Helium (HNT)
Helium, also known as The People's Network, is a decentralized wireless infrastructure initiative that leverages blockchain technology. It allows individuals and organizations to create and manage wireless networks using token incentives. The network is built on the Solana Blockchain. Helium was founded by Amir Haleem, Shawn Fanning, and Sean Carey.
History of Helium
The Helium Network was established in 2013 with the goal of creating a decentralized wireless infrastructure to support the Internet of Things (IoT) industry. The founders aimed to democratize IoT connectivity by building a community-driven network incentivized by economic rewards. In 2019, the Helium Hotspot was launched, which enables users to provide wireless coverage for IoT devices through the LongFi protocol. This combines the long-range capabilities of LoRaWAN with the Helium blockchain, rewarding users with HNT tokens.
| Ticker | HNT |
| Category | Communication |
| Website | https://www.helium.com/ |
| @helium | |
| Telegram | helium_network |
| https://www.reddit.com/r/HeliumNetwork | |
| Contract Addresses | |
|---|---|
| solana | hn...ux Copied! |
Overview of the network
Helium operates as a decentralized network of Hotspots, providing widespread, long-range wireless connectivity for IoT devices and rewarding participants with tokens on the Solana blockchain. The network successfully migrated to Solana on April 18, 2023, following the community proposal HIP70, taking advantage of Solana's scalability and performance features. This move enhances scalability for IoT and Mobile networks, introduces advanced Proof-of-Coverage algorithms, and strengthens the network for high-demand applications. The token-based system supports various use cases, such as IoT devices through LoRaWAN and high-speed mobile connectivity via the 5G network. The unique Proof-of-Coverage consensus algorithm rewards participants for verifying wireless network coverage.
Technology
LoRaWAN on Helium
In traditional LoRaWAN networks, a single entity typically manages the central or regional network server. Helium's decentralized network design allows for independently owned and operated gateways (Hotspots) and supports the independent operation of the network server. This design eliminates the need for permission from a central entity to access the network, allowing for the multi-tenancy of network servers on the same public LoRaWAN network. This makes Helium's public wireless infrastructure compatible with privately-run network servers. In 2023, Helium implemented the OpenLNS Initiative to provide more options and enhance usability.
Organizationally Unique Identifier (OUI)
Organizationally Unique Identifiers (OUIs) are registered identities on the Helium Blockchain that facilitate packet exchange with end-devices. Users can use their own OUI or rely on third-party operators like Console by Helium Foundation. Only registered libp2p addresses can initiate and conclude state channels on behalf of the OUI. Each LoRaWAN Network Server is assigned an OUI, and the OUI operator receives two crucial routing objects. Devices identified by (AppEUI and DevEUI) can be assigned to any of the OUI's addresses, allowing multiplexing of multiple devices using the Message Integrity Check for disambiguation.
Helium Mobile
Helium Mobile uses crypto incentives to encourage individuals to establish a network quickly. Participants gain partial network ownership and earn MOBILE tokens, promoting 5G wireless connectivity. Subscribers become owners, receiving incentives for using their phones on the Helium 5G network. Helium Mobile prioritizes data privacy by not selling user data to advertisers or third parties.
HNT Token
HNT is the primary token for the Helium network, while IOT and MOBILE tokens support the LoRaWAN and 5G networks. The subnetworks use the Proof-of-Coverage consensus algorithm.
Tokenomics
At its launch, the network distributed 5,000,000 HNT per month. With the adoption of HIP-20, a two-year halving schedule was implemented, capping the maximum HNT supply at 223,000,000. In the first year, distribution was allocated as follows: 35% to Helium Inc. and investors, 30% for network data transfer, and 35% for Hotspot infrastructure.
IoT Token
IOT is the protocol token for the Helium IoT Network, introduced through HIP-52. The initial minting of IOT tokens occurred after the Solana migration on April 18, 2023. LoRaWAN Hotspots mine IOT tokens through data transfer and Proof of Coverage.
Tokenomics
IOT follows a minting schedule similar to HNT's, with a maximum supply of 200 billion tokens. Year 1 for IOT began on August 1, 2022, with halvings planned every two years.
MOBILE Token
MOBILE is the protocol token for the Helium Mobile Network, introduced through HIP-53. It is mined through data transfer and Proof of Coverage by 5G-CBRS and WiFi Hotspots.
Tokenomics
MOBILE's minting schedule resembles HNT's, with a maximum supply of 230 billion tokens. At the Mobile Network's launch, 50 billion MOBILE were pre-mined for the Network operations fund. The first year began on August 1, 2022, with halvings every two years.
Data Credits
Data Credits (D.C.s) are used for Helium network usage, redeemable for data transfer on IoT and Mobile subnetworks. They are USD-pegged utility tokens derived from HNT. D.C.s are used to pay for data transfer without annual fees, ensuring value predictability. They also play a role in network functions like onboarding and verifying Hotspot locations.
Governance
The Helium Network undergoes changes through global community governance by Helium token owners, including Hotspot owners, network users, and hardware manufacturers. Tokens are earned through network contributions and play a crucial role in operations like providing wireless coverage and participating in governance.
Helium Improvement Proposals (HIPs)
HIPs outline changes to the Helium protocol and network, covering economic incentives, technical attributes, or meta-governance. Anyone in the Helium ecosystem can introduce HIPs, listed in the public HIP Repository managed by the Helium Foundation. Token owners vote on HIPs by locking their tokens, with a 2/3 supermajority required for approval. The Helium Foundation acts as a governance steward, providing guidance and implementing approved HIPs.
Helium Vote Escrow Token (veHNT)
HNT holders can acquire veHNT by locking their tokens for a set duration, gaining voting power and rewards in the Helium DAO. Upon completion of the lock-up period, the HNT is released. Introduced through HIP-51, veHNT empowers holders to participate in network governance and benefit from its development. The quantity of veHNT depends on the lock-up period, with longer durations resulting in higher multipliers.
SubDAOs
The Helium Network facilitates the existence of multiple networks (subDAOs) through the HNT token. Delegating veHNT to a subDAO earns participants a share of the specific token emissions. Each subDAO governs a section of the network, with HNT allocation based on veHNT delegation. Initially, two subDAOs were introduced: IOT and MOBILE. Participants need veIOT and veMOBILE to vote on IoT and Mobile network matters.
- IoT SubDAO: Dedicated to expanding and advancing IoT devices and applications within the Helium Network.
- **MOBILE