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sidebar_position: 1
slug: /hosters
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# Hosters on the Mycelium Cloud
Hosters provide storage, compute, and network capacity to the Mycelium Cloud. In return, they earn **SPORE tokens** for making reliable, sovereign infrastructure available.
## How It Works
As a **hoster**, you:
1. **Deploy a Node (3Node)** – Connect suitable server hardware to the decentralized grid that powers Mycelium Cloud.
2. **Run Zero-OS** – A self-healing operating system that manages the node for you.
3. **Provide Capacity** – Your node offers storage, compute, and network resources.
4. **Earn Rewards** – You earn SPORE when capacity is reserved and used.
## Why Become a Hoster?
Hosters earn **SPORE tokens** for providing resources that power Mycelium Cloud clusters, virtual data centers, and edge workloads.
### 🌱 Simple & Autonomous
- Deploy once and let it run.
- Minimal ongoing maintenance.
- Self-healing Zero-OS handles low-level operations.
- No deep sysadmin background required.
### How Revenue Works
When users rent your node's resources, the payment is split automatically:
```mermaid
graph LR
A[User Pays] --> B[80% to Hoster
SPORE Tokens]
A --> C[10% Burned
Increases SPORE Scarcity]
A --> D[10% Mycelium
Development]
```
You get a direct share of every workload that runs on your capacity, while the burn and development portions strengthen the ecosystem over time.
### 🌍 Make an Impact
- Support decentralized internet infrastructure.
- Provide an alternative to centralized hyperscalers.
- Enable digital sovereignty and data privacy.
- Help build the peer‑to‑peer internet that Mycelium enables.
## What You Need
### Hardware Requirements
**Minimum specs (rough guidance):**
- Modern server or workstation.
- Multi‑core processor (4+ cores recommended).
- 8GB+ RAM (16GB+ recommended).
- 500GB+ SSD storage.
- Reliable network connection.
**Or buy a pre‑built node:**
- Certified 3Nodes are available from vendors.
- Plug‑and‑play for an easier start.
- Optimized for 24/7 operation and good power efficiency.
### Other Requirements
- ⚡ Reliable power supply.
- 🌐 Stable wired internet connection.
- 📍 Physical space for the hardware.
- 🔧 Basic technical comfort (especially if building your own).
## Getting Started
Ready to become a hoster? Follow this path:
1. **[Buy or Build a Node](/hosters/buy-node)** – Choose your hardware option.
2. **[Set Up Your Node](/hosters/setup)** – Connect your 3Node to the grid and start hosting.
3. **Monitor & Earn** – Track utilization and rewards via the dashboard.
:::tip First Time Hosting?
If you're new to the ecosystem, starting with a pre‑built node from a trusted vendor is usually the smoothest path. You can always expand later with DIY hardware once you're comfortable.
:::
## The Hoster Journey
Hosters form a global community that backs the grid and the Mycelium Stack:
- Individuals running nodes at home or in small offices.
- Small businesses offering regional capacity.
- Data‑center operators scaling out full racks.
- Community initiatives building local digital infrastructure.
Every hoster helps expand a more open, sovereign internet.
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:::tip Next Step
Once you're comfortable with the basics, explore **[Buy or Build a Node](/hosters/buy-node)** to pick the right hardware profile for your hosting strategy.
:::