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Operator Rewards Guide

This guide provides practical strategies for maximizing the rewards you earn as a Linkr hotspot operator. The key to earning more is simple: provide reliable, high-quality connectivity.

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Understanding Your Rewards

Before optimizing, understand what drives your rewards: These weights are approximate and may adjust based on network conditions.

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Maximizing Availability

Availability is the most important factor. A hotspot that’s offline earns nothing.

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Hardware Reliability

Choose reliable hardware:

• Use quality equipment: Consumer-grade routers are fine, but avoid the cheapest options
• Ensure adequate cooling: Routers in enclosed spaces can overheat and restart
• Use a UPS: A small uninterruptible power supply prevents outages during brief power interruptions

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Network Stability

Ensure your internet connection is stable:

• Wired backhaul: If possible, use a wired connection to your ISP modem, not Wi-Fi bridging
• Monitor your ISP: Track your upstream connection’s reliability
• Have a backup: Consider a cellular failover if your primary connection is unreliable

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Software Updates

Keep your equipment updated:

• Enable automatic firmware updates on your router
• Monitor for Linkr app updates that may improve connectivity
• Restart your router periodically (weekly is a good cadence)

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Uptime Monitoring

Track your availability:

1. Check your dashboard daily for the first few weeks
2. Set up notifications for offline events
3. Investigate any unexplained downtime promptly

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Improving Performance

Higher performance means higher rewards. Focus on these areas:

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Optimize Placement

Router placement significantly affects performance:

• Central location: Position the router centrally relative to the coverage area you want to serve
• Elevated position: Higher placement generally means better coverage
• Avoid obstacles: Keep the router away from thick walls, metal objects, and appliances
• Minimize interference: Stay away from other 2.4 GHz devices (microwaves, baby monitors)

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Channel Selection

Wireless interference degrades performance:

• Use 5 GHz when possible: Less crowded than 2.4 GHz
• Scan for interference: Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to find the least congested channels
• Consider DFS channels: If your router supports them, DFS channels (52-144) are often less crowded

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Bandwidth Allocation

Balance your personal usage with Linkr traffic:

• Set reasonable limits: Don’t starve the Linkr network, but protect your own usage
• Use QoS: Quality of Service settings can prioritize or limit Linkr traffic
• Monitor usage: Adjust limits based on actual demand

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Hardware Upgrades

If you’re hitting performance limits:

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Increasing Utilization

A hotspot in a high-demand area earns more than one that nobody uses.

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Location Matters

Consider where people need connectivity:

• High foot traffic: Near public transit, parks, busy streets
• Coverage gaps: Areas without good cellular or Wi-Fi coverage
• Gathering spots: Cafes, co-working spaces, community centers

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Operating Hours

Match your availability to demand:

• 24/7 is ideal: Challenges can come at any time
• Consistent hours: If you can’t run 24/7, be consistent
• Peak hours: Ensure you’re online during high-demand periods (mornings, evenings)

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Signal Reach

Extend your coverage to reach more users:

• Outdoor placement: An outdoor-rated access point reaches more people
• Window placement: Even indoor routers near windows provide some outdoor coverage
• Multiple access points: Consider additional APs for larger coverage areas

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Monitoring and Maintenance

Regular monitoring catches problems before they affect your rewards.

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Daily Checks

• Glance at your dashboard to confirm online status
• Check for any alerts or notifications
• Review connection counts to ensure users can connect

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Weekly Tasks

• Review performance trends
• Check for firmware updates
• Clear router logs if they’re filling up
• Restart your router if you haven’t recently

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Monthly Review

• Analyze your rewards breakdown
• Compare performance to previous months
• Identify any patterns in downtime or issues
• Consider hardware or placement changes if performance is lagging

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

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Rewards Dashboard

Your dashboard provides all the data you need:

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Overview Tab

• Current period earnings
• Availability percentage
• Performance tier
• Trend indicators

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Details Tab

• Hour-by-hour availability
• Challenge success rate
• Performance metrics over time
• Connection logs

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History Tab

• Past rewards by period
• Lifetime earnings
• Historical trends

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Troubleshooting Low Rewards

If your rewards are lower than expected:

1. Check availability first: This is almost always the issue
2. Review challenge logs: Look for failed challenges
3. Test your connection: Run speed tests from a connected device
4. Check for interference: Use a Wi-Fi analyzer
5. Contact support: If you’ve ruled out obvious causes

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Advanced Optimization

For operators who want to push performance further:

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Dedicated Hardware

Consider enterprise-grade equipment:

• Commercial access points (Ubiquiti, Aruba, Ruckus)
• Managed switches for better network control
• Dedicated internet connection for Linkr traffic

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Multiple Hotspots

Scale your operation:

• Register multiple hotspots at different locations
• Spread geographic coverage for utilization bonus
• Use centralized monitoring for all your hotspots

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API Integration

Automate your monitoring:

• Use the API to pull performance data
• Set up custom alerts for issues
• Build dashboards that aggregate data across hotspots

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Next Steps