Helium

What’s Helium?

Helium is a decentralized blockchain-powered network designed for the Internet of Things devices. The Helium network enables low-power, wireless devices to communicate with each other and send data over a network of nodes, known as Hotspots. These Hotspots are operated by individuals who earn HNT tokens as a reward for providing coverage to the network. Helium aims to build a global, decentralized wireless infrastructure that is owned and operated by the community.

Founders of Helium

Helium was founded in 2013 by Amir Haleem, Shawn Fanning, and Sean Carey. Amir Haleem, who is also the CEO, has a background in game development and esports, while Shawn Fanning is best known as the creator of Napster. The founding team’s vision was to create a network that could connect IoT devices globally in a secure, decentralized, and cost-effective manner, which led to the development of the Helium blockchain and the wireless network.

What are the Advantages of Helium?

Helium offers several  advantages, particularly its decentralized nature and cost-effectiveness for IoT connectivity. By leveraging a global network of Hotspots, Helium provides coverage for IoT devices without the need for traditional, centralized telecommunications infrastructure. This model not only reduces costs but also democratizes the ownership of the network, allowing individuals to participate and earn HNT tokens. Helium’s LongFi technology, which combines LoRaWAN and blockchain, provides extensive coverage and long battery life for IoT devices, making it ideal for applications such as asset tracking, environmental monitoring, and smart city initiatives.

How Is It Secured?

Helium is secured through its blockchain, which uses a novel consensus mechanism called Proof-of-Coverage (PoC). This mechanism ensures that Hotspots are accurately representing their wireless coverage, incentivizing them to provide reliable service. Hotspot operators are rewarded with HNT tokens for proving coverage and securely transferring data on the network. The decentralized nature of the Helium network, combined with PoC, ensures that the network is both resilient and secure, as there is no single point of failure.

Where Can You Use Helium?

Helium can be used in a wide range of IoT applications that require reliable, long-range, and low-power connectivity. Some popular use cases include smart agriculture, where sensors monitor soil moisture and weather conditions; asset tracking, where devices report the location of valuable items; and smart cities, where sensors monitor air quality, traffic, and infrastructure health. Businesses and developers can leverage the Helium network to build IoT solutions that require secure and scalable wireless connectivity without the high costs associated with traditional cellular networks.

What’s Next for Helium?

Helium is focused on expanding its network coverage globally, with the goal of becoming the largest decentralized wireless network. Future developments include the introduction of new wireless protocols to support a broader range of IoT devices and use cases, as well as enhancing the scalability and security of the network. Helium is also exploring partnerships with telecommunications companies and IoT solution providers to further integrate its network with existing infrastructure and expand its user base. Additionally, the Helium community is actively working on new governance models to ensure the network’s sustainable and decentralized growth.