Network Analysis Tools
Understand your mesh performance with built-in tools and third-party monitoring.
Built-in Analysis Features
Range Test Module
The built-in range test module sends periodic messages between nodes and logs signal strength, distance, and packet delivery rate. Enable it in the app under Modules → Range Test.
meshtastic --set range_test.enabled true
meshtastic --set range_test.sender 30
Sends a test message every 30 seconds. Results include GPS position and signal data.
Signal Metrics (SNR/RSSI)
Every received packet includes signal quality data. The Meshtastic app shows SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) and RSSI (Received Signal Strength) for each node in the node list.
SNR (dB)
Higher = better. Above 0 is usable, above 10 is excellent.
RSSI (dBm)
Less negative = better. -90 is weak, -60 is strong.
Trace Route
Send a trace route to any node to see the exact path your message takes through the mesh. Shows each hop with signal quality data. Available in the app and CLI.
meshtastic --traceroute !nodeId
Node List & Telemetry
The app's node list shows every discovered node with real-time data: battery level, signal quality, distance, last heard time, hop count, and device telemetry (voltage, channel utilization, air time).
meshtastic --nodes
Third-Party Monitoring Tools
Meshtastic Exporter
Prometheus exporter for Meshtastic metrics. Pairs with Grafana for dashboards showing node count, signal quality, battery levels, and message rates over time.
Stack: Prometheus + Grafana
MeshMapper
Wardriving-style coverage mapping tool. Drive around with a Meshtastic device logging GPS and signal data, then upload to visualize your mesh coverage on a map.
Platform: Android
MQTT + Node-RED
Use MQTT uplink data with Node-RED for custom automation, alerting, and dashboards. Trigger alerts when a node goes offline or battery drops below threshold.
Requires: MQTT-enabled node
Analysis Tips
Testing Your Antenna
Use a NanoVNA to measure SWR and verify your antenna is tuned to 915 MHz (US) before deploying. A poorly tuned antenna wastes most of your TX power as heat. See our NanoVNA testing guide.
Interpreting Signal Data
SNR is more meaningful than RSSI for LoRa. A node with SNR +10 dB at RSSI -110 dBm is receiving better than SNR -5 dB at RSSI -80 dBm. LoRa can decode signals well below the noise floor, which is why SNR matters more than raw signal strength.