Help Strengthen Community Communications
LV Mesh relies on strategically placed nodes to provide reliable, resilient communication across the Lehigh Valley. Some locations—such as towers, tall buildings, water facilities, and elevated rooftops—are especially valuable to the network.
If you have access to a suitable location, you can help by hosting a node, even if you don’t want to operate or maintain it yourself. Please fill out the form at the bottom of this page with as much detail as possible.
What Does “Hosting a Node” Mean?
Hosting a node means allowing LV Mesh volunteers to install a small, low-power radio device at your location.
LV Mesh volunteers:
- Handle installation
- Monitor performance
- Perform maintenance
- Manage configuration and operation
The host provides physical space and permission only.
You do not need radio knowledge, technical skills, or ongoing involvement.
Why Strategic Locations Matter
Mesh networks work best when nodes are placed at:
- Elevated locations
- Clear or partial line-of-sight areas that oversee large areas or regions
- Sites that remain accessible during outages (Any site access can be coordinated and approved beforehand if required)
- Locations distributed across the region
Strategic placement improves:
- Coverage
- Reliability
- Redundancy
- Emergency readiness
One well-placed node can significantly strengthen the entire network.
What Gets Installed
A typical LV Mesh node includes:
- A small radio device
- An external antenna
- Weather-resistant enclosure (if outdoors)
- Low-power cabling
- Optional battery or solar backup
Installations are compact, silent, and unobtrusive.
Power & Connectivity Requirements
Depending on the site, a hosted node may require:
- A small amount of electrical power (often similar to a night light), or
- No grid power at all (solar/battery systems)
Nodes do not require internet access to function. Although it is extremely helpful to perform maintenance and upgrades remotely.
All power and mounting details are reviewed and approved with the host before installation.
What Hosting Does Not Require
Hosting a node does not mean:
- Managing the device
- Monitoring activity
- Troubleshooting issues
- Paying for data services
- Allowing public access to your building
LV Mesh assumes full operational responsibility.
Who Typically Hosts Nodes?
Host locations often include:
- Commercial or residential high-rise buildings
- Communication towers
- Water facilities
- Schools and campuses
- Municipal buildings
- Businesses with rooftop access
- Private property with elevation advantages
Both public and private hosts are welcome.
Liability, Safety, and Compliance
LV Mesh:
- Uses FCC-compliant equipment
- Follows applicable regulations
- Works with hosts to ensure safe mounting
- Maintains clear responsibility boundaries
Installations are non-invasive and designed to meet safety and access requirements.
How Hosting Helps the Community
By hosting a node, you help:
- Improve emergency communication resilience
- Support public service and preparedness
- Strengthen community-owned infrastructure
- Enable coverage in underserved areas
Many hosts view participation as a community service contribution rather than a technical project.
Still Interested in Hosting a Node?
If you believe your location may be suitable, fill out the form below.
Providing information does not commit you to hosting — it simply starts a conversation.