Nodes 101
What's a node?
In most crypto networks, nodes validate transactions. QuStream's encryption nodes are different. They serve as a certified source of QRNG (Quantum Random Number Generation) output — distributing the quantum randomness that supports QuStream's algorithm as it secures data in transit against quantum attacks. Nodes aren't compensated simply for existing: There's software to install, and the node must be up and running to be considered an active participant. Keep your node online, earn revenue.
What's staking?
Staking means locking up QST tokens to show commitment to the network. It's not required to run a node, but staking dramatically increases earnings.
The revenue model
QuStream will pay out 60% of its node-facilitated encryption traffic revenue to node operators and stakers. This revenue will be split evenly among all running nodes regardless of how much traffic each specific node handles. Each node's actual payout then depends on whether it's staked. (See Node-staking details below.)
Also, the node count is capped at 4,732 (a number that was reached organically based on initial project participation) to prevent the dilution of rewards, unlike projects where anyone can just opt in to running nodes until so many people are claiming rewards that there's not enough to go around. The cap isn't necessarily permanent, but any future change would be made in a way that doesn't disadvantage existing node holders — for example, a stock-split-style adjustment where each existing node becomes multiple nodes under the same owner.
Two ways to earn
Run a node
Purchase a node key (a one-time purchase, priced in QST by sellers). The marketplace interface refers to these as "nodes," but what you're actually buying is a node key — a license that gives you the right to run a node. After purchase, you'll receive a unique identifier that you use when installing the node software.
Node keys are bought and sold on the QuStream node marketplace at account.qustream.com/marketplace. Prices fluctuate based on seller demand.
Stake to the global pool
If you'd rather not run a node, you can stake any amount of QST directly to the global staking pool. The pool is paid from the 70% that unstaked nodes don't claim. If the pool has enough QST staked (at least 200,000 QST for every unstaked node that's running), it receives the full 70%; if it's underfunded, it receives a proportional amount and the remainder goes back to node operators.
Unlike node operation (which is limited by the number of available nodes), anyone can stake to the global pool. There's no cap. This means as more people stake, individual rewards can get diluted.
Note: The global pool staking UI has not yet been released. It will be made available closer to actual revenue flow.
Node-staking details
Staking, as noted earlier, means locking up a quantity of tokens that will remain locked for a period of time while the node is running. Staking a QuStream node requires 200,000 QST tokens.
If you own a node
Staked:
If you stake a node, that node receives 100% of its potential earnings.
Unstaked:
An unstaked node receives 30% of its potential earnings. The remaining 70% goes to the global staking pool.
Either way, you must actually run the node to earn anything. Simply owning a node key earns no compensation.
NOTE: There's no such thing as a partially staked node — it's either staked or it's not.
Here's an example, keeping in mind that these numbers are speculative and this is not financial advice: If QuStream generates $50 million in annual revenue, 60% of that ($30 million) goes to the network. Divided by 4,732 nodes, each staked node would earn approximately $6,340 per year. If you run multiple nodes, multiply accordingly. An unstaked node would earn approximately $1,902 per year.
Of course actual revenue depends entirely on product adoption and is impossible to predict.
What you need
To run a node
- Any computer that can run a web browser
- A wired (physical) connection to your router — no WiFi
- Minimum 100 Mbps upload and download internet speed
NOTE: You can run multiple nodes on a single device. The exact limit hasn't been published, but bandwidth is a likely constraint.
To get started
- Buy a node key at account.qustream.com/marketplace
- Set up your hardware or cloud account
- Install and run the node software — see hosting guide
- (Optional) Stake 200,000 QST to maximize earnings
Alternatively, skip the node entirely and just stake any amount of QST to the global pool.
Good to know
Staking is not live yet. The infrastructure is still being finalized. Note also:
- Payouts will occur on a fixed schedule but the frequency is yet to be announced.
- The duration of the QST lockup during staking is yet to be announced.