# Node Types

## Node Types and Roles

**SOLVM's network architecture is built on four distinct node types, each playing a crucial role in maintaining the system's efficiency, security, and accessibility**

<figure><img src="/files/2UdlyMCqwKaoe5r4O5Zy" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**1 , Validator Nodes**

* Role: Transaction processing, block generation, maintaining network consensus
* Requirements: SOVM staking, high performance hardware
* Selection mechanism: Probabilistic selection + ranking based on performance metrics

**2 , Relay Nodes**

* Role: Transaction propagation, enhancing network connectivity
* Requirements: Moderate performance hardware
* Incentives: SOVM rewards based on bandwidth provision

**3 , Archival Nodes**

* Role: Storage of complete historical data, support for audits and analysis
* Storage requirements: Large capacity storage, able to accommodate annual growth
* Data structure: Custom compression algorithm + differential storage

**4 , Light Clients**

* Function: Sending transactions, balance checks, simplified state verification
* Implementation: Mobile wallets, browser extensions
* Security: Verification through Merkle proofs, support for fraud proofs


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.solvm.io/overview/node-types.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.