BattleMesh is a free, non-commercial, international event organised by HS Nordhausen and Q-net-Q, which is dedicated to promoting free mesh networks. The aim is to provide new impetus for decentralised infrastructure through joint experimentation and to combine this with QKD.

🔒 Supported by Q-net-Q

One thematic focus of BattleMeshV17 this year is on secure network infrastructure and quantum encryption. This focus is supported by the Q-net-Q project at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences, which is dedicated to the research and practical testing of quantum-secure communication. The event thus also offers space for discussions on future technologies for securing decentralised networks.

🎯 Topics & programme

• Hands-on test environment: Setting up a mesh testbed with different routing protocols such as OLSR, Babel or BATMAN. Comparison, benchmarking and practical reports from real environments 
• Presentations & workshops: Technical sessions on mesh networks, political context (e.g. right to connectivity), community networks and OpenWrt development 
• OpenWrt Summit (co-localised): Parallel from 13-15 June 2025 with focus on OpenWrt firmware, hardware hacking and contributor sessions 

🛖 Participation & organisation

• Participation: Free of charge and open to all interested parties - developers, researchers, community activists and freethinkers 
• Accommodation:
  
  • Camping: Self-organised and free of charge
  • Flats: Limited places, some subject to a fee - bookable via the organisation team 
• Travel & Visa Support:
  
  • The University of Applied Sciences Nordhausen provides invitations for visas if required and provides support with travel expenses in individual cases 
• Registration & Call for Participation:
  
  • Interested parties can register on the list of participants (public or anonymous): www.battlemesh.org/BattleMeshV17)
  • Suggestions for talks and workshops are welcome - information about CfP directly on the event website

🏘️ Location - Sundhausen (Thuringia)

• Small village with active community mesh infrastructure (Evernet) - ideal for real-world testing 
• Plot for camping, central facilities in the community centre
• Good connection via shuttle service and coordination via the mailing list
• Coordinates (OpenStreetMap)

🔗 Why take part?

• Hands-on experience: Direct involvement in setting up and operating a mesh testbed
• Community & exchange: Intensive encounters with developers, researchers and activists from all over the world
• Tech & politics: Discussions on net neutrality, digital self-determination and free infrastructure
• OpenWrt synergies: Simultaneous OpenWrt Summit - ideal for developers and contributors

ℹ️ Practical tips

• Costs: Participation is free; camping costs nothing for accommodation, flats are limited
• Supporting programme: In addition to official sessions, there will be informal hacking projects, discussion rounds and social evenings
• Language: English is the main language of the event

👉 Further information, registration & CfP: see official Website of the BattleMesh V17 (incl. details on travel support, shuttle, accommodation, programme, CfP, list of participants)