Earn Passive Income With Your Hardware: A Guide to Becoming an Akash Provider

Do you have unused hardware? You can turn that idle server or old PC into passive income with Akash Network. Akash Network is a decentralized cloud marketplace where anyone can earn by becoming a provider. This guide will cover the basics of decentralized cloud computing, walk you through the setup process step by step, provide tools to estimate your earnings, and share tips to help you make the most profit.

What Is the Akash Network and Why Should You Care?

Akash Network is a decentralized cloud computing marketplace built on the Cosmos blockchain. Unlike traditional cloud giants like AWS or Google Cloud, Akash lets anyone with spare compute resources—whether it’s a home server, a data center, or even a powerful desktop—lease out their hardware to users who need cloud services. This peer-to-peer model slashes costs, increases privacy, and democratizes access to cloud infrastructure.

Key Features:

• Decentralized Cloud: No single company controls the network.
• Reverse Auction System: Providers bid to host workloads, driving prices down.
• Earn in AKT Tokens: Get paid in Akash’s native cryptocurrency.
• Open to All: Anyone with the right hardware can join.

How Does Passive Income Work on Akash?

When you become an Akash provider, you’re offering your hardware to a global marketplace. Users submit deployment requests, and providers like you bid to fulfill them. If your bid wins, your server runs the workload, and you get paid in AKT tokens. Payments are automatic, transparent, and can be withdrawn as often as every 10 minutes.

Why is it truly passive?

• Once set up, your node can run with minimal intervention.
• The Akash Provider Console and Praetor App automate most management tasks.
• Payments are handled by smart contracts—no chasing invoices.

Who Can Become an Akash Provider?

The beauty of Akash is its inclusivity. You don’t need a data center or enterprise-grade hardware to start. Here’s what you need:

Minimum Hardware Requirements

• Kubernetes: Your server must run Kubernetes, k3s, or MicroK8s.
• Keplr Wallet: You’ll need a funded Keplr Wallet with at least 5–50 AKT to cover deposits and fees.

Who should NOT become a provider?

• If you have unreliable power or internet.
• If you can’t secure your server from outside threats.
• If you’re not comfortable with basic server administration.

Benefits of Becoming an Akash Provider

• Earn Passive Income: Monetize hardware that would otherwise sit idle.
• Flexible Pricing: Set your own rates for CPU, RAM, storage, and bandwidth.
• Low Entry Barrier: No need for expensive mining rigs or specialized hardware.
• Eco-Friendly: Use existing resources instead of buying new ones.
• Support Decentralization: Help build a censorship-resistant, open internet.

Risks and Challenges

No opportunity is without its hurdles. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Technical Risks: Downtime, misconfiguration, or security breaches can impact your earnings.
• Market Risks: AKT token price can fluctuate, affecting your real-world income.
• Regulatory Uncertainty: Crypto regulations vary by country.
• Competition: More providers mean tighter margins.

Mitigation Tips:

• Keep your server patched and secure.
• Monitor your node’s health and uptime.
• Diversify: run multiple nodes or combine with staking.

How to Become an Akash Provider: Step-by-Step

1. Prepare Your Hardware and Network

• Ensure your server meets the hardware requirements.
• Set up a static public IP and reliable internet.
• Install Ubuntu Server or your preferred Linux distro.

2. Set Up Your Keplr Wallet and Fund It

• Download Keplr Wallet
• Buy AKT on an exchange like KuCoin, then transfer to your Keplr Wallet.
• You’ll need at least 5–50 AKT to start, depending on your setup.

3. Use the Akash Provider Console or Praetor App

The easiest way to get started is with the Akash Provider Console (formerly Praetor App). This web-based tool automates Kubernetes setup, wallet import, and provider registration.

Quick Steps:

1. Go to Praetor App or Provider Console.
2. Connect your Keplr Wallet.
3. Enter your server’s SSH credentials and public IP.
4. Let the app install Kubernetes and Akash software.
5. Set your provider domain and ingress domain (you’ll need to configure DNS).
6. Adjust your pricing and tags.
7. Click “Become Provider” and wait for the setup to finish.

4. Configure Ports and DNS

• Open required ports (80, 443, 8443, 30000–32767) on your router/firewall.
• Set up DNS records for your provider and ingress domains.

5. Monitor and Manage Your Node

• Use the Provider Console dashboard to track uptime, resource usage, and earnings.
• Respond to bids and manage leases as needed.

Calculating Akash Provider Earnings for a Home Server

Wondering how much you can actually make? Use the Akash Provider Profitability Calculator or the Praetor App Calculator to estimate your earnings based on your hardware specs and current market rates.

Example Calculation Table:

Actual earnings depend on demand, your pricing, and AKT price volatility.

Is Becoming an Akash Provider More Profitable Than Staking AKT?

This is a hot question. Staking AKT offers predictable rewards (currently around 15–20% APY), but running a provider can yield much higher returns—if your hardware is in demand and you keep your node online. Providers can see effective yields of 30–100%+ APY, especially if they optimize pricing and uptime.

Quick Comparison Table:

Providers can outperform staking, but require more setup and ongoing management.

Tips for Maximizing Your Passive Income

• Optimize Your Hardware: More RAM and CPU = more bids won.
• Set Competitive Prices: Use the Provider Calculator to benchmark.
• Maintain High Uptime: Downtime means lost income.
• Promote Your Node: Add tags, join the Akash Discord, and share your provider status.
• Scale Up: Add more servers or upgrade hardware as you grow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a Raspberry Pi or old laptop?

A: Yes, but earnings will be limited by hardware specs.

Q: How do I secure my provider node?

A: Keep your OS and Kubernetes updated, use strong passwords, and restrict SSH access.

Q: What if my node goes offline?

A: You’ll lose bids and may forfeit some earnings. High uptime is crucial.

Q: How are taxes handled?

A: Consult a tax professional. AKT earnings may be taxable in your country.

Q: Can I use renewable energy?

A: Absolutely! Many providers use solar or wind to power their nodes.

Troubleshooting Common Akash Provider Issues

Even with the best setup, issues can occur. Use this troubleshooting guide to quickly resolve common problems:

Problem: My provider is online but not receiving bids.

Solution:

• Check Pricing: Use the Akash Provider Profitability Calculator to ensure your prices are competitive. If your rates are too high compared to other providers, you may not get any bids.
• Review Attributes/Tags: Make sure your provider has set relevant attributes (e.g., location, hardware specs) and tags—these help deployments match with your node.
• Check Audits: Providers with completed audits or reputation may attract more bids. Consider participating in audits if available.
• Uptime: Keep your node consistently online; downtime affects visibility.

Problem: How do I check if my ports are open?

Solution:

• Use an online tool like canyouseeme.org to test if critical ports (80, 443, 8443, 30000–32767) are accessible from the internet.
• Double-check your router/firewall settings to confirm that port forwarding is set up correctly for these ranges.
• If you’re running behind Carrier Grade NAT (CGNAT), you may need to contact your ISP or use a VPN with port forwarding capabilities.

Problem: The Praetor/Console setup script failed.

Solution:

• Check Logs: Review terminal output for errors.
• Sudo Privileges: Ensure the user running the script has sudo access.
• Retry: Restart after fixing any errors; temporary network issues can cause failures.
• Get Help: For persistent issues, join the Akash Discord Community for support.

If these steps don’t help, see the official Akash Provider Docs or reach out on Discord for further assistance.

Conclusion: Is Becoming an Akash Provider Right for You?

If you have spare hardware, a reliable internet connection, and a bit of technical know-how, becoming an Akash provider is one of the most accessible ways to earn passive income in the decentralized cloud space. The setup is easier than ever thanks to the Praetor App and Provider Console, and the earning potential can outpace traditional staking or mining.

Ready to get started?

• Visit the Akash Provider Console or Praetor App.
• Join the Akash Discord for support.
• Use the Akash Provider Profitability Calculator to estimate your earnings.

Don’t let your hardware gather dust—put it to work and join the decentralized cloud revolution!

Resources & Further Reading

• Official Akash Provider Docs
• Praetor App Calculator
• Akash Provider Console
• Akash Provider Profitability Calculator
• Akash Discord Community
• How to Become an Akash Provider in 20 Minutes or Less

Turn your spare server into a money-making machine. Start earning passive income with your hardware as an Akash provider today!