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Allo Repeater: Extend and Strengthen Your Radio Mesh

Understand how the Allo repeater extends the radio mesh, how to read its status indicators, and when to deploy one at a fixed location.

The Allo repeater is a fixed radio device that you place at a strategic location to extend the reach of the Allo mesh network. Unlike a client device — which a user carries — a repeater stays in one place and automatically relays messages between client devices and other repeaters, bridging gaps that would otherwise be out of radio range.

Repeaters are especially valuable in larger deployments: a municipality covering multiple neighbourhoods, a safety region coordinating across several incident posts, or any scenario where teams operate from fixed locations that are further apart than direct radio range allows.

How a Repeater Works​

A repeater listens continuously on the radio mesh. When it receives a message from a client device or another repeater, it re-transmits that message to extend it further across the network. This chaining behaviour means a single repeater placed in an elevated position — on a rooftop, in a high-floor window, or on a mast — can dramatically increase the area covered by the Allo network.

Repeaters do not need a paired phone. They operate autonomously once powered on and connected to the mesh. You do not need to configure them during normal use; your administrator provisions them via the dashboard before deployment.

Like client devices, repeaters communicate entirely over radio. They do not require internet, Wi-Fi, or a mobile network connection to function.

Status Indicators​

The repeater has LED status indicators that tell you its current state at a glance. Check these whenever you power on a repeater or need to confirm it is operating correctly. The exact LED behaviour depends on the hardware version — consult the label on your specific unit or ask your administrator if you are unsure what a particular indicator means.

In general, a powered and correctly operating repeater will show:

  • A steady indicator when the device is receiving power and running normally
  • Activity on the mesh indicator as it searches for or connects to nearby devices
  • A change in indicator behaviour when a message is being transmitted or received

LED behaviour may vary between hardware revisions and firmware versions. If you observe unexpected indicator states, contact your administrator or refer to the documentation supplied with the device.

Powering a Repeater​

Most repeaters are powered by USB-C. You can connect them to a mains adapter, a PoE USB-C adapter, or a power bank for temporary deployments. A solar-powered variant is also available for outdoor or off-grid sites.

The solar-powered repeater variant is ideal for outdoor deployments — such as rooftops, field stations, or remote areas — where mains power is not available. The integrated solar panel keeps the battery topped up during daylight hours, allowing continuous operation without manual recharging.

See Charging and Power for full details on power options and battery life.

When to Use a Repeater​

Deploy a repeater whenever direct client-to-client radio contact is insufficient. Common situations include:

Large outdoor areas

Place a repeater on high ground or a rooftop to cover an open area where client devices are spread far apart.

Multi-floor buildings

Position a repeater on an upper floor or stairwell landing to bridge signals between teams on different levels.

Between fixed posts

Link two incident command posts or emergency support points that are too far apart for direct device-to-device communication.

Obstructed environments

Use a repeater to route around thick concrete walls, underground tunnels, or dense urban blocks that block direct radio paths.

Placing a Repeater for Best Effect​

Placement has a large impact on how much range a repeater adds. A well-placed repeater can extend coverage significantly; a poorly placed one may add little value.

Best placement principles:

  • Go high. The higher the repeater, the more devices it can reach on both sides. Rooftops, upper-floor windows, and mast attachments all work well.
  • Maximise line of sight. A clear view between the repeater and the client devices it serves produces the most reliable links.
  • Avoid metal enclosures. Do not place a repeater inside a metal cabinet, server rack, or lift shaft — metal blocks radio signals.
  • Keep it away from interference. Distance the repeater from large electrical equipment, generators, and dense cabling.
  • Use a stable power source. A repeater that loses power drops out of the mesh instantly. Choose a reliable power supply or use the solar variant outdoors.

See Placement and Range for a full guide to coverage planning.

Managing Repeaters​

Your organisation's administrator provisions and names repeaters through the Allo dashboard before deployment. Each repeater gets a name that identifies its location — for example, Repeater – Town Hall Roof or Repeater – Post Oost. This name appears in dashboard logs and device lists, making it easy to track which repeaters are online.

If you need to add or remove a repeater from your organisation's network, contact your administrator. See Devices and Repeaters for dashboard management steps.

Checklist Before Deployment​

Before placing a repeater in the field, confirm the following:

  • The repeater is fully charged or connected to a reliable power source
  • The antenna is firmly attached
  • The power indicator is on after connecting to power
  • The mesh indicator shows activity or a searching state within a few minutes of power-on
  • The planned mounting location gives good height and line of sight
  • The repeater is registered in the dashboard and assigned to the correct organisation