I’ve worked in the DePIN space for sometime on networks like Helium and projects similar to Filecoin Green. The work is not all about blockchain theory. It’s about solving messy, real-world problems with tech and people skills.
Here’s what actually matters:
Know networking in the real world. Books only give you theory knowledge about protocols, but the real lessons come when you’re fixing a dead node in the rain or chasing why a LoRaWAN gateway works in the lab but fails on-site.
Work with hardware, not just code. You will open devices, change antennas, solder connectors, and replace bad parts. You’ll deal with cheap hardware that passes tests but fails in the field.
Plan for failure. In decentralized systems, no central server will save you. If your bridge between a sensor and the blockchain fails, you must catch and fix it fast.
Think security and game theory together. People will find loopholes in your reward or verification system. I’ve seen “perfect” designs break within days of launch.
Learn the rules. Spectrum laws, device import limits, and power regulations can stop a launch cold. I’ve had projects delayed for weeks over something as small as antenna compliance.
Be active in the community. Some of my best fixes came from other engineers in Discord channels. Sharing your challenges and wins builds trust and gets you help when you need it.
If I could start again, I’d spend less time perfecting simulations and more time building and testing in the field. Reality teaches faster than theory.
That’s my take from the trenches. If you want, I can share detailed stories from past deployments and the tech stacks we used.
