Conference paper
A Taxonomy for Blockchain-Based Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN)
2023 IEEE 9th World Forum on Internet of Things 2023
TL;DR
This paper proposes a taxonomy for decentralized physical infrastructure networks that use blockchain systems to coordinate shared real-world resources.
Why It Matters
DePIN systems combine technical, economic, and governance design choices. A taxonomy helps researchers compare projects and reason about their infrastructure, incentives, and coordination mechanisms.
Abstract
This paper provides a conceptual taxonomy for decentralized infrastructure systems that leverage blockchain technologies to manage shared physical resources.
Paper Content
Core Contribution
This paper organizes decentralized physical infrastructure networks into a taxonomy. It treats DePIN systems as combinations of physical resources, blockchain coordination, incentives, governance, and infrastructure operation.
Research Use
The taxonomy helps compare systems that otherwise look very different: sensor networks, connectivity infrastructure, mobility infrastructure, and other real-world shared resources coordinated through decentralized protocols.