Nodes 101
What's a node?
In most crypto networks, nodes validate transactions. QuStream's encryption nodes are different. They serve as a certified distribution source for QRNG (Quantum Random Number Generation) output — routing the quantum randomness that supports QuStream's algorithm as it secures data in transit against quantum attacks. Nodes aren't compensated simply for existing: There's software to install, and the node must be up and running to be considered an active participant. Keep your node online, get paid.
What's staking?
Staking means locking up QST tokens to show commitment to the network. It's not required to run a node, but staking is the commitment that qualifies a node for the full compensation rate. Unstaked nodes are paid at 30% of it.
How compensation is funded
QuStream pays its node network for the work it performs: keeping nodes running and available for processing customer encryption traffic. That compensation is funded with 60% of the revenue paid for each encryption request the network processes — pooled and split evenly among all running nodes regardless of how much traffic any specific node happened to handle. Each node's payout rate then depends on whether it's staked. (See Node-staking details below.)
Also, the node count is capped at 4,732 — a number reached organically based on initial project participation — so the size of the network sharing the payout is fixed. The cap isn't necessarily permanent, but any future change would be an operational network decision.
Getting a node
Purchase a node key (a one-time purchase, priced in QST by sellers). The marketplace interface refers to these as "nodes," but what you're actually buying is a node key — a license that gives you the right to run a node. After purchase, you'll receive a unique identifier that you use when installing the node software.
Node keys are bought and sold on the QuStream node marketplace at account.qustream.com/marketplace. Prices fluctuate based on seller demand.
Node-staking details
Staking, as noted earlier, means locking up a quantity of tokens that will remain locked for a period of time while the node is running. Staking a QuStream node requires 200,000 QST tokens.
If you own a node
Staked:
A staked node is paid at the full rate.
Unstaked:
An unstaked node is paid at 30% of the staked rate.
Either way, you must actually run the node to earn anything. Simply owning a node key earns no compensation.
NOTE: There's no such thing as a partially staked node — it's either staked or it's not.
What you need
To run a node
- Any computer that can run a web browser
- A wired (physical) connection to your router — no WiFi
- Minimum 100 Mbps upload and download internet speed
NOTE: You can run multiple nodes on a single device. The exact limit hasn't been published, but bandwidth is a likely constraint.
To get started
- Buy a node key at account.qustream.com/marketplace
- Set up your hardware or cloud account
- Install and run the node software — see hosting guide
- (Optional) Stake 200,000 QST to qualify for the full compensation rate
Good to know
Staking is not live yet. The infrastructure is still being finalized. Note also:
- Payouts will occur on a fixed schedule but the frequency is yet to be announced.
- The duration of the QST lockup during staking is yet to be announced.