# 3Nodes

3Nodes are physical computing hardware (servers, computers) that can be bought and sold within the TF Marketplace using TFP. Users can purchase 3Nodes in two distinct ways: either hosted by the supplier or physically transferred to the buyer.

## Core Principles

- **Hardware Exchange**: Direct marketplace for physical computing equipment
- **Sovereignty**: Buyers gain full ownership of purchased hardware
- **Fair Pricing**: Market-driven pricing with transparency
- **TFP-Based**: All transactions conducted using TFP
- **Quality Assurance**: Hardware specifications verified and rated
- **Flexible Ownership**: Options for hosted or physically transferred hardware
- **Upfront Payments**: One-time TFP payment for both ownership models

## How It Works

### For Sellers

- **Hardware Registration**:
  - Register available hardware with detailed specifications
  - Upload verification photos and documentation
  - Set pricing in TFP
  - Define shipping options and costs

- **Listing Management**:
  - Update hardware availability
  - Modify pricing based on market conditions
  - Respond to buyer inquiries
  - Track sales and shipping

### For Buyers

- **Hardware Discovery**:
  - Browse available 3Nodes with filtering options
  - Compare specifications and pricing
  - Review seller ratings and history
  - Ask questions about specific hardware

- **Purchase Options**:
  - **Option 1: Supplier-Hosted 3Nodes**
    - Buy the 3Node with upfront TFP payment but have it hosted in the supplier's facility
    - Maintain ownership while the supplier handles physical maintenance
    - Revenue sharing model where the hoster (who is also the seller) gets part of the farming revenue
    - Hoster/seller defines the revenue share percentage
    - Ideal for buyers without suitable hosting facilities
  
  - **Option 2: Physical Transfer**
    - Buy the 3Node with upfront TFP payment and have it physically shipped to your location
    - Complete physical control and responsibility for the hardware
    - Suitable for buyers with their own hosting capabilities

- **Purchase Process**:
  - Select desired 3Node and purchase option (hosted or transferred)
  - Pay upfront using TFP for either option
  - For physical transfer: arrange shipping and delivery
  - For hosted option: receive access credentials
  - Verify functionality and condition

## Hardware Specifications

3Nodes can include various types of computing hardware:

- **Servers**: Enterprise-grade rack servers
- **Desktop Computers**: Repurposed or custom-built desktops
- **Mini PCs**: Compact computing devices
- **Custom Builds**: Purpose-built hardware for TF Grid farming

Each listing includes detailed specifications:

- CPU type and core count
- Memory capacity and type
- Storage capacity and type
- Network interfaces
- Power consumption
- Physical dimensions
- Age and condition

## TFP Exchange Mechanism

- **Suppliers**: Hardware owners selling their equipment
- **Consumers**: Users looking to acquire physical computing hardware
- **Exchange Process**:
  - **For Physically Transferred Hardware**:
    - TFP transferred from buyer to seller upon purchase agreement
    - Escrow system protects both parties during shipping
    - Final release upon confirmed delivery and verification
  
  - **For Supplier-Hosted Hardware**:
    - Upfront TFP payment to secure ownership
    - Revenue sharing agreement between buyer and hoster/seller
    - Hoster defines and receives a portion of farming revenue
    - Clear SLAs define uptime and performance guarantees

## Benefits

- **Direct Exchange**: No intermediaries between hardware sellers and buyers
- **Ecosystem Growth**: Facilitates expansion of the TF Grid through hardware redistribution
- **Resource Optimization**: Gives new life to underutilized hardware
- **Sovereignty**: Buyers gain full ownership of their hardware, regardless of hosting location
- **Flexibility**: Choose between hosted or physically transferred hardware based on needs
- **Community Building**: Connects hardware providers with potential farmers

## Integration with TF Grid

- Hardware purchased can be registered as farming nodes
- Seamless pathway to becoming a resource provider
- Technical support available for setting up purchased hardware
- Community resources for optimizing hardware performance

## Hosting vs. Physical Transfer Comparison

| Aspect | Supplier-Hosted | Physical Transfer |
|--------|----------------|-------------------|
| **Physical Location** | Supplier's facility | Buyer's location |
| **Payment Model** | Upfront TFP payment | Upfront TFP payment |
| **Revenue Sharing** | Yes - hoster gets portion of farming revenue | No - buyer keeps 100% of farming revenue |
| **Maintenance** | Handled by supplier | Buyer's responsibility |
| **Power & Cooling** | Provided by supplier | Buyer's responsibility |
| **Internet Connectivity** | Provided by supplier | Buyer's responsibility |
| **Physical Access** | Limited or none | Complete |
| **Setup Complexity** | Minimal (handled by supplier) | Buyer must set up |
| **Best For** | Users without hosting facilities | Users with hosting capabilities |