Helium is a project that aims to respond to a major problem in the Internet of Things (IoT) universe: how to connect millions of internet devices in an efficient, inexpensive manner, and with reduced energy consumption. If today, current networks such as wifi, bluetooth or cellular networks partially support this infrastructure, they quickly show their limits. Helium offers a decentralized solution to these constraints by relying on a blockchain and an innovative network coverage model, but before understanding what Helium brings, it is essential to return to the functioning of current networks and their limits.
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Current networks and their limitations in IoT
The Internet of Things (IoT) is an expanding industry with more than 8.4 billion connected devices worldwide. These devices, which are found in sectors such as agriculture, intelligent cities, or even fleet management systems, must connect to the Internet to operate and send data. To do this, several types of networks are used, but everyone has major drawbacks.
Cellular networks
Cellular networks , such as 4G and 5G, are widely used to connect internet devices. However, they are expensive and energy -consuming, which makes them unsuitable for IoT devices with low energy consumption. These networks are also mainly managed by centralized operators, which can result in additional costs linked to the subscription or infrastructure.
WiFi
WiFi local environments to connect internet devices. Although its coverage is adequate for restricted spaces, it has two major drawbacks for the IoT: it is limited in terms of reach (a few tens of meters at most) and consumes a significant amount of energy, which reduces the autonomy of IoT devices operating on battery.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth , on the other hand, is even more limited in terms of reach (generally less than 10 meters). Although it is inexpensive, it is only suitable for exchanging data on short distances, which limits its use in scenarios requiring long -range communication, such as intelligent farms or the management of vehicle fleets.
What Helium brings: a decentralized network for the IoT
Helium, thanks to its decentralized network and its blockchain, offers a solution to the problems mentioned above. It allows IOT devices to connect to the Internet via a long -range network with low energy consumption, while reducing infrastructure costs. Unlike current solutions, Helium is based on a decentralized model in which each user can install a hotspot and provide network coverage.
This model solves several of the major problems of centralized networks: high cost, limited scope, and dependence on a single supplier.
The operation of the Helium blockchain
The Helium blockchain is the backbone of this decentralized network. It ensures the validation and securing of transactions on the network, in particular transactions linked to the supply of network coverage. On the Helium network, each interaction is a transaction, whether it is the connection of an IoT device, the sending of data or the validation of the coverage by a hotspot.
Transactions on helium: how they are validated
Helium transactions mainly concern data exchanges between IoT devices and hotspots, as well as the remuneration of minors who provide network coverage. These transactions are validated via a mechanism called proof-of-coverage (POC) . Unlike the proof-of-work used by blockchains like Bitcoin, Helium uses this mechanism to prove that minors (those who have hotspots) really provide network coverage for devices in a specific geographic area. Once validated, these transactions are recorded in the blockchain, thus ensuring their transparency and their immutability.
The role of minors and hotspots in the Helium network
The miners of the Helium network do not mine by solving complex mathematical problems as on other blockchains. Here, they deploy hotspots , which provide long -range wireless coverage to IoT devices in their neighborhood. Minors are rewarded with HNT for each evidence of validated coverage.
Regulation and operation of the Helium network
When we talk about a network that self-regulates, it is mainly the mechanism by which the Helium network adjusts the distribution and the quality of the coverage. The hotspots are self-managed by users, but their positioning and the coverage they provide are checked by the blockchain via the proof-of-coverage . This regulation ensures that the network remains effective and that minors do not provide false evidence. In addition, Helium takes into account elements such as the density of hotspots in a region and adjusts remuneration according to the actual quality of the coverage provided.
The role of hotspots in the Helium network
What is a hotspot?
A Hotspot Helium is a device that combines a Lorawan footbridge and a blockchain minor. It provides network coverage for IoT devices in a given area while mining HNT tokens as a reward for its operator. The hotspots check the data of IoT sensors and relay it through the Helium network.
How do hotspots provide Internet connection via Lorawan?
Hotots use Lorawan to create a long -range network with low energy consumption. Unlike Wi-Fi or cellular networks, Lorawan does not require a constant internet connection to operate. The hotspots capture the signals of the IoT sensors and relay them through the Helium network to an output point, where the data is ultimately transmitted via the Internet.
How to become a hotspot: necessary equipment and installation
To become a hotspot, it is necessary to acquire a specific device compatible with the Helium network. These devices are generally small antennas that can be installed at home or in strategic places to maximize network coverage. The installation is relatively simple and does not require advanced technical skills, although a high and released position is recommended for better efficiency.
Helium and the token HNT
The HNT token is at the heart of the Helium ecosystem. Minors receive HNT when they validate evidence of coverage, and these tokens are used by companies or individuals to send data via the network. The value of the HNT on the cryptocurrency market has also grown, attracting investors and increasing interest in the project.
Helium's advantages for companies
For companies, Helium offers a solution at a lower cost to connect IoT to the Internet devices, especially in sectors such as fleet management, smart cities, and agriculture. For example, a farmer can deploy sensors to monitor the soil or the temperature of his crops for kilometers without having to pay a subscription to a cellular network supplier.
How to participate in the Helium network?
If you want to join the Helium network, simply buy a Hotspot Helium , install it at home, and start providing network coverage. This process is simple and does not require in -depth technical knowledge. HNT tokens for your contribution.
Helium and the DEFI ecosystem
The Token HNT has also found its place in the ecosystem of decentralized finance ( DEFI ) . staking activities within various DEFI protocols . This interconnection strengthens the value of the HNT and allows its users to generate yields while participating in the IoT ecosystem.
Helium's strategic partnerships
Helium has teamed up with several companies to strengthen its network and increase its adoption. Among these partners, we find Senet , a company specializing in IoT, which allows to connect devices via the Helium network.
The risks and limits of the Helium project
Like any innovative project, Helium presents some challenges. One of the main ones is to ensure sufficient coverage for the network to be really useful. Although the total number of hotspots has reached 1,012,571 , covering regions like Europe, North America, and Asia, there are still areas with low coverage. In addition, the project faces competition from centralized IoT technologies, such as Sigfox which already benefits from an established infrastructure but is centralized and less flexible than the decentralized Helium model.
Helium's international expansion
Helium has already set foot in several regions of the world, with a coverage that extends quickly to Europe , North America , and Asia . This expansion is essential for the network to reach a critical size and can offer complete coverage in urban and rural areas.
Helium and the future of the IoT network
Helium envisages the future with ambition. The network could extend to integrate other wireless technologies, such as 5G, which would allow even more devices to connect to the network. The objective is to become the reference for long -range IoT networks, with a reduced access cost and global coverage.
How to buy and store HNT ?
If you are interested in buying HNT , you can do it on exchange platforms like Binance or Crypto.com . As for storage, it is advisable to use a secure portfolio, an offline wallet (Cold Wallet ) such as Ledger or Tangem or an online wallet ( hot wallet S) for more regular exchanges like Trust Wallet , Metamask or Exodus.
More information here
Conclusion: Helium, an effective solution for the IoT
Helium is positioned as an interesting solution to meet the growing needs of the Internet of Things. By combining long -range and low -cost network coverage with a decentralized model, Helium offers a viable alternative to expensive centralized solutions. With an expanding network and strategic partnerships, Helium is on the way to become a key player in IoT.
Faq
What is Helium and what is it for?
Helium is a decentralized network designed to connect IoT devices to the Internet at a lower cost. He uses a blockchain to validate network coverage and reward minors with HNT .
How does Proof-Of-Coverage work?
The proof-of-coverage is a validation mechanism which proves that minors provide network coverage. It is essential to ensure that hotspots are really active and useful.
How can I participate in the Helium network?
To participate, you can buy a Hotspot Helium, install it at home, and start providing network coverage. You will earn HNT in exchange.
What is the future of the Helium project?
Helium plans to extend its global coverage and integrate technologies such as 5G to offer an even more complete solution to IoT.
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Yohan Uzzan
Training engineer, I quickly became interested in the field of finance. Convinced that decentralized finance has a bright future ahead of it, I participate in its democratization by developing Crypternon.
