Mesh Communication in ChatterBox
ChatterBox uses advanced mesh techniques to deliver messages and data efficiently and securely.
The mesh algorithm in use can vary, depending on whether your using a private mesh cluster or an open / secure mesh channel.
Generally, meshing means that your message will get securely received and re-broadcast until it gets to the destination.
Private Cluster Meshing
In a cluster, ChatterBox uses what I call smart meshing, where your device plans a route, based on its evolving knowledge of connectivity throughout your cluster.
If necessary, devices will hold onto packets until a path becomes available (up to 24 hours).
Within a private cluster, automated / encrypted pings allow devices to remain aware of which other devices are in contact. Through this system of pings: location, links between devices, as well as other vital information propagates throughout the cluster at all times. This is one factor that enables smart / targeted path planning.
Open Channel or Broadcast Meshing
If you are communicating on an open / encrypted channel or if you are sending a broadcast message within your cluster, there really is not specific destination.
When you broadcast a message this way, you are essentially telling ChatterBox to push the message as far as it can get before it expires.
Broadcasting gets messages spread very quickly, since there’s really no path planning, it just gets pushed out as far and wide as possible, as quickly as possible. Broadcast messages can have an expiry of up to 2 hours.
If a particular device is sending a lot of broadcasts in a short time, it will start to get throttled somewhat to allow other devices to have plenty of bandwidth.