Telecom Protocols

Standardized workflows that sequence principles into repeatable methods.

Protocol Categories

Category	What It Covers	Key Protocols
Coverage Deployment	Hotspot setup → Verification → Rewards	Helium, Proof Wireless
Network Routing	Traffic steering → Settlement → Optimization	MEV algorithms, carrier interconnect
Token Economics	Issuance → Burning → Distribution	HNT, Data Credits
Interoperability	Cross-network → Roaming → Settlement	Multi-carrier routing

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DePIN Coverage Protocol

Helium Deployment

1. ACQUIRE
   └─► Purchase compatible hotspot hardware
   └─► Select deployment location (coverage gaps = higher rewards)

2. DEPLOY
   └─► Physical installation (antenna height, line of sight)
   └─► Network configuration (LoRaWAN or 5G)
   └─► Blockchain registration (stake HNT)

3. VERIFY
   └─► Proof of Coverage challenges
   └─► Witness validation from nearby hotspots
   └─► Coverage mapping contribution

4. EARN
   └─► HNT rewards for coverage proofs
   └─► Data transfer rewards for actual usage
   └─► Network governance participation

5. OPTIMIZE
   └─► Antenna upgrades
   └─► Location optimization
   └─► Network expansion coordination

Proof of Coverage

Step	Action	Verification
Challenge	Random hotspot selected to prove coverage	Blockchain random selection
Beacon	Hotspot broadcasts radio signal	RF transmission
Witness	Nearby hotspots verify beacon	Multiple independent attestations
Reward	Tokens distributed to participants	Smart contract execution

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Network Routing Protocol

MEV Extraction (Telecom)

Traditional carriers leave money on the table through inefficient routing.

1. DATA COLLECTION
   └─► Real-time carrier pricing feeds
   └─► Quality of service metrics per route
   └─► Historical traffic patterns

2. OPTIMIZATION
   └─► Calculate optimal route per call/session
   └─► Factor in: cost, quality, capacity, SLA requirements
   └─► Apply constraints: bilateral deals, blocked carriers

3. EXECUTION
   └─► Route traffic to optimal carrier
   └─► Monitor quality in real-time
   └─► Fail over to backup routes if needed

4. SETTLEMENT
   └─► Track actual usage per carrier
   └─► Calculate net positions
   └─► Execute payment (traditional or on-chain)

5. LEARNING
   └─► Update quality metrics
   └─► Refine cost predictions
   └─► Improve routing algorithms

See Network MEV for detailed algorithm design.

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Token Economics Protocol

HNT Flow

                    ┌──────────────┐
                    │   HNT Pool   │
                    └──────┬───────┘
                           │
           ┌───────────────┼───────────────┐
           ▼               ▼               ▼
    ┌──────────┐    ┌──────────┐    ┌──────────┐
    │ Hotspot  │    │  Stakers │    │   DAO    │
    │ Rewards  │    │  Rewards │    │ Treasury │
    └──────────┘    └──────────┘    └──────────┘
           │
           ▼
    ┌──────────────┐
    │ Data Credit  │ ◄── Users pay for network usage
    │    Burn      │
    └──────────────┘

Dual Token Model

Token	Function	Mechanism
HNT	Governance and rewards	Earned by operators, burned for Data Credits
Data Credits	Network usage	Burned to send data, fixed price ($0.00001/DC)

The burn mechanism creates deflationary pressure while maintaining network incentives.

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DePIN Networks

Protocol	Focus	Token	Status
Helium	IoT + Mobile coverage	HNT	🟢 Live
Double Zero	Enterprise connectivity	—	🟡 Building
Proof Wireless	Mobile coverage	—	🟡 Building
Dawn	Fixed wireless	—	🟡 Building

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Activity-to-Player Matrix

Activity	Hotspot Operator	MVNO	Carrier	DePIN Protocol	User
Hardware Deployment	●			○
Coverage Verification	●			●
Traffic Routing		●	●	○
Token Distribution				●
Network Usage					●
Data Credit Purchase		●			●

● = Primary responsibility | ○ = Supporting role

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Deep Dives

• Network MEV — Routing optimization algorithms
• Helium — Leading DePIN telecom protocol
• Double Zero — Enterprise connectivity play

Context

• Performance — How to measure protocol effectiveness
• Players — Who executes these protocols
• DePIN Tokens — Token economics patterns