DePIN is not about storytelling, but about "landing." There really need to be people deploying nodes, devices connected to the network, and services being delivered. Therefore, when looking at DePIN projects, it's not just about the vision and technology, but also about how many device nodes are on-chain, where they are distributed, whether there are reward mechanisms, and whether there is real usage. Next, let's take a look at the real operational data of DePIN projects.
1. How many network nodes are there? Are they active or "zombie"?#
DePIN relies on users deploying hardware nodes to form a network, and nodes are its "muscle." Without enough active nodes, there is no service capability and no value support.
What to look at?
Total number of nodes: How many nodes are deployed across the network?
Active nodes: How many nodes have been online in the past 24 hours/7 days?
New node trend: Are nodes continuously growing, or are they starting to decline?
Node type distribution: What is the proportion of various types such as edge devices, communication devices, storage nodes, etc.?
How to check?
View the official Dashboard or data panel of the block explorer.
Analyze whether there are continuous online/check-in/block records for node addresses.
Check if the node online times are concentrated and whether they are "airdrop robot nodes."
Recommended tools:
Official block explorers (e.g., Helium Explorer, IoTeX Explorer)
Aethir Explorer, Nodle Scan, etc.
DePINscan (a multi-chain data platform designed for DePIN projects)
Dune Analytics (if someone has created a corresponding dashboard)
Tip: The number of nodes ≠ actual capability; the focus is on "active nodes."
2. Where are the nodes distributed? Is it real distribution or "concentrated stacking"?#
DePIN is a physical network and must be "geographically sensitive." If nodes are only concentrated in a few countries or cities, then its "decentralization" may only be theoretical.
What to look at?
Geographical distribution of nodes: Density and number of nodes in various regions worldwide.
City/country concentration: What is the proportion of the top 5 cities/countries?
Distribution change trend: Are there new countries starting to deploy nodes?
How to check?
View the official map-type Dashboard and check the node heatmap.
Compare the distribution data from a few months ago to see if the coverage area has expanded.
Compare the geographical distribution with the service areas of network applications for any matching.
Recommended tools:
Project official map panels (e.g., Helium, MapMetrics, DIMO)
DePINscan.io (cross-project geographical node data)
Hotspotty (Helium node deployment analysis tool)
Tip: True decentralization is not just about having nodes globally, but about "balanced distribution." Concentrated deployment in a few cities poses significant risks.
3. Is there actual usage of network output? Who is using these nodes?#
No matter how many devices are set up, if no one uses them, then it's just stacking hardware for tokens. To determine whether DePIN is effective, we must look at whether data, bandwidth, computational power, and other "network outputs" are being utilized.
What to look at?
Network usage: Bandwidth usage, data upload volume, call frequency.
Number of active users: Who is calling the services? Is it machine calls or human terminals?
Change in call frequency: Has there been an increase in the past month? Is it seasonal?
Main usage scenarios: What types are involved, such as data on-chain, computational power calls, location services, etc.?
How to check?
View RPC call records, API usage, and service call counts.
Pay attention to whether the API interface is open to the public (or just for internal use).
Compare token rewards with actual network calls to see if a real market is formed.
Recommended tools:
Project-provided Explorers (e.g., Helium API statistics, DIMO Driving Data Dashboard)
Dune self-built queries: API calls/transaction records/active calling accounts.
Data platforms like Messari (sometimes provide DePIN project call analysis).
Tip: The essence of DePIN is the "on-chain service market" of a physical network. If no one uses it, then it is not an infrastructure project, but just a "check-in for tokens" game.
4. Is the token incentive mechanism designed reasonably?#
Most DePIN projects rely on token incentives for users to deploy networks. If the mechanism is unbalanced, it can lead to either "early exploitation" or "long-term lack of node deployment," making sustainability difficult.
What to look at?
Node income vs. cost: How much can you earn by running a node now? How long until you break even?
Token release speed: Is there serious inflation if rewards are distributed too quickly?
Is there a staking threshold: Does it encourage long-term operation rather than short-term cashing out?
Real income vs. subsidy income: Is the income from real service revenue? Or is it entirely dependent on inflationary tokens?
How to check?
View the node reward formula: How is it calculated? Is there any dynamic adjustment?
View the token distribution model: What proportion is allocated for node incentives? Is there a linear release set?
Check community feedback on nodes: Are the actual earnings attractive? Is it no longer profitable?
Recommended tools:
Project white papers + official Docs (reward mechanism explanation).
TokenUnlocks: Check the token unlocking rhythm and circulation status.
Community forums / X / Discord: Look for practical feedback from node operators.
Tip: To judge whether a DePIN economic model is good, it’s not just about whether you can make money, but also about "where the money comes from," whether it is sustainable and can expand.
Summary: How to interpret DePIN project data?#
Is the network strong enough?
Look at the number of nodes, activity level, deployment trends, and whether there is a "real network."
Is the coverage broad enough?
Look at the global distribution map to avoid "pseudo-decentralization" concentrated in a few regions.
Are services being used?
Look at call data, active terminals, and real usage frequency to see if there is a "network effect."
Is the incentive mechanism reliable?
Look at token design, income structure, and node break-even cycles to assess sustainability.
DePIN is not a vision of empty promises, but "visible infrastructure." To understand a DePIN project, you must focus on hard data such as the number of nodes, geographical distribution, service usage, and incentive models. These are the real answers to whether an on-chain physical network can be realized.
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