The Helium Decentralized Wireless Network: A Technical Overview
This document introduces Helium, a decentralized wireless network designed for Internet of Things devices, addressing the limitations of existing options like cellular and WiFi by offering a long-range, low-power, and cost-effective connectivity solution. The network is powered by a blockchain and a native token, incentivizing individuals to deploy network coverage and enabling devices to connect and geolocate themselves without expensive hardware or plans. Helium utilizes innovative concepts such as Proof-of-Coverage and Proof-of-Location to verify network participation and device locations, and employs a Byzantine Fault Tolerant consensus protocol based on this proof to secure the network. The paper outlines the architecture, components, transaction system, and consensus mechanism of the Helium network, positioning it as a novel approach to building decentralized physical infrastructure.