BlueMesh: A Decentralized Bluetooth-Based Messaging System Without Internet Using MERN Stack

Author

Mayank Chouhan

Student of Computer Science & Engineering, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat

 mayank000081@gmail.com

Abstract:

Communication systems today are overwhelmingly dependent on centralized internet infrastructure, which introduces vulnerabilities such as network outages, censorship, surveillance, and infrastructural dependency. This research introduces BlueMesh, a novel decentralized messaging architecture that enables users to communicate using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) without requiring internet connectivity. Unlike traditional messaging platforms, BlueMesh leverages a hybrid peer-to-peer and mesh-based communication protocol built on top of Bluetooth to enable message propagation beyond direct device range.

Existing implementations of Bluetooth messaging are typically limited to point-to-point communication, where two devices connect and exchange messages directly. However, such systems suffer from a severe limitation in scalability and communication range. Research indicates that Bluetooth typically operates within a range of 10–100 meters, depending on environmental conditions . To overcome this constraint, BlueMesh introduces a dynamic relay mechanism, where nearby devices act as intermediate nodes, forwarding encrypted messages across a distributed network.

The system is implemented using the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js), but with a critical architectural twist: instead of relying on cloud servers, the backend logic is partially executed on local device nodes and edge services, enabling decentralized processing. Each device maintains a lightweight local database and sync layer, ensuring message persistence and delivery even in disconnected environments.

A key innovation in this research is the introduction of a “Proximity-Aware Routing Algorithm”, which intelligently determines message paths based on device density, signal strength, and mobility patterns. Unlike traditional mesh networks, which broadcast blindly, BlueMesh optimizes message delivery to reduce redundancy and energy consumption.

Security is addressed through end-to-end encryption, ephemeral identity keys, and local-only data storage, ensuring that no centralized authority can access user data. The

system also introduces a store-and-forward mechanism, allowing messages to persist and propagate even when recipients are temporarily offline.

This research demonstrates that decentralized, infrastructure-free communication is not only feasible but also scalable when combined with modern web technologies and Bluetooth mesh networking. BlueMesh has potential applications in disaster communication, remote areas, military operations, and censorship-resistant communication systems.