Node Operator Requirements
General Requirements
All node operators must meet these baseline requirements:
1. Utility NFT Ownership
Every node operator must own a Noderr Utility NFT, which serves as:
- Access credential to the node network
- Container for TrustFingerprint score
- Governance rights holder
- Reward distribution identifier
How to Acquire: The on-chain Utility NFT is free and protocol-minted. Node operators obtain one through the Noderr dApp; the node sale offers paid setup packages by tier (see Economic Requirements below).
2. NODR Token Stake
Minimum staking requirements vary by tier:
- Micro Nodes: 0 NODR (no stake required)
- Validator Nodes: 25,000 NODR
- Guardian Nodes: 50,000 NODR
- Oracle Nodes: 150,000 NODR
3. Technical Competence
Node operators should have:
- Basic understanding of blockchain technology
- Command line proficiency
- Network troubleshooting skills
- Security best practices knowledge
Tier-Specific Requirements
Micro Nodes
Hardware:
- CPU: 2+ cores
- RAM: 4GB minimum
- Storage: 50GB SSD
- Network: 10 Mbps up/down
Software:
- Linux, macOS, or Windows
- Docker support
- Node.js 18+
Availability: 80%+ uptime recommended
Validator Nodes
Hardware:
- CPU: 4+ cores (3.0+ GHz)
- RAM: 16GB minimum
- Storage: 500GB NVMe SSD
- Network: 100 Mbps up/down
Software:
- Linux (Ubuntu 22.04 LTS recommended)
- Docker
- Node.js 18+
Availability: 95%+ uptime required
Guardian Nodes
Hardware:
- CPU: 8+ cores (3.5+ GHz)
- RAM: 32GB minimum
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
- Network: 1 Gbps up/down
Software:
- Linux (Ubuntu 22.04 LTS)
- Docker
- Kubernetes (optional but recommended)
- Monitoring tools
Availability: 99%+ uptime required
Additional:
- Application and approval process
- Security background check
- Demonstrated protocol knowledge
Oracle Nodes
Hardware:
- CPU: 16+ cores (4.0+ GHz)
- RAM: 64GB minimum
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3080 or better (for ML workloads)
- Storage: 2TB NVMe SSD
- Network: 10 Gbps up/down
Software:
- Linux (Ubuntu 22.04 LTS)
- Docker
- Kubernetes
- CUDA toolkit
- Python 3.11+
- TensorFlow/PyTorch
Availability: 99.9%+ uptime required
Additional:
- Competitive election process
- Proven track record as lower-tier node
- High TrustFingerprint score
- Technical interview
Network Requirements
Connectivity
- Static IP: Recommended for all tiers, required for Guardian and Oracle
- Port Forwarding: Ability to open required ports
- DDoS Protection: Recommended for higher tiers
- Backup Connection: Redundant internet connection for Guardian and Oracle
Security
- Firewall: Properly configured firewall
- SSH Keys: Key-based authentication only
- Updates: Regular security updates
- Monitoring: System monitoring and alerting
- Backup: Regular backup procedures
Operational Requirements
Time Commitment
- Micro Nodes: 1-2 hours/week
- Validator Nodes: 3-5 hours/week
- Guardian Nodes: 10-15 hours/week
- Oracle Nodes: 20-30 hours/week
Responsibilities
All node operators must:
- Maintain required uptime
- Apply security updates promptly
- Monitor node performance
- Respond to alerts
- Participate in network governance
- Follow protocol guidelines
Economic Requirements
Initial Investment
Estimated costs to start:
- Micro (Genesis Seed): free (no setup package) + hardware $500-1,000 (optional, can use existing device)
- Validator (Ring): $2,750 setup package + hardware $500-1,500
- Guardian (Sphere): $5,000 setup package + hardware $2,000-5,000
- Oracle (Nexus): $8,000 setup package + hardware $8,000-15,000
Node setup packages are available through the Noderr dApp; the on-chain Utility NFT itself is free and protocol-minted. Payment plans (3, 6, or 12 months) are available for paid tiers. All payments are final and non-refundable.
Operating Costs
Monthly estimated costs:
- Micro Nodes: $20-50 (electricity, internet)
- Validator Nodes: $100-200
- Guardian Nodes: $300-500
- Oracle Nodes: $800-1,500
Getting Started
Ready to become a node operator?
- Review requirements for your target tier
- Prepare hardware and network
- Acquire Utility NFT and stake NODR
- Follow the Setup Guide
- Begin earning rewards
See Also: