The world is getting more connected by the day, thanks in large part to the rise of the Internet of Things. Smart devices now play a role in nearly every aspect of our lives, from agriculture to smart cities and everything in between. But as the demand for IoT grows, so do the challenges that come with connecting all these devices—especially when it comes to cost, reliability, and coverage. This is where Helium, often called “The People’s Network,” comes in.
What Is Helium?
It is a decentralized wireless network that uses blockchain technology to connect IoT devices. Unlike traditional networks like cellular or Wi-Fi, Helium relies on everyday people to provide coverage by setting up devices called hotspots. Participants are rewarded with tokens (HNT) for their contributions, and many are now paying close attention to the HNT price prediction as the network continues to grow.
So, not only are you helping to build a global wireless network, but you’re also getting paid for your contribution.
Key Features:
- Community-driven: The network is powered by individuals running hotspots, not by large corporations.
- Low power consumption: Helium uses a protocol called LongFi, which is designed for transmitting small bits of data over long distances using very little energy.
- Incentive-based: Hotspot owners earn Helium tokens (HNT) for providing coverage and supporting the network.
How Does Helium Work?
Hotspots and Network Coverage
At the heart of the Helium network are hotspots. These small devices offer wireless coverage to IoT devices in a specific area, typically covering several square miles depending on the location and environment. Hotspots aren’t just simple routers, though. They also perform a secondary function: acting as miners on the Helium blockchain.
The more hotspots there are in a given area, the stronger and more reliable the network becomes. And as an added bonus, users with hotspots near each other can challenge each other to confirm that they are actually providing coverage. This is done through something called Proof-of-Coverage.
Proof-of-Coverage (PoC)
Proof-of-Coverage (PoC) is the method Helium uses to verify that hotspots are doing what they’re supposed to—providing legitimate wireless coverage. This is done by having hotspots “challenge” nearby devices to confirm their activity and location. If a hotspot successfully verifies another’s coverage, both are rewarded with Helium tokens (HNT).
Earning Helium Tokens (HNT)
When you set up a hotspot, you’re not just helping to expand the network—you’re also earning Helium tokens (HNT) as a reward. The more useful your coverage (the more data that passes through your hotspot), the more tokens you can earn. This gives participants a financial incentive to join the network, and it helps to ensure that the system continues to grow.
Helium vs. Traditional IoT Networks
Now, you might be wondering how Helium compares to traditional IoT connectivity options like cellular or Wi-Fi. In several ways, Helium stands out.
Cost Efficiency
One of the biggest advantages Helium has over traditional networks is its cost-effectiveness. Cellular networks, for instance, require expensive infrastructure, and data usage fees can add up quickly. IoT applications that rely on sending small packets of data (like sensors, trackers, or smart meters) can find these costs prohibitive over time.
In contrast, Helium allows devices to transmit data at a fraction of the cost. Because the network is community-driven, there’s no need for large corporations to maintain expensive towers. Instead, people set up hotspots on their own, reducing costs across the board.
Flexibility in Coverage
Another key benefit is flexibility. Cellular networks, while widespread, don’t always reach remote or rural areas where IoT devices are often needed most. Agricultural applications, for example, may need to monitor soil moisture in fields far from urban centers. Helium’s decentralized model allows the network to grow wherever coverage is needed. As more hotspots are deployed, the network coverage expands organically.
Real-World Applications of Helium
Smart Cities
In urban areas, smart city applications are becoming more common. Cities use sensors to monitor everything from traffic flow to air quality to waste management. Helium’s network helps power these solutions by providing affordable, reliable connectivity over large areas.
Asset Tracking
Another big application for Helium is asset tracking. Whether it’s tracking a fleet of trucks or monitoring valuable goods in a warehouse, Helium’s network enables real-time visibility at a much lower cost than traditional cellular tracking systems. This is particularly valuable in industries like logistics, where efficiency and visibility are key.
Conclusion
Helium represents a bold shift in how we think about IoT connectivity. Leveraging the power of a decentralized, community-driven network offers a scalable, cost-effective solution to the connectivity challenges that IoT faces today. From agriculture to smart cities, Helium is already proving its worth in the real world. And as the network continues to grow, it could very well become a cornerstone of the IoT future.
About the Author/s
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
