Picking The Right Node
When picking a node, there are a few things to consider. Where is it going? How much power does it take? What role will it play in the network?
To simplify this process, we have created a few categories of nodes:
- Pocket Node: A node that you intend to carry around on your person that is battery powered.
- Car Node: A node that is mounted in a vehicle and is typically powered by the car’s battery.
- Headquarter / House Node: A node that is permanently installed where you live or work. These are typically powered by shore power or by batteries and solar panels.
- Infrastructure Node: A node that is permanently installed in a strategic location, such as a tall building, top of a hill, or other high point. These nodes are usually powered with a battery and solar panel, or shore power.
For each of these categories, we have a few types of recommendations for each given node category:
- Optimal Node: This is the best node to use.
- Budget Node: This is the best node to use if you are on a budget.
- Premade Node: This is the best node to use if you want a premade solution.
Pocket Node
A good pocket node is small, lightweight, and has a long battery life. In general, they sacrifice transmit power for portability.