Lowtech Graph lists low-tech options for every need of a home. Here you can compare them, find tutorials to build them, and link them together into a circular system. Why low-tech?

Local mesh / long-range radio network (LoRa)

Passive

One of 2 ways to meet this need. Cost, carbon, footprint and rankings are relative to other solutions for the same need, not absolute.

What your site needs

Line-of-sight or acceptable signal path between nodes on the property

Small low-power radios that send short messages between buildings or sensors on the property, without the internet or the phone network. It is not a replacement for the internet, but it keeps simple messages and sensor readings flowing when the wider networks are down.

Cost

Medium

Upkeep

Occasional

Skill to build

Intermediate

Lifespan

10-15 years for LoRa radio hardware (low-power, few moving parts, but electronics still age out)

Embodied carbon

Low

Space / material use

Low

Output timing

On-demand/controllable

Skill to repair

Intermediate

Inputs

• DC electricity

Outputs

• Connectivity signal

Compare the 2 ways to meet this need

Levels are relative to the other options for this need, not absolute. Fewer dots is lighter.

• Local mesh / long-range radio network (LoRa) (This page)
  Can I use it? Works in a flat · No rebuilding needed
  What does it cost me? Upfront cost: Medium · Skill to build: Intermediate · Upkeep: Light · Change to daily life: None · Works without the grid: Yes
  Choose it if you want messages and sensor readings to flow around the property without any network.
• Battery/solar-backed radio or satellite communicator
  Can I use it? Works in a flat · No rebuilding needed
  What does it cost me? Upfront cost: Medium · Skill to build: Basic · Upkeep: Light · Change to daily life: None · Works without the grid: Yes
  Choose it if you want news and messages through a power or network outage.

Sources

• General LoRa/mesh-radio hardware industry durability consensus

Limitations of this page

We don’t list sizing or quantities, as the yield of each technique depends on the quality of its build. The catalogue compares options but doesn’t dimension them. Regulatory notes are indicative, with a French example, and need to be confirmed locally.