How to Run a Node
Run the network. Earn ERGON. No coding required.
Quick start
[To run a node on testnet]:
# 1. Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/Ergentum/ergentum-protocol.git
cd ergentum-protocol
# 2. Run the setup script
python3 ergentum/scripts/setup_node.py
# 3. Follow the prompts
The script will install dependencies, generate your keys, and register your node on-chain.
Hardware requirements
| Tier | Requirements | Example | Monthly Earnings Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (1.0x) | 4 CPU, 8GB RAM, no GPU | 20 EUR/mo VPS | 100-300 ERGON |
| Standard (1.3x) | 8 CPU, 16GB RAM, 6GB GPU | RTX 3060 | 400-800 ERGON |
| Professional (2.0x) | 16 CPU, 32GB RAM, 24GB GPU | RTX 4090 | 1,000-2,000 ERGON |
| Sovereign (4.0x) | 32+ CPU, 64GB+ RAM, multi-GPU | 2x RTX 4090 | 2,500-5,000 ERGON |
💡 Not sure what this means?
CPU cores → the “brain” of your computer. Any modern laptop or desktop bought after 2018 has at least 4 cores. How to check on Windows: Settings → System → About How to check on Mac: Apple menu → About This Mac
RAM → your computer’s short-term memory. 8GB is standard in most laptops today. How to check on Windows: Settings → System → About → Installed RAM
GPU → the graphics card. This is what runs the AI models locally. Gaming PCs usually have one. If you don’t have a GPU, start with Light tier using a cloud VPS from €20/month — no GPU needed.
Not sure what tier you qualify for? Ask in our community → t.me/ErgentumAI
How node rewards work
As a node operator, you earn from processing transactions — not from the service value itself.
Here is what happens when a user pays 100 ERGON for a service:
User pays: 100 ERGON
│
├── 99.80 ERGON → Bot creator
│ (payment for the service — separate flow)
│
└── 0.20 ERGON → Network fee (0.2%)
├── 0.06 ERGON → Burned permanently 🔥
└── 0.14 ERGON → YOUR NODE ✓
Your node earns 0.14 ERGON per transaction.
The bot creator receives the service payment separately — this does not come out of what you earn. The two flows are completely independent.
Where your income comes from — volume:
| Daily transactions | Your earnings/day | Monthly (30 days) |
|---|---|---|
| 100 tx/day | 14 ERGON | 420 ERGON |
| 1,000 tx/day | 140 ERGON | 4,200 ERGON |
| 8,000 tx/day | 1,120 ERGON | 33,600 ERGON |
Base scenario (Month 12): 8,000 transactions/day across the network. Your share depends on your tier multiplier.
Requirements
- Cardano wallet (Daedalus, Yoroi, or Nami)
- 10 test ADA for node registration
- Linux or macOS (Windows via WSL2)
Step by step
1. Prepare your environment
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo apt install python3 python3-pip git curl -y
2. Clone and register
git clone https://github.com/Ergentum/ergentum-protocol.git
cd ergentum-protocol
python3 ergentum/scripts/setup_node.py
3. Configure your tier
During setup, you will be asked what hardware you are running. Select the matching tier.
4. Start earning
Once registered, your node automatically picks up tasks from the network.
Note on network costs: Cardano transaction fees are very low (~0.17-0.20 ADA per transaction) and are already accounted for in the fee structure above. The Blockfrost API used to interact with the blockchain has a free tier suitable for Light nodes; higher-volume nodes may need a paid plan ($25-100/month depending on usage). These costs are included in the monthly estimates shown above.
FAQ
Can I run multiple nodes? Yes. Each node requires a separate registration and wallet.
What if my hardware changes? You can upgrade or downgrade your tier at any time.
Do nodes need to be always online? No. You only earn while online, no penalty for downtime.
Last updated: April 2026 – Ergentum Testnet