Kerlink Gateways as a helium miner part of the helium LoRaWAN network to earn cryptocurrency

Kerlink has announced that three of its IoT gateways will support the peer-to-peer LoRaWAN network Helium, and thus support the mining of its own cryptocurrency. The products then act like a Helium miner.

What is the Helium Network?

Helium Systems is an American company founded in 2013 to build the world's first peer-to-peer LoRaWAN wireless IoT network, “The People's Network”. This is also the first global, distributed network of Hotspots. This network provides long-range, low-power public wireless coverage for LoRaWAN-enabled IoT sensors and devices. To date, Helium claims to have sold over 25,000 helium hotspots in 3,600+ cities.

With the introduction of its blockchain, the Helium Network decentralizes IoT coverage. This leads to an open wireless IoT network capable of connecting multiple LoRa-enabled IoT sensors & devices. The HNT network can also combine different LoRaWAN gateways anywhere in the world in a cost-efficient manner.

“In typical LoRaWAN networks, a central or regional LNS (LoRaWAN Network Server) is managed by a single entity. However, Helium's design for a decentralized network doesn't just mean that we want gateways to be independently owned and operated. It also means that we want to enable the independent operation of the LNS. Without this independent operation, access to the network would require permission from a single central entity – the network's LNS operator.” (source: www.helium.com)

“That is why we want to enable the multi-tenancy of LNSs on the same public LoRaWAN network. Achieving this sets Helium's LoRaWAN network apart from all others. The public wireless infrastructure is now compatible with privately run network servers.”

What is LongFi technology?

Helium invented the LongFi™ technology. This is a combination of LoRaWAN wireless protocol and Helium blockchain. Helium LongFi technology benefits from all the features and benefits of the LoRa network. While adding the capacity for gateway owners to earn Helium cryptocurrency (HNT for Helium Network Token) in the process (mining).

Helium LongFi™ also provides roaming capabilities. In addition, it supports micropayment transactions so that customers only pay based on network usage. Without having to deploy gateways or network servers. The Helium LongFi™ technology is integrated into a compatible LoRaWAN gateway. This is how you can create a Helium Network Hotspot. Helium first released the technology as open source so that third-party manufacturers could build compatible hotspots. Use of the technology was then restricted to approved vendors through HIP19 certification.

What is a Helium miner?

The Helium network is aimed at sensors and devices with low power consumption. It is powered by compatible miners, also called hotspots. A Hotspot is the combination of the Helium Blockchain and the LoRaWAN packet routing software on a single, compact and compatible LoRaWAN gateway. With a Helium miner, customers can easily participate in the rollout of Helium coverage. And they can use the open LoRa wireless IoT networks.

What is Helium Network Token (HNT)?

Helium Network Token (HNT) is the cryptocurrency mined by the Hostpots during its wireless IoT network activities. When you connect to a nearby Hotspot, a 'proof of coverage' is provided that validates the actual availability of the LoRa gateway, as well as the associated coverage.

This confirmation simultaneously activates the generation of Helium's own cryptocurrency, Helium Network Token (HNT). He does this using the gateway-embedded miner. This rewards Helium Network participants and provides coverage for hundreds of square miles throughout the community.

Helium proposes a wireless economy with two units of exchange. The HNT (Helium Network Token) and the Data Credits (to connect to and use the community open wireless IoT network).

How do you earn HNT with LoRaWAN Gateways?

Hotspots' miners earn HNT when LoRa-enabled IoT devices connect. They also earn cryptocurrency for validating wireless coverage provided by peers' LoRaWAN gateways. Using the system, called proof-of-coverage, Helium-compatible LoRaWAN gateways earn more HNT when they are within range of other Helium-compatible LoRa gateways. The condition is that they are at least 300 meters apart.

Which Kerlink LoRaWAN gateways are compatible with Helium Network?

Three versions are available:

Pre-ordering is possible - expected delivery Aug/Sept 2021