diff --git a/meshtastic/mesh.proto b/meshtastic/mesh.proto
index ae8631b..1dab94a 100644
--- a/meshtastic/mesh.proto
+++ b/meshtastic/mesh.proto
@@ -1306,7 +1306,7 @@ message NodeInfo {
   /*
    * Number of hops away from us this node is (0 if adjacent)
    */
-  uint32 hops_away = 9;
+  optional uint32 hops_away = 9;
 
   /*
    * True if node is in our favorites list