Operating Modes
Understand how each mode affects communication between radio, mesh network, and the Internet in Meshtastic.
What is MQTT?
MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) is a lightweight messaging protocol, ideal for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. It is optimized for:
- 🔌 Unstable or low-bandwidth connections
- 📶 Semi-permanent or intermittent networks
- ⚡ Low power consumption
It was designed to efficiently send messages between devices, such as sensors, radios and gateways.
MQTT in the Meshtastic context
In Meshtastic, MQTT acts as a bridge between the LoRa (mesh) network and the Internet. This allows:
- 📤 Send messages from the mesh network to the Internet
- 📥 Receive messages from the Internet inside the LoRa network
- 🌍 Connect devices in remote areas to servers, apps and users anywhere in the world
When configured correctly, a single node with Internet access can extend the network range, enabling communication with remote devices or integration with servers and notifications.
with internet connection
This mode allows the device to act as an MQTT bridge, sending and receiving messages between the LoRa network and the Internet.
Even with Internet access, message send/receive priority remains via radio (RF), using LoRa whenever possible.
Module Configuration → MQTT
- MQTT enabled → On ✅
Proxy to Client or Network
- Proxy to Client enabled → On ✅
- WiFi enabled (ESP32) → On ✅
Radio Configuration → Channels
- Primary Channel → LongFast
- Uplink → On ✅ (LoRa → Internet)
- Downlink → On ✅ (Internet → LoRa)
Radio Configuration → LoRa
- OK to MQTT → On ✅
- Ignore MQTT → Off ❌
Passive MQTT
no internet connection, via LoRa
Ideal for nodes in remote locations without Internet. This mode lets the device forward messages via LoRa to a node with Internet access, without requiring direct connectivity.
Communication remains exclusively via radio (RF), with MQTT only as a complementary transport.
Module Configuration → MQTT
- MQTT enabled → Off ❌
Proxy to Client or Network
- Proxy to Client enabled → Off ❌
- WiFi enabled (ESP32) → Off ❌
Radio Configuration → Channels
- Primary Channel → LongFast
- Uplink → On ✅ (LoRa → Internet)
- Downlink → On ✅ (Internet → LoRa)
Radio Configuration → LoRa
- OK to MQTT → On ✅
- Ignore MQTT → Off ❌
In this mode, the device completely ignores MQTT traffic. It only communicates via LoRa, with no bridge to the Internet.
This mode isolates the device from the network
With MQTT off, the node becomes disconnected from the global network. It neither sends nor receives Internet messages, nor helps retransmit to other radios, especially across frequencies or regions.
This mode does not contribute to network resilience. It should only be used for local testing or isolated networks. To help the community, choose Passive or Active mode.
Module Configuration → MQTT
- MQTT enabled → Off ❌
Radio Configuration → LoRa
- OK to MQTT → Off ❌
- Ignore MQTT → On ✅