- Author(s): Andy Zyvoloski
- Start Date: 2024-04-25
- Category: Economic, Technical
- Original HIP PR: #969
- Tracking Issue: #989
- Vote Requirements: veMOBILE Holders
This Helium Improvement Proposal (HIP) proposes closing gaming loopholes to help prevent gaming within the MOBILE network.
HIP 107 was intended to prevent gaming, and close gaming loopholes within the MOBILE network; however, the community voted against the HIP, which is believed to be due to the power it gave Service Providers to ban devices. However, multiple gaming loopholes and venues to cheat are still present within the MOBILE network.
The stakeholders of this proposal are:
- All Deployers - Deployers will now have more stringent trust score thresholds that they need to meet in order to obtain a higher trust score.
The HIP author has tested various methods in which deployers can game and cheat the MOBILE network, and proposes the below action to be taken to close gaming loopholes. Please note, the methods in which gaming can be conducted will not be described in this HIP for the safety of the network.
This HIP proposes changing the maximum asserted distance difference for indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi Access Points to the following:
In instances where external sources, such as Skyhook, states the asserted distance is 201-300 meters away, the trust score will be set to 0.25. In instances where external sources, such as Skyhook, states the asserted distance is 301 meters or greater meters away, the trust score will be set to 0.00. Refer to the table below:
| Difference in Distance Asserted | Trust Score |
|---|---|
| 0-200 Meters | 1.00 |
| 201-300 Meters | 0.25 |
| 301 Meters or Greater | 0.00 |
As the Outdoor Access Points contain GPS, they are able to obtain much accurate location readings than the indoor Wi-Fi. As such, the difference in distance is set to be more strict. In instances where GPS and or external sources, such as Skyhook, states the asserted distance 75-100 meters away, the trust score will be set to 0.25. In instances where external sources, such as Skyhook, states the asserted distance is 100 or greater meters away, the trust score will be set to 0.00. Refer to the table below:
| Difference in Distance Asserted | Trust Score |
|---|---|
| 0-75 Meters | 1.00 |
| 76-100 Meters | 0.25 |
| 101 Meters or Greater | 0.00 |
Further, in order for access points to be eligible for boosted Service Provider rewards defined in HIP-84, the asserted distances must be 50 meters or less than the reported location from external services for both indoor and outdoor Access Points. In instances where the difference is greater than 50 meters, the access point will still be eligible for PoC rewards, but not boosted rewards.
Deployers who deploy devices in unpopulated areas or areas with a low amount of external Wi-Fi signals may suffer with a lower trust score, as Skyhook is less accurate in locations such as these.
One alternative was already explored via HIP 107; however, the community voted against that.
Nova Labs will complete the following:
- Update the Hotspot trust score for Wi-Fi indoor Hotspots to
0.25if the asserted location is 201-300 meters or more from external data sources like Skyhook, and0.00if the asserted location is 301 meters or more away. - Update the Hotspot trust score for Wi-Fi Outdoor Hotspots to
0.25if the asserted location is 75-100 meters or more from external data sources like Skyhook and or skyhook, and to0.00if 101 or more meters away.
Helium Foundation will complete the following:
- Update and backfill the protocol to add Height and Azimuth to on chain data of MOBILE hotspots.
- Update the Helium Wallet app to allow location assertions within the app by capturing height and azimuth.
This HIP is successful if the amount of access points that are incorrectly asserted or that are abusing the network decrease.