openMANET Radio Case

The OpenMANET Raspberry Pi Wi-Fi HaLow MANET Radio is an open-source, field-ready mobile ad-hoc network (MANET) node built on Wi-Fi HaLow (IEEE 802.11ah) technology. Designed to provide robust, infrastructure-free wireless networking, this project leverages the flexibility of Raspberry Pi hardware and the extended range and low-power characteristics of Wi-Fi HaLow to form decentralized mesh networks without the need for fixed base stations or centralized controllers. OpenMANET exposes a flat LAN across the mesh and utilizes modern mesh routing protocols like BATMAN-adv over 802.11s to optimize connectivity across multiple hops. This implementation targets hobbyists, researchers, and tactical communications practitioners seeking long-range, high-performance mesh networking with open software and commodity hardware.

Bill of Materials (BOM)

• Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (1 GB or greater) 
• SSD Card
• Wio WM6180 Wi-Fi HaLow mini PCIe Module 
• WM1302 Pi Hat 
• CAZN RJ45 ethernet port
   - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3y8oRGt 

• External Antenna 868/915 MHz 2 dBi SMA 

   - https://sunkworkstec.com/products/foul-weather-whip-antenna-v2 

   - https://sunkworkstec.com/products/mesh-goose-neck

  * if you use these antennas make sure to pick up the sma to bnc adaptor 

   - https://sunkworkstec.com/products/sma-f-to-bnc-f-adapter 

• UF.L to SMA-K 1.13 mm Cable (120 mm) 
• WaveShare 3S UPS (for 18650 batteries) 
• 3 18650 Rechargeable Batteries
• 14 M3 screws
• 4 M3 bolts
• 10 M3 5x5 heat set threaded inserts 
• 8 M2.5 screws
• 8 M2.5 5x3.5 heat set threaded inserts 

Overview

Together, these components comprise a self-contained mesh node capable of autonomous wireless networking across long distances typical of the 802.11ah band. When powered and configured with the OpenMANET image, the node participates in a distributed mesh that delivers IP connectivity over multiple hops while simplifying network management. The software stack is built on OpenWrt with support for mesh services, flat IPv4 addressing, and automatic hostname discovery, making it accessible to users of varying networking experience levels. 

Applications

OpenMANET radios are ideal for scenarios where traditional infrastructure is unavailable or impractical, such as:

• Off-grid field communications and data sharing
• Emergency response and disaster recovery networks
• Outdoor group activities requiring peer-to-peer connectivity
• Tactical and remote sensor deployments
• Research, experimentation, and education in decentralized networking

for more information go to https://openmanet.net/

for the latest firmware https://github.com/OpenMANET/openwrt/releases