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Node Runtime

Last updated: 2026-06-28

The node runtime is distributed as the cortensord binary. Setup guides use the binary interface only.

Command Form

cortensord ~/.cortensor/.env <role>

Roles

Role Purpose
routerv1 API coordinator for completions, delegate, validate, factcheck, MCP/A2A, x402, privacy, and off-chain flows.
minerv4 Inference worker that accepts assignments and commits results.
oraclev3 Lifecycle coordinator/watcher role.
validatorv1 Network task-level checker/regulator with cognitive-level and node-level validation.
validatorv2 Post-result quantitative validator for network task results.
validatorv3 Post-result qualitative validator for network task results.
poolv1 Pool management role.
qualityv1 User task quality sampling oracle with heartbeat-style sampling behavior.
tool Key, registration, verification, migration, and maintenance commands.

Runtime Capabilities

  • Flask REST APIs and route modules.
  • WebSocket router/miner communication.
  • MCP stream/SSE support.
  • A2A discovery through agent cards.
  • x402 payment-gated endpoints and trial quotas.
  • off-chain payload storage and signed result writes.
  • privacy policy and encryption checks.
  • task/session watchers and contract wrappers.

System Context

Area Runtime context
Platforms Linux, macOS, and Windows are supported platforms.
Runtime dependencies Docker is used for model/runtime isolation; storage-related flows may use off-chain storage such as IPFS-style providers.
Hardware CPU and GPU execution are both in scope; quantized models broaden participation beyond high-end GPUs.
Models Both quantized and non-quantized model paths exist through llamafile and Ollama-style workers.
Node setup Operators generate node/API/encryption keys, configure .env, register/verify where required, then run the role.
Service management Packaged service behavior is documented in setup guides when a role has a supported service workflow.

Operator Reference Areas

Topic Reference page
Role selection Network Roles
Miner setup Miner Node Setup
Router setup Router Node Setup
Model support Model Catalog
Infra/runbooks Infra And Ops