This page is the complete, plain-English overview of NodeLink and DePIN. It is based on the official NodeLink wiki at docs.nodelink.now, and each section links to the original page so you can check every detail yourself. I am Jean-Michel Nguyen, an official NodeLink trainer, and my goal is to help you understand before you decide. Back to the AdagioLegacy home page.
What is DePIN?
DePIN means Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network. The idea is to build real-world infrastructure (connectivity, storage, computing) from many small devices owned by individuals, instead of relying only on a handful of large data centers. Each participant hosts a device, and together the devices form a network that can serve real users. For a deeper introduction, read What is DePIN? A beginner’s guide.
What is NodeLink?
NodeLink is a DePIN protocol. It connects small machines installed in homes and offices into a global infrastructure network and puts unused internet capacity to work for secure connectivity, storage, computing and privacy. It is designed as a long-term project, and it requires no technical skills and no daily action from participants.
One point matters a lot: NodeLink is not crypto mining. The NX1 does not mine and does not validate blocks. If you want to understand the difference clearly, see DePIN vs crypto mining. Source: General overview (wiki).
The NX1 Home Station
The NX1 Home Station is the small machine you host at home. According to the official wiki, its specifications are:
- Intel N-series processor, 4 cores
- 12 GB of RAM
- 256 GB SSD
- Dual Gigabit LAN ports
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2
Its power use is close to that of a Wi-Fi router: less than 0.50 USD of electricity per month in most regions. After the five-year participation period, the machine belongs to you, and you can renew with new Participation Units. The NX1 ships to 60 markets, including the United States, Canada and Mexico (the list evolves). Source: NX1 Home Station (wiki).
How to activate your NX1
Activation takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Here are the steps from the official guide:
- Find the HMall activation email titled « Your activation keys for the Nx1 Home Station ».
- Locate the serial number under the machine, on the CH line: 8 characters starting with CH (case-sensitive).
- Connect the NX1 to your router with a LAN cable and briefly press the power button. The first boot takes 2 to 3 minutes.
- Log in to app.nodelink.now with the email used for your hmall.shop order, open App Centre, find the machine marked Pending Activation, enter the serial and the key, then click Activate.
Machine statuses are Pending Allocation, In Transit, Pending Activation and Active. Detailed walkthrough and troubleshooting: NodeLink NX1 setup guide. Source: Activation guide (wiki).
Network rules you must respect
- Maximum 5 machines per internet connection (IP), whoever owns them, in every country.
- At least 200 Mbps per machine, with a wired Ethernet connection as the main link.
- A machine that is offline earns no rewards; insufficient bandwidth can reduce rewards by up to 15%.
- You can move, even abroad, as long as these rules are still respected.
Source: Internet capacity and hosting limits (wiki).
Participation Units and levels
Participation is organized in Participation Units. One unit costs 25 dollars, and an NX1 can hold up to 100 units, which can be added at any time. There are three participation levels:
- Level 0: up to 20 units without a machine, hosted by NodeLink.
- Level 1: units on your own NX1.
- Level 2: you own an NX1 and refer 5 active participants.
Source: Participation levels (wiki).
How rewards work
Rewards are calculated daily, in NLK, and are visible in your dashboard. They are not guaranteed: they depend on real network usage, and any caps shown in the wiki are maximums, not forecasts. At levels 0 and 1, 80% of rewards can be withdrawn in USDT or USDC and 20% stay locked until the end of the five-year contract; at level 2 the split is 70/30. Locked NLK is then released over 120 days. Rewards may be taxable depending on where you live, so check with a local tax professional.
An optional feature called Auto Link (off by default) automatically converts rewards into licenses with no fees and an extra 2.5%. You can switch it on or off at any time, but its balance cannot be withdrawn. More details in How does NodeLink work? Sources: Reward generation, Auto Link.
Deposits, withdrawals and PayLink
NodeLink uses two internal tokens: NLK (long-term participation) and USDN (pegged 1:1 to the US dollar). Deposits in USDT or USDC are credited in USDN. Withdrawals are made in USDC or USDT (Arbitrum, Polygon, and Tron for USDT) and can take up to 72 hours. You need a membership, KYC, 2FA and a connected MetaMask or Coinbase Wallet. USDN can be transferred between members by NID with no fees. Source: Connecting your wallet (wiki).
PayLink is an optional, non-custodial interface included for NX1 owners, with a virtual card at no extra cost. PayLink is not a bank: no loans, no credit, no interest. Availability depends on your country, and KYC is required. Source: PayLink (wiki).
Apps, VPN and protection tools
The App Centre lets you install applications directly on your NX1, so your data stays at home: Vaultwarden, HashiCorp Vault, Stirling PDF and AdGuard Home. The Node Centre shows the status, CPU, memory and uptime of each machine. A VPN-style service is included for NX1 owners (being rolled out; check the wiki for the current status), with up to 5 subscriptions, and AI tools are planned: ad blocking, fraud alerts and child protection. Sources: App Centre, Secure connectivity.
Security and privacy
According to the wiki, NodeLink does not access your personal files and does not monitor your activity. Source: Technology and infrastructure (wiki).
Official resources
- Official wiki: docs.nodelink.now
- Official channels: linktr.ee/Nodelinkofficial
- Support ticket: support.nodelink.now
- NovaLink transparency portal: novalink.technology/transparency
Still have questions? Message me on WhatsApp, in English, French, Spanish or Italian.
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.