HaLow adapters also simplifies builds by removing the need for HAT+ expansion boards or mini-PCIe/M.2 adapters.

OpenMANET vs. Meshtastic / MeshCore

Feature Meshtastic / MeshCore OpenMANET
Primary Radio Technology Sub-GHz LoRa 802.11ah Wi-Fi HaLow
Data Throughput Low (bytes/second) High (1 to 15 Mbps)
Primary Focus Text messaging, telemetry, GPS Full IP networking, Voice (PTT), Video, ATAK
Power Consumption Ultra-low (days on small LiPo) Moderate to High (requires SBC-scale power/batteries)
Hardware Cost Low Higher

Software Architecture

The OpenMANET firmware distribution is built on OpenWrt and uses standard Linux networking protocols for mesh control:

  1. Routing Layer: Networking relies on the 802.11s Wi-Fi mesh standard working in tandem with the batman-adv (Better Approach To Mobile Adhoc Networking – advanced) layer-2 routing protocol.
  2. Daemon (OpenMANETd): Written in Go, this daemon manages the mesh lifecycle, configuration, network state, and provides a gRPC/HTTP API.
  3. User Interface: An embedded React web UI served directly from the daemon provides controls and monitoring tools for field deployment.

OpenMANET Web UI

Conclusion & Resources

OpenMANET delivers an open-source solution for tactical and emergency scenarios requiring higher data throughput than standard LoRa mesh networks can provide. By leveraging 802.11ah Wi-Fi HaLow and proven Linux mesh routing frameworks, it enables IP-based applications like voice and video in off-grid environments.