A device may join an existing mesh network by authenticating with only one of a plurality of member devices of the existing mesh network. Once the device has successfully authenticated with the only one member device, the device may receive a common group key. The device may send a route request message encrypted with the common key to one or more of the plurality of member devices of the existing mesh network. In response, the device may receive one or more route reply messages encrypted with the common key from one or more of the plurality of member devices of the existing mesh network. The device may determine an optimal route to one or more provider member devices of the existing mesh network based on the received route reply messages.