Nearly all Meshtastic devices on the mesh should be set to either Client-Mute or Client/Client-Base role.
Router and Repeater (and in now-obsolete firmware “Router-Client”) roles are only meant to be used by nodes in extremely high visibility/line-of-sight locations. Any node owner that may be interested in putting up a repeater or router should have that location reviewed/vetted by other local Meshtastic users to verify that it will benefit the mesh. Unfortunately, poorly-placed Routers/Repeaters severely degrade the performance of the entire network.
Here are some locations typically suitable for potential use as a Router or Router Late node, along with some notes about each type of installation.
Commercial radio tower
Hobbyist radio towers may work in some situations if line of sight is advantageous enough.
Tall building rooftop
It helps if it’s the tallest building around to avoid RF shadows.
Many rooftops or outdoor balconies above 5-6 stories from the ground can make useful infrastructure nodes.
High mountain/hill vantage point
Minnesota is not really known for tall hills or mountains but there are a few choice locations — where if you knew the right people — could become a useful Router/Repeater location.
If you think you may have a node that is suitable to help the MSP Mesh infrastructure, check a generated coverage map and have fellow MSP Meshers review your findings before converting to a Router/Repeater.
DO NOT use Router mode if:
your node’s antenna is indoors
your node’s antenna is not at least 15-20 feet higher than the vast majority of surrounding buildings, trees, etc
your node is not indefinitely powered by a reliable backup source such as solar and/or grid-storage-capable batteries
