Use cases / Nucleus
Use cases
A Nucleus node includes a 2.4 GHz WiFi mesh radio, a LoRa radio, an Ethernet port and a WiFi access point. Two optional expansion modules connect to its USB-C port: a WiFi HaLow radio, which provides an additional IP mesh in the 900 MHz band, and an RNode, which provides an additional Reticulum interface over LoRa. Each interface is enabled and configured independently, so the same hardware serves a wide range of applications.
The examples below are not fixed operating modes. Each is a combination of standard settings, and most can be combined on the same node or within the same network. Each function is described in detail on Field operations.
01Summary
Interfaces used in each example
| Use case | 2.4 GHz WiFi mesh | LoRa radio | Ethernet | Internet | Expansion modules |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATAK | On | On | Optional | Optional | – |
| Meshtastic only | Off | On | – | – | – |
| Private Reticulum network | On | Optional | Optional | Optional | RNode (optional) |
| Links between sites | Optional | Optional | On | Required | – |
| HaLow mesh | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | HaLow (required) |
| Low emission | Off | Receive only | – | – | RNode (required) |
| Hard-wired links | Off | Off | On | – | – |
| Internet sharing | On | Optional | On | Required | – |
Expansion modules are optional and connect to the USB-C port. All other interfaces are built in.
02Examples
Examples
ATAK
The default configuration. ATAK operates over the 2.4 GHz WiFi mesh at full speed, with push-to-talk voice and messaging on the same network. Devices beyond WiFi range remain on the map through the LoRa fallback.
Meshtastic only
With the 2.4 GHz WiFi mesh disabled, the node operates as a standard Meshtastic node, and messages are sent from any phone or laptop on its access point. It interoperates with any Meshtastic radio on the same channel.
Private Reticulum network
A group of nodes forms a private, end-to-end encrypted network with no carrier, no accounts and no phone numbers. Reticulum operates over the 2.4 GHz WiFi mesh and Ethernet. Where neither is available or wanted, an optional RNode module provides a Reticulum link over LoRa.
Links between sites
Meshes at separate locations are joined into one private network over any available internet connection, optionally inside a Tailscale network. Each site continues to operate locally if the connection is lost.
HaLow mesh
An optional WiFi HaLow module provides an IP mesh in the 900 MHz band, as an additional link alongside or in place of the 2.4 GHz WiFi mesh. Throughput is substantially lower than the 2.4 GHz WiFi mesh.
Low emission
The 2.4 GHz WiFi mesh is disabled and the LoRa radio only listens. Messages are sent over an optional RNode module, and the node transmits only when the operator sends a message. Reduced emissions lower the probability of detection, but do not prevent it.
Hard-wired links
Nodes are connected by Ethernet cable, or by fiber for longer distances and electrical isolation, with all radios disabled. The link produces no RF emissions.
Internet sharing
One node connected to a router, mobile hotspot or Starlink terminal shares that connection with every node and device on the mesh. No configuration is required on the other nodes.
Ordering
A mesh network requires at least two nodes. Measured link ranges are documented in field tests, and the protections and limits of Nucleus are described in the threat model.