> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/mezo-org/documentation/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Mezo Nodes Overview

> Learn how Mezo Nodes operate and support network functionality for Bitcoin-based finance

Mezo Nodes are essential components of the network and are fully open-source. The [Mezo Validator Kit](/nodes/validator-kit) sets up the [mezod client](https://github.com/mezo-org/mezod) and the other requirements to run a node as a validator, an RPC node, or a seed node. The kit simplifies several deployment options such as Docker, a native daemon, and Helm for Kubernetes.

## Quick Start

* See [mezod](https://github.com/mezo-org/mezod) on GitHub
* Use the [Validator Kit](/nodes/validator-kit) to run your own local seed node

## Node Types

Mezo supports three types of nodes, each serving a specific purpose in the network:

### Validators

Mezo Validators are responsible for running nodes that verify transactions, propose and attest new blocks, and participate in the consensus mechanism. Mezo Validators must apply for [Proof of Authority (PoA)](/nodes/validator-kit#validator-setup) before their nodes can participate as validators.

Approved validators can follow the instructions for the [Validator Kit](/nodes/validator-kit) to learn how to run a validator node.

See the [Validators](/nodes/validators) page for a list of current network validators.

### RPC Nodes

RPC nodes can be used to create a local endpoint for development or as part of a blockchain infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) platform. The process for setting up an RPC node is the same as a validator node, but you do not need to request Proof of Authority (PoA).

To run an RPC node, follow the instructions in the [Validator Kit](/nodes/validator-kit) setup guide, but apply the additional configuration steps defined in the [RPC node setup](/nodes/validator-kit#rpc-node-setup) section.

### Seed Nodes

Seed nodes assist with network peer discovery. The process for setting up a seed node is the same as a validator node, but you do not need to request Proof of Authority (PoA).

To run a seed node, follow the instructions in the [Validator Kit](/nodes/validator-kit) setup guide, but skip the application for PoA and set the `p2p.seed_mode` parameter in the node's config.toml file to `true`. See the [Network seed nodes](https://github.com/mezo-org/validator-kit?tab=readme-ov-file#network-seed-nodes) section for details.

## Hardware Requirements

Hardware requirements are different for each node type. See the [hardware requirements](/nodes/validator-kit#hardware-requirements) section to find the minimum requirements for each node type.

<Note>
  For production deployments, it's recommended to use hardware that exceeds the minimum requirements to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
</Note>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Validator Kit" icon="toolbox" href="/developers/nodes/validator-kit">
    Set up and configure your Mezo node
  </Card>

  <Card title="Active Validators" icon="server" href="/developers/nodes/validators">
    View the current network validators
  </Card>
</CardGroup>