Helium L1 chain
Overview
Helium L1 is a decentralized blockchain network designed for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, using a proof-of-coverage consensus mechanism. It enables low-power wireless devices to communicate and transfer data via a global network of hotspots, and its native token is HNT. In April 2023 (governance proposal HIP-70) Helium retired this standalone Layer-1 and migrated to Solana; "Helium L1" now refers to that former chain, with HNT and network operations running on Solana today (status as of 2026-07-15).
Within the DeFi Intel graph, Helium L1 connects to 1 tracked entity, most strongly to Solana.
Relations
Top connections in the DeFi Intel knowledge graph (confidence-weighted, 1 of 1 total).
| Relation | Connected entity | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
replaced_by | Solana | 90% |
Frequently asked questions
What is Helium L1?
Helium L1 is a public blockchain that provides a decentralized wireless infrastructure for IoT devices, validating coverage via proof-of-coverage and rewarding hotspot operators with HNT tokens.
How does Helium L1 achieve decentralization for wireless coverage?
It uses a proof-of-coverage consensus where hotspots prove they are providing legitimate wireless coverage by participating in challenges, and the network is secured by Helium's own consensus model involving validators.
What distinguishes Helium L1 from other blockchains?
Its primary focus is on incentivizing a decentralized wireless network for IoT devices through physical hotspot infrastructure, rather than serving general-purpose smart contracts or financial applications.
What is Helium L1 connected to?
In the DeFi Intel knowledge graph, Helium L1 is linked to 1 other tracked entity, most strongly to Solana.
Sources
Live news feed, full graph, and search.