Run a node
Node operators run the Noderr network and will share protocol revenue. This page compares the four tiers and shows how to join.
Micro nodes earn testnet rewards today (up to 0.1 NODR per online hour). Rewards for the other tiers are not being paid yet, and operators above the Micro tier join by application. See Testnet Status.
The four tiers
- Micro. Entry tier. Runs free on an Android phone, a Windows, Mac or Linux computer, a Raspberry Pi, or in Chrome. An Android phone can also share its mobile connection.
- Validator. Validates transactions and takes part in consensus, block production and state synchronization.
- Guardian. Designed as the protocol's security council. It covers contract monitoring, threat detection, security auditing and emergency response. Today Guardians vote on strategy backtests.
- Oracle. Top tier. Designed to power the Autonomous Trading Engine (ATE) with strategy generation and validation, machine learning models and market data processing. Today one protocol keeper submits strategies.
Compare the tiers
| Micro | Validator | Guardian | Oracle | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Package name | Genesis Seed | Ring | Sphere | Nexus |
| NODR stake | 0 | 25,000 | 50,000 | 150,000 |
| Setup package | Free | $2,750 | $5,000 | $8,000 |
| Minimum TrustFingerprint | – | 0.70 | 0.80 | 0.90 |
| Share of the node pool | 10% | 30% | 30% | 30% |
| Target APY (not paid yet) | ~5–10% | ~10–15% | ~15–20% | ~20–25% |
| Uptime | 80%+ recommended | 95%+ required | 99%+ required | 99.9%+ required |
| Time per week | 1–2 hours | 3–5 hours | 10–15 hours | 20–30 hours |
| Recommended hardware | Android phone, Windows, Mac or Linux computer, or Chrome | 8 cores, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe | 16 cores, 64 GB RAM, 2 TB NVMe | 32 cores, 128 GB RAM, 24 GB+ VRAM GPU, 4 TB NVMe |
| How to join | Micro Node app or extension | Application | Application and approval | Application. Onchain elections are planned |
Target APY figures are design targets, not guarantees. Full hardware, costs and steps are on each tier page.
Rewards
Node operators will collectively receive 40% of protocol revenue. That pool is split 30/30/30/10 across Oracle, Guardian, Validator and Micro. It is a revenue share, not a fixed APY, and returns will vary with protocol revenue. Rewards are not being paid yet.
Within a tier, an operator's share will scale with:
- TrustFingerprint score, a multiplier of 0.5x to 2.0x
- Uptime
- Task completion, with bonuses for successful tasks
- Node maturity
Rewards are designed to be paid in NODR. The onchain Base-Rate Governor will pace payouts against trailing net revenue. See Rewards.
What every operator needs
- A Utility NFT. Free and minted by the protocol through the Noderr dApp. It is your access credential, holds your TrustFingerprint score and identifies you for rewards. It will carry governance rights once DAO voting is active.
- A setup package, for paid tiers. Sold through the dApp from Q2 2027, with payment plans of 3 or 6 months. All payments are final and non-refundable. Until then you can sign up for the pre-sale on noderr.xyz.
- Skills. Basic blockchain knowledge, the command line, network troubleshooting and security practice.
- Network. The ability to open required ports. A backup connection for Guardian and Oracle. DDoS protection is recommended for higher tiers.
- Security. A configured firewall, SSH keys only, regular security updates, monitoring with alerts and regular backups.
Every operator must keep the required uptime, respond to alerts and follow protocol guidelines. Operators will take part in governance once DAO voting is active. See Governance for voting weights.
To move up a tier, build your TrustFingerprint score, upgrade your hardware, increase your stake, then apply. Guardian and Oracle need an application or, once live, an election.
How to join
- Pick a tier and check its page.
- For Micro, install the Micro Node app. For other tiers, fill in the Node Operator Application.
- Once approved and paid for a tier, you receive an install token.
- Run the installer. See the Setup Guide.
- Your stake, tier and TrustFingerprint are set onchain in a governance batch with a 7-day timelock. A paid seat goes live about a week after approval.
Agent tiers are separate
AI agents climb their own ladder by TrustFingerprint score, not NODR stake. See Agent tiers.