Terminology

ADS-B

stands for Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast. Hardware devices with this functionality capture broadcast signals from aircraft (ADS-B signals) that include important data such as position, speed, and altitude. Most commercial aircraft transmit ADS-B signals and with new regulation, this is becoming the standardized tracking method.

Stations

The ADS-B hardware setup used in Wingbits network to track data, which comes with a built-in antenna.

DePIN

stands for Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network, which is usually made up by a community of nodes. It’s a term that has been popularized with the emergence of blockchain and Web 3.0 technologies. Some popular examples of DePIN projects include Helium and Wingbits, which both use the Solana blockchain to distribute its rewards. Wingbits uses the DePIN model so we can more easily reward our community, tracking their data contributions and sending them $WINGS token as reward.

Node

is a device that helps power a network, and is capable of creating, receiving, or transmitting data. For those familiar with Web3, you can loosely compare a Wingbits station to a network node which captures and distributes data, though on a technical level they function differently. Your station will be associated with a cryptocurrency wallet address of your choice so you can receive rewards based on its performance.

Solana

is a blockchain that the Wingbits network utilizes to distribute its rewards, the $WINGS token. When you set up your station, you will set your crypto wallet address that is compatible with Solana-based tokens. We will send $WINGS to your wallet, which is attached to your station’s node ID.

$WINGS

is a type of cryptocurrency known as a utility token. Utility tokens act as a means of exchange within a particular network or platform. You can exchange $WINGS tokens for other cryptocurrency or exchange it for fiat like EUR or USD.

Coverage hex

We divide the world map into larger hexagonal sections, or “hexes”, which correspond to daily rewards areas. Each hex represents one of many specific areas of the sky that a station can monitor, ensuring complete global coverage without overcrowding certain areas. Each coverage hex is resolution 3 in the H3 system. More on this under the “Rewards” section.

Claimed Location

is the area of land that is claimed and locked to a single station, so no other stations can be setup too close. On the Wingbits map, with the Stations layer toggled on, any claimed location will appear as a very small hexagonal shape of about 36 km² (~14 miles²). No one else is able to claim this area, to make sure rewards are not heavily diluted in more densely populated areas. This location is not involved in rewards calculations.