Decentralized network: pros and cons
MeshCore is a decentralized mesh network. No central server, no provider, no single point of failure. But what does that mean exactly? And what are the pros and cons?
What is a decentralized network?
Most communication networks we use daily are centrally organized. Mobile networks have cell towers connected to central servers of telecom providers. Internet works via data centers, DNS servers and internet providers. If that central infrastructure fails, nothing works anymore.
A decentralized network like MeshCore works differently. There is no central server or infrastructure. The network consists of all users' devices themselves. Each device is equal and can receive and forward messages. The network has no owner, no administrator, no central control.
This principle is also called peer-to-peer (P2P) or mesh network. It's fundamentally different from traditional networks – with unique advantages, but also some disadvantages. In this article we discuss both sides honestly.
Central vs Decentralized network
Central network
Traditional networks (mobile, internet) are central:
- • Cell towers and servers needed
- • Managed by commercial providers
- • Single point of failure (if central infrastructure fails, nothing works)
- • Subscriptions and monthly costs
Decentralized network (MeshCore)
Mesh networks like MeshCore are decentralized:
- ✓ No cell towers or servers needed
- ✓ No owner or administrator
- ✓ No single point of failure (if one device fails, the rest continues working)
- ✓ Completely free after one-time purchase
Advantages of a decentralized network
Robust and reliable
No single point of failure in the Netherlands. If some devices fail, the network continues working via other routes.
Censorship resistant
Nobody can shut down or censor the network. There is no central control that can intervene.
Completely free
No provider means no subscription. After one-time purchase you use the network lifetime for free.
Privacy and ownership
Your data doesn't go through company servers. Private messages are end-to-end encrypted and only visible to you and the recipient.
Community-driven
The network grows organically through the community in the Netherlands. Everyone who participates strengthens the network for others.
Works without infrastructure
No internet, power, cell towers or data centers needed. Ideal for emergencies and remote areas.
Disadvantages of a decentralized network
To be fair: decentralized networks also have disadvantages. It's important to understand these:
Network density needed
The network works better when more people participate. In areas with few users in the Netherlands, range is limited.
Solution: The network is growing fast. More people means stronger network.
Limited bandwidth
LoRa radio has limited bandwidth. Only text messages and location, no photos or videos.
Solution: For emergency communication, text is often sufficient. Photos are not essential.
Technical knowledge helpful
Although it's becoming more user-friendly, some technical knowledge helps with setup and configuration.
Solution: LocalMesh community happy to help. More plug-and-play devices available.
Still under construction
The mesh network in the Netherlands is still under construction. Not everywhere has coverage.
Solution: By placing repeaters you can contribute to greater coverage yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Is a decentralized network safer than a central network?
For privacy: yes. Your data doesn't go through company servers. For emergency communication: also yes, because there's no single point of failure that can crash the entire network.
Can a decentralized network be censored?
No. Because there's no central control, nobody can shut down the network or block messages in the Netherlands. It's censorship resistant.
Does a decentralized network work everywhere?
Only where there are enough users and repeaters. In densely populated areas in the Netherlands it works well. In remote areas you may have limited range (unless you place a repeater yourself).
Is a decentralized network harder to use?
Initially there may be a learning curve, but it's becoming more user-friendly. The community is happy to help with questions.
What happens if many devices go offline?
The network keeps working via the devices that are still online. There's no single point of failure – the network is distributed across all devices.
Is a decentralized network the future?
For emergency communication and privacy certainly. It offers robustness and independence that central networks cannot provide.
Decentralized = reliable and independent
A decentralized mesh network like MeshCore has unique advantages: robustness, privacy, free, censorship resistant. The disadvantages (network density, bandwidth) are manageable and decrease as more people in the Netherlands join.
Become part of the decentralized network and help build reliable emergency communication for the Netherlands.