> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://decores.gitbook.io/decores/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://decores.gitbook.io/decores/for-providers/provider-requirements.md).

# Provider Requirements

To ensure the quality and reliability of the DeCores network, we have established a set of requirements for providers. These requirements are designed to maintain a high standard of service while still allowing a wide range of participants to join the network.

### Hardware Requirements

1. **Minimum Specifications**
   * CPU: 4 cores or more, 2.0 GHz or faster
   * RAM: 8 GB or more
   * Storage: 100 GB or more of free space (SSD preferred)
   * Network: Stable internet connection with at least 10 Mbps upload and download speeds
2. **Recommended Specifications**
   * CPU: 8 cores or more, 3.0 GHz or faster
   * RAM: 16 GB or more
   * Storage: 500 GB or more of free space (NVMe SSD preferred)
   * Network: Stable internet connection with at least 100 Mbps upload and download speeds
3. **GPU Requirements (for GPU providers)**
   * NVIDIA GPUs: Compute Capability 6.0 or higher (Pascal architecture or newer)
   * AMD GPUs: GCN 3rd generation or newer
   * Minimum 4 GB VRAM
4. **Specialized Hardware (optional)**
   * Support for TPUs, FPGAs, and other accelerators
   * Specific requirements will be provided for each hardware type

### Software Requirements

1. **Operating System**
   * Linux: Ubuntu 20.04 LTS or newer, CentOS 8 or newer
   * Windows: Windows 10 Pro or Windows Server 2019 or newer
   * macOS: Catalina (10.15) or newer
2. **DeCores Provider Software**
   * Latest version of the DeCores Provider Client
   * Docker installed and configured
3. **Security Software**
   * Up-to-date antivirus and firewall software
   * Regular system updates and security patches

### Network Requirements

1. **Connectivity**
   * Static IP address or reliable dynamic DNS service
   * Open necessary ports for DeCores communication (will be specified in setup guide)
   * IPv6 support recommended but not required
2. **Uptime**
   * Minimum 95% uptime expected
   * Higher uptime percentages result in better reputation and earning potential

### Legal and Compliance Requirements

1. **Age and Capacity**
   * Must be at least 18 years old or the legal age of majority in your jurisdiction
   * Legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement
2. **Compliance**
   * Adherence to all local, state, and federal laws regarding cloud computing and data processing
   * Compliance with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) where applicable
3. **Taxes**
   * Responsibility for reporting and paying any applicable taxes on earnings

### Financial Requirements

1. **Ethereum Wallet**
   * Must have an Ethereum wallet to receive DCR token payments
   * Familiarity with basic cryptocurrency operations
2. **Minimum Stake**
   * May require a minimum stake of DCR tokens to participate as a provider (amount to be determined)

### Commitment Requirements

1. **Resource Availability**
   * Commit to making resources available as per the schedule you set
   * Provide notice for planned downtime or resource withdrawal
2. **Performance Maintenance**
   * Regular hardware maintenance and updates
   * Commitment to maintaining or upgrading hardware to meet evolving network needs
3. **Community Participation**
   * Encouraged to participate in community forums and discussions
   * Contribute to the improvement and growth of the DeCores network

Meeting these requirements will ensure that you can effectively participate as a provider in the DeCores network, offering reliable and high-quality resources to consumers while maximizing your earning potential.