Web3 in Practice: Key Tips for Running DePIN Nodes in 2025

As DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) gain traction, more and more participants are experimenting with “set-and-forget” node running—contributing bandwidth, traffic, or computing power in exchange for points and potential token rewards.

However, each project has very different rules for rewards and anti-fraud checks. Without the right setup, your account may get flagged as a Sybil attack, leading to zero rewards.

This article summarizes several popular DePIN projects and shares practical configuration tips from real-world testing.

1. Why Your Environment (IP + Fingerprint) Matters

At its core, DePIN is about contributing network resources (bandwidth, nodes, computing power) in exchange for points or tokens. To defend against abuse and Sybil attacks, projects monitor IP addresses, device fingerprints, and behavioral patterns.

If your setup doesn’t look legitimate, you’ll either get zero rewards—or worse, get blacklisted entirely.

That’s why a stable, “realistic” network environment + consistent account behavior is the foundation for long-term success.

2. Key Projects & Field Observations

A.Grass 

• Concept: Decentralized bandwidth contribution. Run a node, share idle bandwidth, earn points. Future value likely via airdrops/tokens.

• Risk controls:

  • Residential IPs earn points, but quality varies widely.

  • Datacenter IPs rarely score.

  • Desktop setups perform better but don’t support multi-accounts.

  • Frequent IP changes or short uptimes trigger red flags.

• Tips:

  • Use high-quality static residential IPs.

  • Isolate each account with a fingerprint browser or VM.

  • Stay online long-term; disconnections hurt scores.

B . Gradient

• Similar to Grass, also bandwidth-based.

• Risk controls:

  • Datacenter IPs may sometimes work.

  • Shares almost no overlap with Grass IP pools → likely cross-checking backend IP reputation.

• Tips:

  • Use a separate IP pool just for Gradient.

  • Isolate accounts with fingerprint tools/VMs.

  • Randomize behavior—avoid identical patterns across accounts.

C. DAWN

• Concept: Stable network contribution, less polished UX.

• Risk controls:

  • Frequent login verifications (CAPTCHAs).

  • Shared IPs often trigger disconnections.

• Tips:

  • Use dedicated stable residential IPs.

  • Stick to one device/environment.

  • Bind accounts to long-term wallets/emails.

D. Nodepay

• Concept: Payment-focused DePIN project. Stricter entry barriers.

• Risk controls:

  • Registrations/logins often fail → strict anti-fraud checks.

  • Rumored: only 3 IPs per account count for rewards.

  • Extremely sensitive to fingerprints/consistency.

• Tips:

  • Follow “1 account = 1 device = 1 static residential IP”.

  • Avoid bulk scripts; register manually.

  • Scale gradually, test with pilot accounts first.

E . Pipe Network 

• Concept: Bandwidth/resource sharing, similar to Grass.

• Risk controls:

  • Prioritizes node stability.

  • Very sensitive to IP cleanliness.

• Tips:

  • Stick to clean static residential IPs.

  • Monitor uptime vs. reward growth—switch IPs if rewards stall.

  • Start with single-account runs before scaling.

F. Bless 

• Newcomer, comparable to Grass.

• Risk controls:

  • Allows up to 5 IPs per account.

• Tips:

  • Use fingerprint isolation to avoid bulk-detection.

  • Prepare unique phone numbers/wallets for each account.

3. Multi-Account Scaling: Universal Best Practices

(1) IP Strategy

• Static residential IPs: Best for main/long-term nodes.

• Dynamic residential or mobile IPs: Good for short-term scaling and simulating wide distribution, but switching frequency must look natural.

• Golden rule: 1 account = 1 IP. Multi-account sharing an IP = high risk.

• Keep separate IP pools per project to avoid cross-contamination.

💡 Pro tip: If you need clean, reliable residential pools for scaling, IPFoxy provides static/dynamic residential and mobile proxies across 200+ regions—ideal for long-term DePIN operations and minimizing IP-related risks.

(2) Device Fingerprints & Environments

• Assign each account a unique fingerprint/browser or VM.

• Rotate fingerprints occasionally, but avoid sudden mass changes.

(3) Behavior & Uptime

• Favor long, stable sessions.

• Randomize actions (occasional browsing, downloads) to mimic real usage.

• Ensure continuous uptime for projects that score based on “always-on” activity.

(4) Registration & Verification

• Bind accounts to phone numbers/wallets you control long-term.

• Avoid temporary SMS services.

• Prepare stable SIMs or phone-based verification when required.

IV. Conclusion

Running DePIN nodes isn’t just “set and forget”—it’s a mix of tech ops + risk management.
Each project has its own quirks, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

For long-term stability and earnings:

• Stick to 1 account = 1 environment = 1 IP.

• Separate IP pools across projects.

• Start small, scale gradually.

• Use fingerprint browsers and high-quality residential proxies to reduce risk.

DePIN can be profitable—but only if you treat it like a proper infrastructure project, not a quick hack.