Regions on IdahoMesh

Region filtering is a recent MeshCore feature that allows messages to be scoped to specific geographic areas. This reduces unnecessary network traffic by keeping local conversations local, while still allowing mesh-wide communication when needed. Please see the FAQ at the bottom

How It Works

When you send a message on a group channel, you can choose to either:

• Send globally (default) — Your message is repeated by all repeaters on the mesh
• Send to a region — Your message is only repeated by repeaters configured for that region

For now, IdahoMesh is keeping it simple with a single region #idaho as we grow IdahoMesh and especially as Idaho's sub-regions connect, we'll suggest configuring additional regions.

For Regular Users

You don't need to do anything. By default, your messages are sent globally and will continue to work exactly as before.

If you want to scope your messages to Idaho (recommended only after most repeaters are configured):

Mobile App (MeshCore v1.38.0+)

1. Open a group channel chat (like #idahomesh)
2. Tap Set Region Scope
3. Add #idaho if it's not already listed
4. Select #idaho as your scope

The channel title bar will show which region your messages are scoped to. Your scope preference is saved per channel, so you only need to set it once.

For Repeater Operators

You'll need to configure your repeater with the #idaho region. If you don't, messages sent tagged for the #idaho region will not be repeated by your repeater. Repeater configuration is easy, steps can be found at the top of our Add A MeshCore Repeater page.

Rollout Plan

Phase 1 (Now): Repeater operators configure #idaho on their repeaters. No user action required — global messaging continues to work. Those wanting to test region support can add the #idaho-region-test channel and set the region scope to #idaho.

Phase 2 (Future): Once most repeaters are configured, we'll encourage users to set their scope to #idaho for local channel traffic.

Phase 3 (Distant Future): We may eventually disable global flooding on IdahoMesh repeaters to reduce cross-region traffic. This would require users to set a region scope. We'll communicate well in advance if this changes.

FAQ

Will my messages stop working if I don't set a region?

No. Global/legacy messages (the default) are still forwarded by all repeaters. You only need to set a region if you want to limit where your messages go.

What if I set my scope to #idaho but some repeaters aren't configured yet?

Your message will be forwarded by any repeater that has #idaho configured. Repeaters that do not have the #idaho region configured will not forward your scoped message.

Can I send to multiple regions?

You can only scope a message to one region at a time. If you need mesh-wide reach, use the global/wildcard scope (the default).

What about sub-regions like #idaho-southwest, #boise or #idaho-north?

We're starting simple with just #idaho. In the future, we may add sub-regions for more granular control. The system supports hierarchical regions, so #boise could be a child of #idaho. We'll revisit this based on community needs, but the mesh will have to grow significantly before this to be a need.

Questions?

Join our Discord community, we're happy to help!