How does NodeLink work, concretely? Once you understand that NodeLink is a DePIN protocol, the next questions are practical: how do I participate, how are rewards calculated, what is locked, and how do withdrawals work? This guide answers each question using only the official NodeLink wiki. I am Jean-Michel Nguyen, official NodeLink trainer at AdagioLegacy.
NodeLink in one paragraph
NodeLink connects small machines installed in homes and offices into a global infrastructure network. Each machine, the NX1 Home Station, contributes unused internet capacity for secure connectivity, storage, computing and privacy. It is a long-term project that requires no technical skills and no daily action, and it is not mining: the NX1 does not mine or validate blocks. Full overview: NodeLink & DePIN explained.
Step 1: Participation Units
Participation in NodeLink is organized in Participation Units. One unit costs 25 dollars. An NX1 can hold up to 100 units, and you can add units at any time. After the five-year participation period, the NX1 machine belongs to you, and you can renew with new Participation Units. Sources: Participation levels, NX1 Home Station.
Step 2: Choose your participation level
Level 0: without a machine
Up to 20 units, hosted by NodeLink. You do not need your own NX1.
Level 1: your own NX1
Your units run on your own NX1 Home Station, connected at home. Setup is covered in NodeLink NX1 setup.
Level 2: NX1 plus 5 active participants
You own an NX1 and have referred 5 active participants.
Step 3: Keep your machine online and within the rules
- Maximum 5 machines per internet connection (IP), whoever owns them.
- At least 200 Mbps per machine, with a wired Ethernet connection as the main link.
- Offline means no rewards; insufficient bandwidth can mean up to 15% fewer rewards.
- Power or internet outages: the NX1 resumes automatically.
Source: Hosting limits (wiki).
How NodeLink rewards are calculated
Rewards are calculated every day, in NLK, and you can see them in your dashboard. They are not guaranteed: they depend on the real use of the network, and the caps mentioned in the wiki are maximums, not targets. Source: Reward generation (wiki).
Withdrawable vs locked rewards
- Levels 0 and 1: 80% withdrawable in USDT/USDC, 20% locked until the end of the five-year contract.
- Level 2: 70% withdrawable, 30% locked.
- Locked NLK is then released over 120 days.
Auto Link (optional)
Auto Link is off by default. When enabled, it converts rewards into licenses automatically, with no fees and an extra 2.5%. You can turn it on or off at any time, but the Auto Link balance cannot be withdrawn. Source: Introducing Auto Link (wiki).
Taxes
Rewards may be taxable depending on your country. In the United States, talk to a qualified tax professional about your situation.
Deposits and withdrawals
NodeLink uses two internal tokens: NLK for long-term participation and USDN, pegged 1:1 to the US dollar. Deposits are made in USDT or USDC and credited in USDN. Withdrawals are paid in USDC or USDT on Arbitrum or Polygon (and Tron for USDT) and can take up to 72 hours. Requirements: an active membership, KYC, 2FA and a connected MetaMask or Coinbase Wallet. Members can send USDN to each other by NID with no fees. Source: Connecting your wallet (wiki).
Extra tools for NX1 owners
- PayLink: optional non-custodial interface with a virtual card at no extra cost. Not a bank: no loans, credit or interest. KYC required; availability varies by country.
- App Centre: Vaultwarden, HashiCorp Vault, Stirling PDF and AdGuard Home installed on your NX1.
- Node Centre: status, CPU, memory and uptime for each machine.
- VPN-style service: being rolled out; check the wiki for the current status, up to 5 subscriptions, with planned AI tools for ad blocking, fraud alerts and child protection.
A simple checklist before you start
- Test your internet speed: at least 200 Mbps per machine, on a wired connection.
- Count the machines already on your connection: no more than 5 per IP.
- Decide which level fits you: Level 0 (no machine) or Level 1 (your own NX1).
- Read the reward rules: daily, not guaranteed, with a locked share for five years.
- Prepare for withdrawals: membership, KYC, 2FA and a MetaMask or Coinbase Wallet.
If one of these points is unclear, that is exactly what my coaching sessions are for. I would rather you ask ten questions before starting than one after.
FAQ: how NodeLink works
How much is one NodeLink Participation Unit?
One Participation Unit costs 25 dollars, and an NX1 can hold up to 100 units.
Can I participate without an NX1?
Yes. Level 0 allows up to 20 units hosted by NodeLink, without your own machine.
How long do withdrawals take?
Up to 72 hours, in USDC or USDT, after membership, KYC, 2FA and a connected wallet are in place.
Where can I verify this information?
On the official wiki at docs.nodelink.now, the official channels at linktr.ee/Nodelinkofficial, and the NovaLink transparency portal.
Want me to walk you through it on Zoom? Message me on WhatsApp.
Educational content only. Not financial advice. Rewards are not guaranteed. Jean-Michel Nguyen is an official NodeLink trainer and may earn a commission if you sign up through his link.