Mesh Networks

Mesh networks have long been used with the TAK apps in the military to connect soldiers directly together using radios, which form a 'mesh' and provide multiple paths for data to travel between radios. Some of these radios can be purchased by first responders as well, and provide unique capabilities to connect COTAK users when other types of connectivity may be degraded or absent. Mesh network radios are generally separated into two types:

Low Bandwidth: These radio systems do not give users a full internet connection, but do allow users to use basic features in the TAK apps such as seeing the locations of nearby users and sharing points and shapes with them. These radios typically connect to phones running the TAK app using Bluetooth, and are smaller in size than high bandwidth radios. Examples of these include the goTenna Pro and the Beartooth MKII.

High Bandwidth: These radio systems are capable of passing a fully functional internet connection, and can be used to extend cellular or satellite internet connections to additional users in the field. These radios connect to phones by creating a Wi-Fi access point, or using ethernet to USB adapters. In the TAK apps these radios can be used for location sharing, and also for actions requiring high bandwidth such as streaming video or sharing large map files. Examples of these include Silvus Technologies Streamcaster radios, and Persistent Systems Wave Relay radios.