# DePIN Case Studies: Evaluating the cost of running DePIN networks

By [1kx](https://paragraph.com/@1kx) · 2024-06-18

---

Optimizing costs in DePIN networks starts with evaluating current costs. We took a look at what Livepeer, Pocket Network, and DIMO have done to evaluate the cost of running nodes on their networks.

DePINs leverage token incentives to mobilize individuals to participate in infrastructure networks. These individuals earn tokens in exchange for operating nodes on these networks. Given it costs money to operate nodes, ensuring that token rewards offset operational costs is essential.

The problem? Because DePIN networks are decentralized, network stewards don’t always know how much it costs for node operators to participate in networks. We did some research and came up with a model that helps estimate the total costs of operating networks. You can find that research [here](https://mirror.xyz/1kx.eth/eixy4sKhLVvexT-PmcBTUCGCR66ET_9iX4cAd-ShOuM).

As part of that, we did a series of case studies in partnership with DePIN networks, which you will find below. To get in touch with us about this research, you can reach out to me [here](https://x.com/KoschigRobert).

![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/aae991b825e9cff8681efd16e932a81290006dec8bac5b3543e4d1b1bd877c93.png)

![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/26c75a75b03c15748ac79bdbd84766a44e4d22546d26ee4b8d8e53fd188037df.png)

![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/f9a3152752ca83554ca2128bcd9b81167e8772bd89637fa6dbfc13b72d914779.png)

---

*Originally published on [1kx](https://paragraph.com/@1kx/depin-case-studies-evaluating-the-cost-of-running-depin-networks)*
