The DePIN phenomenon: Characteristics, reward architecture, and practical implementations
Abstract
Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) combine blockchain technology with distributed physical assets to organize and motivate the provision of real-world infrastructure. Although the term emerged in 2022, comprehensive studies on the subject are limited. This study bridges that gap by providing a structured analysis of DePIN. It (1) describes the core features of DePIN, (2) proposes a six-layer reward architecture, and (3) examines the most relevant real-world implementations. Findings indicate a rapid growth from 2022 to 2024, frame DePINs into six main categories and explore 21 active projects, focusing on their open-source communities and evaluating their operability across multiple blockchains.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Software-Defined Networks and 5G
Smart Grid Security and Resilience
Network Time Synchronization Technologies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- ICT Express
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Volume
- 12
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 493–511
- Publication date
- 5 February 2026
- Language
- EN