Initially, the mesh network was powered by a single “Supernode” antenna and hardware array located at 375 Pearl Street in Manhattan. This gigabit fiber-fed antenna connects 300 buildings, where members have mounted routers on a rooftop or near a window. These local “nodes” in turn connect to an internet exchange point—without the need for a traditional ISP.
Source: A DIY Internet Network Has Drastically Expanded Its Coverage in NYC – VICE
Serval Mesh is an Android app that provides voice calls, text messaging and file sharing between mobile phones using WiFi, without the need for a SIM or any other infrastructure like mobile cell towers, WiFi hotspots or Internet access.
Serval Mesh – download and install, user documentation, versions, reporting bugs
Instructions for developing Serval Mesh – information for developers
Supported Devices – supported Android phones and devices
Byzantium is a live Linux distribution that delivers easy-to-use, secure, and robust mesh networking
via Project Byzantium.
Unlike most mesh implementations, a Byzantium Mesh requires no specialized equipment that may not be easy to get during an emergency, just an x86 computer with at least one 802.11 a/b/g/n wireless interface.