People seek greater data control, reduced reliance on centralised cloud providers, operations closer to the data source, and the ability to monetise their computing power. Running a blockchain node or validator at home enhances privacy, security, and decentralisation. When people can earn rewards, they are more motivated to contribute to a resilient network.
In the best-case scenario, edge computing enables fast processing and low latency. We present six devices that will work for anyone exploring or already active in blockchain and edge computing from the comfort of their own home.
1. HomePortal Neuron
The upcoming HomePortal Neuron from HyperAppliance is the only device designed specifically for decentralised computing. It’s ideal for Al-driven blockchain nodes and applications in the home decentralised compute economy.
The plug-and-play appliance was designed to meet the needs of students, developers, or researchers taking part in the dynamic computation economy. It was purpose-built to run HyperCycle nodes on optimised hardware, autonomously handle tasks, and manage resources all in one place. The modular design enables expansion, with the device fitting into any space.
Users can run nodes from home with pre-installed software. The process is simple: plug in the device, download the app, connect to the internet, and start providing compute. Hyper Appliance has developed an AIM that will enable blockchain-based compute transactions. HomePortal owners provide compute to a Cardano developer or stake pool operator in exchange for payment as per contract. The system automates transactions between supply and demand for computing resources.
Neuron is optimised and pre-configured to perform tasks with maximum efficiency, using just 65W of power. With a 12-core processor, it delivers multitasking and lightning-fast speeds, making it ideal for handling high-level computations or training AI models. Users can upgrade memory as needed, with DDR4 RAM options for 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB. The minimum yet ultra-fast storage is 512GB of NVMe SSD with the option to expand up to 2TB, sufficient for any AI project.
2. NVIDIA Jetson Series
The Jetson series is similar to HomePortal in that it’s GPU-accelerated and suitable for Al-focused edge computing. It’s ideal for running lightweight, hybrid blockchain/AI nodes. All modules in the Jetson family use NVIDIA CUDA-X software and support orchestration and other cloud-native technologies for edge AI building, deployment, and management. Jetson users can accelerate all modern AI networks, use the same software for different applications, and easily roll out new features. The Orin™ Nano series modules deliver AI performance of up to 67 tera-operations per second (TOPS) in the tiniest form factor with power options of 7W-25W, setting the new baseline for entry-level edge AI.
The AGX Xavier series enables new levels of power efficiency, compute density, and edge AI inferencing capabilities. The Nano is a small, powerful computer for IoT and embedded AI systems, delivering modern AI capacity in a low-power platform. Jetson also boasts an active and helpful developer community.
3. Intel NUC Series
The NUC series’ modular hardware, compact size, and compute power are on par with those of HomePortal, and it’s perfect for full blockchain validators and staking nodes. The system is quiet, small, and portable, making it suitable for applications like running VMware ESXi in home labs. Depending on the model, the TDP ranges from 15 W to 125 W. Devices are equipped with high-performance processors, ample RAM, and storage options, enabling them to handle intensive computing demands. Their small form factor allows for easy integration into home environments, while features like remote management and robust security enhance their suitability for edge computing tasks. Overall, the Intel NUC Series is a cost-effective solution for individuals looking to set up their own blockchain or edge computing infrastructure.
4. Raspberry Pi 4
The compact, affordable, and energy-efficient device is suitable for light validators and hobbyist blockchain nodes. Reasons to choose this versatile Linux development board include passive cooling, optimal performance, and extensibility. The Raspberry Pi 4 features a GPIO header to connect sensors, a quad-core processor running at 1.5GHz, and the option to add an external microphone or camera easily. Edge Impulse fully supports it. You can build models, sample raw data, and deploy trained ML models right from the Studio.
5. Apple Mac Mini
The Mac Mini is powerful, energy-efficient, and compact with a household-friendly setup. Packing powerful performance in just 5×5 inches, the Mac Mini with the M4 chip features performance improvement of up to 1.8x for CPU and 2.2x for GPU compared to M1. It features front and back ports, and the M4 Pro model includes Thunderbolt 5 for faster data transfer. Mac Mini is compatible with the privacy-enhancing Apple Intelligence system. The M4 Pro supports up to 273GB/s of memory bandwidth and 64GB of unified memory for accelerating AI workloads, twice as much bandwidth as any AI PC chip. It’s perfect for validators and high-performance blockchain nodes, whereas staking does not require as much CPU as it offers. People who need staking can go with the M2 or M3.
6. Google Coral
Google Coral enables a high degree of personalisation by processing data locally. Customised models can be deployed for specific settings or needs in real-time. It’s ideal for specialised blockchain IoT tasks, particularly those involving AI-driven edge computing and ML inference. Coral’s Edge TPU offers low-power, high-performance AI processing, making it suitable for IoT devices that require real-time decision-making. The on-board Edge TPU coprocessor can perform 4 TOPS using 2 TOPS per watt. It processes AI models on-device to verify transactions, detect anomalies, and optimise resource distribution without cloud dependency. It also lowers latency for blockchain-based IoT smart contracts.
Integrating edge computing and blockchain into IoT systems
System architecture using edge AI, blockchain, and IoT contains sensor, edge, networking, and blockchain layers, as well as a cloud with terminal applications. The sensor layer consists of multiple fixed or mobile sensing devices. The edge layer can include gateways that receive data from sensors and transmit it to upper layers. Gateways are typically placed in a hallway, or a room corner, and use power from wall sockets. Users can deploy multiple gateways in homes and other monitored spaces.
The hardware in edge gateways features RAM cores in the range of 4 – 6 (1.2 – 1.5 GHz) and 4 – 8 GB RAM, so gateways can run more complex algorithms compared to edge-sensing devices. Cryptography algorithms protect data transfer without impacting latency.
The networking layer comprises gateways, routers, repeaters, and base stations and is responsible for communication service quality. The blockchain layer introduces auditability, immutability, and a trustless environment to enhance user control. A specific blockchain protocol is deployed among edge servers to handle data exchange and communication between edge nodes, and the servers are responsible for the protocol’s functions.
