---
sidebar_position: 1
slug: /hosters
---

# 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.

> Historically this role was called *ThreeFold Farming* and operators were called *farmers*. In the Mycelium context we refer to them as **hosters**.

## How It Works

As a **hoster**, you:

1. **Deploy a Node (3Node)** – Connect suitable server hardware to the ThreeFold Grid.  
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<br/>SPORE Tokens]
    A --> C[10% Burned<br/>Increases SPORE Scarcity]
    A --> D[10% Mycelium<br/>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.

## Resources

- **Dashboard** – [dashboard.grid.tf](https://dashboard.grid.tf) – Manage your node(s) and capacity.  
- **Technical Manual** – [manual.grid.tf/farmers/intro](https://manual.grid.tf/farmers/intro) – In‑depth setup/farming docs (original terminology).  
- **Community Chat** – [t.me/threefold/1](https://t.me/threefold/1) – Ask questions and share experiences.  
- **Forum** – [forum.threefold.io](https://forum.threefold.io) – Long‑form discussions and updates.

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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.
:::