# Uplink

Everything you need to know about registering a router, mapping Wi-Fi, earning rewards, and joining the Uplink ecosystem.

## Welcome to the Uplink Docs. 

*Last updated: March 2026 | Phase 2 in progress — see* [*Litepaper Roadmap*](https://litepaper.uplink.xyz/litepaper/roadmap-phases) *for details.*

<div align="center" data-full-width="true"><figure><img src="/files/0kgjYFhzhddDHOHrBi6Z" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### **Expand Connectivity. Earn Rewards. Join the Future of Internet Access.**

Uplink is the world’s first **decentralized connectivity ecosystem**, enabling anyone to **expand global internet access using their existing Wi-Fi routers**. By joining the Uplink network, you can **earn rewards for your unused router bandwidth** while helping to build a **more connected and accessible internet**. Whether you're an individual, a business, or a community looking to deploy connectivity infrastructure, Uplink provides an easy, scalable way to contribute.

{% content-ref url="/pages/InubIKieWMzvabgnHR78" %}
[Get Started](/get-started)
{% endcontent-ref %}

Getting started is **simple and free** — it takes just **two minutes** to register your router. This documentation will guide you through every aspect of the Uplink ecosystem, from **setting up your account** to **registering routers** and **monitoring network performance**.&#x20;

Uplink's core platforms:

📲 [**Uplink App**](/get-started/uplink-app) **(Mobile):** Register routers, map network coverage future feature), scan for quality of service (future feature), and access free internet (coming soon!).\
🌎 [**Explorer**](/get-started/explorer) **(Web):** Check network coverage, explore surge areas, and plan router deployments.\
💻 [**Portal**](/get-started/portal) **(Web):** Track earnings (Phase 1 only), and manage all of your routers.&#x20;

To get started: **Download the Uplink App** -> **Create an account** -> R**egister your router ->** Send friends to Uplink to help grow the network! The Uplink Network continues to evolve across our products, platform and future **ULX Token** integration.

📖 Continue exploring the Uplink Docs to unlock the full potential of the Uplink ecosystem and start earning when the network goes live! 🚀


# Summary

## Expanding internet access - everywhere.  &#x20;

**Uplink** is the **world’s first** decentralized connectivity ecosystem for existing and new internet infrastructure, expanding internet access everywhere. The Uplink platform allows anyone to use Wi-Fi routers they already own to tap into the Uplink decentralized connectivity ecosystem, provide connectivity, and earn rewards. If you own a wireless router, you're ready to join Uplink!

> ## Earn rewards for your unused router bandwidth and connect seamlessly to the Uplink Network for free Wi-Fi.&#x20;

\
The Uplink Platform is free to use and easy to access. It takes only **two** **minutes** to join and **register your router.** These docs will walk you through every aspect of the Uplink ecosystem.&#x20;

Uplink's tech stack allows anyone to easily provide connectivity and deploy different types of infrastructure worldwide to connect to the Uplink Network. It is a simple solution for people, businesses, and communities to support and deploy connectivity infrastructure where it's needed.

### Up Next: [Official Links](/uplink/official-links)


# Official Links

This page consists of all of the official Uplink links where you can learn more about how to contribute and be part of the Uplink ecosystem. For more information join the Uplink Discord sever.

To participate in the Uplink ecosystem, first <mark style="background-color:blue;">c</mark><mark style="background-color:blue;">reate an account</mark> on the Uplink App, Explorer, or Portal -> then <mark style="background-color:blue;">r</mark><mark style="background-color:blue;">egister</mark> your router using the Uplink App.&#x20;

### <mark style="background-color:blue;">Main</mark>&#x20;

**Website:** [uplink.xyz](https://uplink.xyz/)&#x20;

**Uplink App (iOS)**: <https://apps.apple.com/app/id6739225811>

**Uplink App (Android)**: <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.uplink.uplink>

**Explorer (Coverage Map):** [explorer.uplink.xyz](https://explorer.uplink.xyz/)

**Portal (Points & Referrals - View Only)**: [portal.uplink.xyz](https://portal.uplink.xyz/)

**Litepaper:** [litepaper.uplink.xyz](https://litepaper.uplink.xyz/)

**Docs**: [docs.uplink.xyz](https://docs.uplink.xyz/)

### <mark style="background-color:blue;">Socials</mark>

**Discord:** [discord.gg/uplink](https://discord.gg/uplink)&#x20;

**X:** [x.com/uplink\_xyz ](https://docs.uplink.xyz/uplink/www.x.com/uplink_xyz)

**LinkedIn:** [linkedin.com/company/uplink-xyz](https://www.linkedin.com/company/uplink-xyz)&#x20;

**YouTube:** [youtube.com/@Uplink-xyz](https://www.youtube.com/@Uplink-xyz)

### <mark style="background-color:blue;">Other</mark>

**Linktree:** [linktr.ee/uplink.xyz](https://linktr.ee/uplink.xyz)&#x20;

**AMA Transcripts:** [uplink-community.gitbook.io/](https://uplink-community.gitbook.io/)&#x20;

**Media Kit:** [field-carol-bb2.notion.site/Media-Kit-Uplink-abce38a62038459eb14751e1b1c41d75](https://field-carol-bb2.notion.site/Media-Kit-Uplink-abce38a62038459eb14751e1b1c41d75) 

### Up Next: [FAQ](/uplink/faq)

<br>


# FAQ

This page is to help you through any troubleshooting or questions you might have on the Uplink App and other platforms. Contact our team and community on the Uplink Discord for further questions.

## Uplink App: Quick Fixes

<details>

<summary>Why are my Wi-Fi networks (routers) not visible for registration? </summary>

<mark style="color:blue;">In the vast majority of cases, completing one or all of the following steps will solve this issue:</mark>&#x20;

* <mark style="color:blue;">**Enabling "always active" location services for the app.**</mark> <mark style="color:blue;"></mark><mark style="color:blue;">The app requires that location services be set to</mark> <mark style="color:blue;"></mark><mark style="color:blue;">**always active**</mark> <mark style="color:blue;"></mark><mark style="color:blue;">in order to verify the location of the router.</mark>
* <mark style="color:blue;">**Connecting to the Wi-Fi network.**</mark> <mark style="color:blue;"></mark><mark style="color:blue;">You must be connected to the network in order to register it.</mark>&#x20;
* <mark style="color:blue;">**Disabling your VPN.**</mark> <mark style="color:blue;"></mark><mark style="color:blue;">In some (but not all) cases, having a VPN active will prevent the app from listing the router. Routers which have already been registered will not appear on the list. If you're attempting to register a public router but are unable to see it on the app, that may be because another community member has registered it already. Please note that you must refresh the page after enabling location services and/or connecting to a Wi-Fi network in order for the changes to reflect on the app. You can refresh the page by either pulling down on the app window or switching between tabs on the app. If this does not work, please try closing and reopening the app.</mark>&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>I just registered a network. Now I've connected to a different Wi-Fi network, but it isn't appearing! What should I do? </summary>

<mark style="color:blue;">**If you've connected to a new Wi-Fi network, make sure to refresh the app in order for that network to become visible.**</mark>&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>Will I receive points for registering a network? </summary>

#### <mark style="color:blue;">The points program was part of Phase 1; participants during this phase earned points for registering routers. Phase 2 is focused on enterprise demand-matching and preparing for testnet and TGE. The community can still earn NFTs and rewards for various social activities in the meantime. Follow us on Discord and X for more info.</mark> &#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>Why can't I log into the app? </summary>

<mark style="color:blue;">**Please open a ticket in ⁠the Uplink Discord server. If you do not have Discord, you can also email <hi@uplink.xyz>, keep in mind that our team is more active on Discord and it's where you can open support tickets for your specific issue.**</mark>&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I still register a router on the Uplink App? </summary>

<mark style="color:blue;">**Yes - you can always register a router on the Uplink App! Registering routers helps our team better understand the types of hardware used by those interested in joining the network, allowing us to easily create the tools or solutions needed to transition the community from a registered router to a verified router (empowering you to earn $ULX on the Uplink Network for your contributions when the network is live).**</mark>

</details>

## **Frequently Asked Questions**

<details>

<summary><strong>What's the difference between a Registered and a Verified router?</strong></summary>

<mark style="color:blue;">**Registered routers are community routers that have validated their Wi-Fi connection via the Uplink App. Verified routers, today, are part of the OpenRoaming network (you can read more about OpenRoaming**</mark> [**here**](https://www.uplink.xyz/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-openroaming)<mark style="color:blue;">**). We'll release information at a later date about how community members can upgrade their Registered routers to Verified routers.**</mark>

</details>

<details>

<summary> <strong>Is there a limit to how many routers I can register on one account?</strong></summary>

<mark style="color:blue;">You may register as many routers on a single account as you'd like! You can easily register any number via</mark> [Uplink App](/get-started/uplink-app)<mark style="color:blue;">.</mark>

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>How is my data protected?</strong></summary>

<mark style="color:blue;">Your routers, your data, you're in control. The Uplink platform has conducted over 18 months of extensive cybersecurity due diligence with our Fortune 500 partners, ensuring the highest level of security for not only our community but future enterprise partners as well.</mark>

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>How can I participate in the Uplink community? Are there activities?</strong> </summary>

<mark style="color:blue;">**Anyone can participate in the Uplink Community! Asides from our core platform and registering routers, you can visit our X or Discord. We regularly post updates, contests and various other activities.**</mark>&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Do I need a Verified Router to Participate in the Uplink Network?</strong> </summary>

<mark style="color:blue;">**NO - you can participate in our community and access the features of our verified routers and Uplink Network (free internet, etc) by downloading the Uplink App and connecting to Wi-Fi, mapping (future feature), scanning (future feature), and participating in the upcoming testnet and TGE. You do not need to have Verified Router to participate. You will need a Verified Router, however, in order to earn $ULX for your contributions to the network. Information regarding this process for community Registered Routers will be shared at a later phase.**</mark>&#x20;

</details>

### **Points & Referrals (Phase 1 -> Phase 2)**

<details>

<summary>What does Phase 2 mean? What's actually happening to Phase 1? </summary>

<mark style="color:blue;">**Phase 1 of development is complete. As we move into Phase 2, we’ll be concluding the points and referrals program in order to reallocate resources to enterprise-demand matching, verified networks, and testnet. The ability to earn rewards by executing network tasks will be reintroduced in a different form in a later phase (this has always been part of the roadmap).**</mark>&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>What happens to my points? </summary>

<mark style="color:blue;">**They’ll be stored securely in both a snapshot and the Uplink backend. You’ll be able to view your total points through the Uplink App. These points will be used in a tiered system later on, prior to TGE.**</mark>&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>When exactly does the points program (Phase 1) end? </summary>

<mark style="color:blue;">**Phase 1 will conclude on the 12th of March. The community should anticipate some downtime during the transition in order to execute the transfer of frontend operations and fully push out development updates across all of our platforms.**</mark>

</details>

<details>

<summary>Do referral points still count?</summary>

<mark style="color:blue;">**As long as they were verified – that is, the referred user registered at least one router – then they’ll stay in your points total at the end of Phase 1! Pending, unverified referrals will no longer have the opportunity to earn points past the Phase 2 start date (March 12).**</mark>&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I still use my referral link? </summary>

<mark style="color:blue;">**Referral links will be phased out following the completion of Phase 1. You can still, however, refer your friends and network of friends to the Uplink App and platform to help grow the network! We do plan on revamping this program into our enterprise phase and rewarding the community for building tools and solutions for the network (stay tuned for this in a later phase).**</mark>

</details>

<details>

<summary>Do you still intend to reward community contributors at TGE?</summary>

<mark style="color:blue;">**Yes, absolutely! That has not changed and will never change. Other forms of contribution such as serving as moderator or ambassador will also be rewarded, as we have always intended. Uplink Points will convert into a tiered system prior to TGE (more details to be discussed at a later date).**</mark>&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>Why is the program concluding?</summary>

<mark style="color:blue;">**Phase 1 was intended to bootstrap supply (Pre-Registered and Registered routers) as we were working towards Phase 2. Thanks to the community, it was a massive success! As we enter Phase 2, we’re reallocating production resources toward enterprise-demand matching, verified routers, and testnet.**</mark>

</details>

<details>

<summary>What replaces the points program? Will this program ever return in a future phase?</summary>

<mark style="color:blue;">**The Uplink Points program was a temporary mechanism and simulation of rewards for contributions to the network (Registered routers and referrals) prior to the network going live. It was a necessary first step towards $ULX integration and TGE which will reward network activities and contributions.**</mark>&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>Will routers still earn daily rewards after this?</summary>

<mark style="color:blue;">**All points earnings will conclude on March 12th.**</mark>&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>Will fake or abusive accounts be filtered out?</summary>

<mark style="color:blue;">**Yes - we’ll be making use of this time and reallocated resources to filter out any and all fake routers that may have made it onto the platform and earned points. All points associated with such routers will be removed, and we will transparently update the community on the process and parameters prior to TGE. An amended leaderboard that reflects these changes will also be released prior to TGE.**</mark> &#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>Is there anything I need to do before the transition?</summary>

<mark style="color:blue;">**Nope! No action is necessary at this time. Your points will be saved both on a snapshot and in the system itself. You’ll always be able to view your points on the Uplink App and Portal. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our team on the Uplink Discord server.**</mark>&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>Is this change a positive milestone or a problem for the project?</summary>

<mark style="color:blue;">**It’s a positive milestone! Thanks to the community, Phase 1 was a major success with over 6 million registered routers worldwide. The points and referrals program lasted longer than expected due to additional feature requests from our enterprise partners extending the development cycle. For that reason, we decided to continue rewarding the community with points for over a year! With all our milestones achieved during Phase 1 and increased enterprise demand of our platform, the conclusion of the program is a necessary step to reallocate production resources and focus primarily on our key product (enterprise-demand matching, verified routers, testnet).**</mark>&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>Will the points dashboard remain accessible after the program ends?</summary>

<mark style="color:blue;">**Yes! Activities allowing you to earn points will no longer be available, but your points earnings will always remain accessible.**</mark>&#x20;

</details>

#### What should I do if my question isn't answered here? Where can I ask for help?

If your question is not answered here, the easiest way to contact our team is to join the [Uplink Discord](https://www.discord.gg/uplink) server and visit the [#support-questions](https://discord.com/channels/1149410572266381424/1289347714043351112) channel to see if the Uplinker community can assist you.&#x20;

If your request still isn't solvable within our community, then please open a private [support ticket](https://discord.com/channels/1149410572266381424/1231839075686940683) in the Discord and a member of the Uplink team will be there to assist you shortly.&#x20;

If you choose not to join our Discord server, you can always email us at <hi@uplink.xyz> keeping in mind that we have many inquiries (not only support) sent to this address therefore response time is slower. We do try to get back to everyone's issues as quickly as possible while also building a decentralized connectivity marketplace the world deserves.&#x20;

#### Up Next: [Get Started](/get-started)


# Get Started

The Uplink platform is official out of beta! This fully launched platform is a deep integration between the mobile applications (iOs & Android), and web-based platforms (Explorer and Portal).

To get started, <mark style="background-color:blue;">c</mark><mark style="background-color:blue;">reate an account</mark> on any platform (you'll have access to all platforms), then <mark style="background-color:blue;">r</mark><mark style="background-color:blue;">egister</mark> your router using the Uplink App.

> **Which phase is Uplink in now?**&#x20;
>
> Uplink is currently in Phase 2. The points-based reward system from Phase 1 has wrapped up. Network activation, enterprise-demand matching and on-chain earnings are coming with the testnet launch. Register your routers now so you’re ready to convert them to Verified routers, able to earn by providing connectivity when the network goes live. \[See the [Litepaper roadmap](https://litepaper.uplink.xyz/litepaper/roadmap-phases) →]

## The Uplink Platform

{% content-ref url="/pages/20KtPnueP13j7U33LoYj" %}
[Uplink App](/get-started/uplink-app)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/NxUrejSUZPsiqajbn5tz" %}
[Explorer](/get-started/explorer)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/3LdJMOTiCbPXxY4pjLOq" %}
[Portal](/get-started/portal)
{% endcontent-ref %}

📲 [Uplink App](/get-started/uplink-app) (mobile) - Register routers, map coverage (future feature), scan for QoS (future feature), access free internet (soon!), and more.

🌎 [Explorer](/get-started/explorer) (web) - Plan router deployments (future feature), check network coverage, and explore Surge areas.

💻 [Portal](/get-started/portal) (web)- Manage routers and view total earnings.

#### Up Next: [Uplink App](/get-started/uplink-app)


# Uplink App

Download the Uplink App, register your existing (or new) routers, become part of the Uplink ecosystem!

<div data-full-width="true"><figure><img src="https://media3.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExazRjZDlld21icmN5OW4ydzczczR5M2xoa2Z5dDhsMHZ0Z2J5NHBwaCZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/KkeAVlWL84zemyL5nt/giphy.gif" alt=""><figcaption><p>Uplink App - iOs and Android</p></figcaption></figure></div>

The **Uplink App** is where you'll create an account, register routers and access all Uplink features. It is the central hub for all on-chain activities going live with testnet, mainnet, and TGE activations.

**Android**: <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.uplink.uplink>

**Apple**: <https://apps.apple.com/app/id6739225811>

***

## Demo:&#x20;

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQ5tkVTve5Y>" %}

*\*Note: points earnings only available during Phase 1.*&#x20;

***

## Instructions:

### <mark style="background-color:blue;">Step 1: Download/Install the Uplink App.</mark>

Android: <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.uplink.uplink>

Apple: <https://apps.apple.com/app/id6739225811>

### <mark style="background-color:blue;">Step 2: Create/Login to your Uplink account.</mark>

Login with your existing Uplink credentials or register as a new user.

### <mark style="background-color:blue;">Step 3: Register your Router(s) on Uplink.</mark>

Connect to your Wi-Fi, see your router's name on the homescreen, click <mark style="background-color:blue;">"Register"</mark> and follow the steps to register your router. *You can complete this process with as many routers as you have access to.*&#x20;

***

## App Features

### <mark style="color:blue;">LIVE Surge Events</mark>

Check the main Dashboard for LIVE surge events.&#x20;

> **Phase 1 Note**: The Referral & Points Program was part of Uplink's early community growth phase and has wrapped up. All points earned during this period are recorded and are always accessible through your account. Watch the Roadmap for Phase 2 details. \[View [Litepaper roadmap](https://litepaper.uplink.xyz/litepaper/roadmap-phases) →]

### <mark style="color:blue;">Interactive Explorer</mark>

View all coverage and Surge locations globally from within the app. Watch the network grow and find areas where the community can still map router connections.

### <mark style="color:blue;">Networks</mark>

Manage all your registered routers — view last-connected times and general router info, and delete routers if needed.

> **Note**: Deleting a router permanently removes it and all associated points earned during Phase 1 from the platform. You can re-register the network at any time, but no points will be earned for doing so.

### <mark style="color:blue;">My Account</mark>&#x20;

This where you can access the general settings of your account. It consists of the following information:

* **Profile information** - this allows you to edit your name and country. Nickname, email, and avatar updates will be available at a later date.&#x20;
* **Terms of Service** & **Privacy Policy**
* **Delete Account** & **Logout**&#x20;

***

## Upcoming Features

### <mark style="color:blue;">Free Internet Access - Worldwide</mark>&#x20;

Seamlessly connect to the Uplink App and connect to any verified router within the Uplink Network. No more finding Wi-Fi, no more passwords.&#x20;

\[Coming soon!]&#x20;

### <mark style="color:blue;">Scanning</mark>&#x20;

Understand your Wi-Fi's reach, identify coverage gaps, and evaluate your router's quality of service (QoS).

\[Future feature]

### <mark style="color:blue;">Mapping</mark>&#x20;

Add more routers to the Uplink Explorer. 3M+ access points are waiting to be mapped - help us map and grow the Uplink ecosystem.

\[Future feature]

### Up Next: [Explorer](/get-started/explorer)


# Explorer

The Uplink Explorer consists of the Coverage Map, Surge, and more.

The Uplink Explorer is your window into the Uplink Network, a live coverage map showing all registered routers, Surge zones, and network density across the globe.

***

## Demo

Video Tutorial: Explorer

*\[Updated Demo coming soon]*

***

## Instructions

### <mark style="background-color:blue;">Step 1: Create/Login to your Uplink account.</mark>&#x20;

Click on the <mark style="background-color:blue;">“</mark><mark style="background-color:blue;">**Plan your coverage**</mark><mark style="background-color:blue;">”</mark> button on the left-hand side of the screen or “<mark style="background-color:blue;">**Login**</mark>” and “<mark style="background-color:blue;">**Register**</mark>” in the upper right-hand corner.

You can register under your email address or using your Google account. After completing that step, you'll need to verify your email.

### <mark style="background-color:blue;">Step 2: Plan Your Coverage on Uplink.</mark>

Click on the “<mark style="background-color:blue;">**Plan your coverage**</mark>” to add your router to the “pre-registered router” part of the coverage map and fill in your router's details. Required fields (\*): Router name, type of venue, indoor/outdoor. Click “<mark style="background-color:blue;">**Next**</mark>” once you’ve completed the form.

Enabling sharing of your device’s location is the quickest way to find your router's exact location (longitude/latitude).&#x20;

Other options: You can enter an address or drag your pin’s location to the correct location on the map. Please ensure you’ve entered the correct location of your routers! With the Uplink App, you can then register your router’s location to earn daily points.

*Any router that is located incorrectly will eventually be deleted from the map, along with any Uplink points associated with its pre-registration.*&#x20;

Once submitted, click “<mark style="background-color:blue;">**Register**</mark>” and you’re all set!&#x20;

<img src="/files/pAClqqYOa7zZRNM9lGD9" alt="" data-size="original">

> **Note**: Routers placed at incorrect locations will eventually be removed from the map. Always verify your pin placement.

What’s next? Head over to the [Portal](/get-started/portal) or [Uplink App](/get-started/uplink-app) to register your router, enjoy free internet access on all Uplink verified networks (coming soon!) and tell your friends about the Uplink ecosystem!

### Up Next: [Portal](/get-started/portal)


# Portal

The [Uplink Portal](https://portal.uplink.xyz) is your router networks and earnings hub — track contributions (future feature), manage your Wi-Fi networks, and monitor all activity across the ecosystem.

***

## Demo

*\[Demo video coming soon!]*

***

## Platform Features

### <mark style="color:blue;">Dashboard</mark>&#x20;

View your total points earned.

### <mark style="color:blue;">Networks</mark>

View all Registered and Verified router details.

### <mark style="color:blue;">Surge</mark>

View all active surge areas where you can earn more for deployments and router activities of verified networks.

### Up Next: [Uplink Points](/uplink-points-concluded)


# Uplink Points \[concluded]

## Points program concluded.&#x20;

> **Phase 1 Note**: This program has officially wrapped up. Thank you to all who participated! The Uplink Points Program was a cornerstone of Phase 1. Every point earned, every router registered, and every referral made helped lay the foundation of the Uplink network. This program is now complete as Uplink moves into Phase 2. All points are recorded and accessible from your account via the App or Portal. Check out the roadmap for what's next. \[view Phase 2 on the [Litepaper roadmap](https://litepaper.uplink.xyz/litepaper/roadmap-phases) →]

During Phase 1, we gamified connectivity to reward the community members who built the foundation of the Uplink platform and network. The results speak for themselves: **6 Million registered routers**, hundreds of thousands of participants, and a truly global network footprint completely driven by this community.

The points and referrals program is now complete. What you built during this phase is the foundation that Phase 2 will use to leap upwards and onwards.

### Up Next: [Referral Program](/referral-program-concluded)


# Referral Program \[concluded]

> **Note**: This program has wrapped up. The referral program was built exclusively for our early adopter community during Phase 1. It played a defining role in growing the Uplink network to where it stands today. All earned points are recorded and accessible on your account. Future development for referrals will be updated in a later phase. \[see Phase 2 on the [Litepaper roadmap](https://litepaper.uplink.xyz/litepaper/roadmap-phases) →]

**Referring friends and businesses** to Registered routers for points has concluded. The referral rrogram rewarded early adopters for bringing others onto the platform during Uplink's foundational phases. Referrals will be revamped in future programs for enterprises and builders (helping us build tools and solutions for the network) in a later phase.&#x20;

### Up Next: [Networks](/networks)


# Networks

Everything you need to know about connecting and managing your routers on the Uplink platform.

## **Your Routers, Your Network.**

At Uplink, **you always own and control your routers and data.**

When you connect a router to Uplink, you're simply:\
✅ **Connecting your phone to your own Wi-Fi network** (if it isn’t already)\
✅ **Validating that your network is online**

### **What Does "Validating My Network" Mean?**

Validation is just a **simple check** to confirm that your phone is connected to the internet. **Uplink will never access your data or control your router.**

### **Router Info Collected During&#x20;**<mark style="background-color:blue;">**Router Registration**</mark>**:**

During the r**outer registration** process, we automatically collect **basic network details** to ensure a smooth onboarding process once the Uplink network is live. This is managed by you (a router can be deleted at any time) on the Uplink Platform.

**The following info is what we collect and why:**

<table><thead><tr><th width="153">Name</th><th>Description &#x26; Use</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Wi-Fi SSID</strong></td><td>The name of your Wi-Fi network. It's what you see when you select a network to connect to and register.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Mac Address</strong></td><td>This helps to confirm that your router is real and can be used when the Uplink network goes live. </td></tr><tr><td><strong>Manufacturer</strong></td><td>The company that produced your router. This helps us determine the demographics of routers on the network.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Model</strong></td><td>This helps us determine the necessary software for your specific router and allows us to prioritize solutions that matter most to our community. </td></tr><tr><td><strong>Location</strong></td><td>This (a specific longitude/latitude) shows us where you intend to provide connectivity when the network is live. </td></tr><tr><td><strong>Venue Info</strong></td><td>Coverage (indoor/outdoor) and type (residential, commercial, hospital, public, etc.). This helps us understand your area and determine if it's an area of high traffic or interest.</td></tr></tbody></table>

**Your hardware, your data, your rewards.** 🚀

### Up Next: [Surge](/surge)


# Surge

Understanding Surge and how to participate.

Surge events are **limited-time** opportunities for community members to earn more by registering, deploying, and connecting routers in designated Surge areas.&#x20;

Even if you don't live in a Surge area, you can still benefit during active program periods by referring others who have routers in those areas. More information on how to refer other routers will be shared at a later date.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/HoIePcvzVyTIKQnnotRI" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Why Surge?&#x20;

Once the Uplink network is fully live (Phase 2+), Surge events will be driven by real-world connectivity demand from enterprises, partners, and organizations, directing router deployments to high-demand areas. Community members who deploy routers in Surge areas will receive financial incentives funded by the enterprises requiring that connectivity.

We’ll be launching Surge events **progressively across the world**, so stay tuned by following Uplink on **X,** keeping an eye on announcements on our **Discord server,** and enabling **push notifications** in the **Uplink App.**

### **Surge Today**

> **Phase 1 Note**: Surge was active during Phase 1 as a simulation in preparation for the live network. Early adopters participating in that phase were the first to shape how demand-driven connectivity works on Uplink. Phase 2 will bring real enterprise demand to Surge locations. \[See the [Litepaper roadmap](https://litepaper.uplink.xyz/litepaper/roadmap-phases) →]

You can access Surge through the [Uplink App](/get-started/uplink-app) and [Explorer](https://docs.uplink.xyz/www.explorer.uplink.xyz).&#x20;

### Up Next: [Terms](/terms)


# Terms

A guide to Uplink's terminology and ecosystem roles.

To participate in the Uplink ecosystem, all you need is a Wi-Fi router.

During early Phase 1 (our beta), Uplinkers were given the opportunity to earn points for router pre-registration by creating an account on the Explorer and pre-registering routers. This helped us understand where the community could provide connectivity and to build the network's geographic foundation.

Today, you can validate your router's connection by downloading the Uplink App and connecting to your Wi-Fi — we call this router registration. Uplink never compromises your router's privacy or security. You are always in full control. Registering your router helps our team understand exact info on your router so we can more easily convert your Registered routers to Verified routers — meaning real on-chain earnings, real supply-demand connection, and full access to the network once it's live!

## <mark style="color:blue;">Uplink Platform Terms</mark>&#x20;

<table><thead><tr><th width="223">Terms</th><th>Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Verified Routers</strong></td><td>Routers which are currently tapped into the Uplink Network via WBA OpenRoaming; Uplink is an IDP and ANP provider (learn more <a href="https://www.uplink.xyz/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-openroaming">here</a>). This number will grow as additional verified routers are added to the network and as the solutions and tools are developed by the Uplink team and developer community. </td></tr><tr><td><strong>Pre-Registered Routers</strong></td><td>Routers pre-registered by community members worldwide on the Explorer during our beta (Phase 1) launch. The Uplink App allows community members to convert these into registered routers simply by downloading the app, connecting to Wi-Fi and registering.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Registered Routers</strong></td><td>Routers registered via the Uplink App. Registering a router determines viability for your router to immediately become part of the network once it goes live. It also assists us in developing the tools and solutions needed to convert any type of router into a Verified router. </td></tr><tr><td><strong>Surge</strong></td><td>Designated areas on the Coverage Map where connectivity is immediately needed. Surge events will last for a limited time and will highlight areas where connectivity is needed and participants can earn more. </td></tr><tr><td><strong>Mapping</strong> </td><td><p>[coming soon! - Uplink App V2]  </p><p>Functionality to earn by mapping the three million verified Uplink routers (via OpenRoaming) waiting to be mapped!</p></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Scanning</strong></td><td><p>[coming soon! - Uplink App V2] </p><p>Earn for contributing to Uplink by identifying coverage gaps and verifying the QoS of your Wi-Fi’s connection.</p></td></tr></tbody></table>

## <mark style="color:blue;">Uplink Ecosystem Roles</mark>

| Terms          | Description                                                                                                                                                                              |
| -------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Consumers**  | The "demand" side of Uplink from individuals and institutions. They purchase connectivity services within the Uplink ecosystem.                                                          |
| **Providers**  | The "supply" side of Uplink. Uplinkers deploy connectivity infrastructure to provide connectivity to consumers and are rewarded for those services within the platform.                  |
| **Verifiers**  | Verifies if deployments are active by checking whether the deployments provide the promised connectivity services, verifying QoS, and generating proof of density and proof of liveness. |
| **Validators** | Run computers that participate in the verification of proofs and the blockchain consensus protocols, turning connectivity devices (routers) into nodes.                                  |
| **Holders**    | Those who purchase and stake ULX tokens in return for participating in governance on strategic problem solving.                                                                          |
| **Alliances**  | Our partners who support the Uplink network needs in various ways, such as industry standards, adoption, and innovation.                                                                 |

You've reached the end of the Uplink Docs. Need more info? Check out our website (uplink.xyz), X, Discord server and the [Uplink Litepaper](https://litepaper.uplink.xyz/). Our team will regularly be updating these Docs and notifying the community of any changes.&#x20;

<mark style="color:$primary;">**Stay connected.**</mark>&#x20;

*-The Uplink Team*