Mesh Networking and Amateur Radio: What Licenses Are Required

Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network (AREDN) and similar amateur radio mesh networking systems use modified commercial Wi-Fi hardware to create self-healing, Internet Protocol-based radio networks. These networks provide data communication — voice over IP, file transfer, email, video — without any dependence on commercial infrastructure. Understanding the licensing requirements is essential for anyone building or using these systems.

What AREDN Is

AREDN is a firmware project that runs on commercial Wi-Fi routers and access points (Ubiquiti airOS hardware is most common) modified to operate on amateur radio frequencies. The resulting nodes form a self-configuring mesh network where each node acts as both a router and a relay, automatically finding the best path through the network.

Frequencies and License Requirements

AREDN operates on amateur radio frequencies in several bands, most commonly:

• 2.4 GHz (13 cm band): 2390–2450 MHz — overlapping with consumer Wi-Fi but shifted to amateur allocations
• 3.4 GHz (9 cm band): 3.3–3.5 GHz
• 5.8 GHz (5 cm band): 5830–5850 MHz

Because these are amateur radio frequencies, operation requires a General class or higher FCC amateur radio license for the HF/UHF frequencies most commonly used in AREDN. Some AREDN frequencies are in bands accessible to Technician licensees.

Part 97 Considerations for AREDN

AREDN operation must comply with Part 97 rules, including:

• Station identification every ten minutes
• No encryption that would obscure the meaning of communications (AREDN includes identification mechanisms to address this)
• No connection to the public internet that would allow unlicensed users to transmit through the amateur network
• Control operator must be a licensed amateur

Emergency Applications

AREDN networks are deployed by ARES groups to create communication infrastructure for Emergency Operations Centers, hospitals, and field operations during disasters. The ability to carry voice (via VoIP phones), video surveillance, email, and real-time situational awareness maps makes AREDN a powerful emergency communication tool that extends well beyond traditional voice radio.