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

# Quickstart For Node Operators

> As a Node Operator, you contribute GPU compute power to Dispersed and earn RENDER rewards for completed work.

## Quick Start Steps

| Step | Action                                                        | Guide                                                                         |   |
| :--- | :------------------------------------------------------------ | :---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | - |
| 1    | Create an API Key with the necessary Compute Node permissions | [Create API Key](/api-key)                                                    |   |
| 2    | Install prerequisites and register your Node                  | [Register Node](/node-operators/node-operators-register-node)                 |   |
| 3    | Understand how rewards are calculated                         | [Understanding Rewards](/node-operators/node-operators-understanding-rewards) |   |

## [​](https://otoyinc.mintlify.app/node-operators#how-node-operation-works)How Node Operation Works

1. **Register** your machine with the Dispersed client, `disNet`, using your API Key
2. **Stay Online** to receive job assignments from the network
3. **Execute Jobs** in isolated Docker containers
4. **Earn Rewards** based on uptime and completed work

<Danger>
  The disNet is a **zero-trust** client. Jobs can access anything your computer can access over the network or disk. We **strongly recommend** using an [**Isolated Network** or **DMZ**](/isolated-networks-or-dmz).
</Danger>

## Docker Security

Node operators on Dispersed are responsible for managing their own infrastructure security, including isolating rendering nodes from private networks using [DMZ](/isolated-networks-or-dmz)s to ensure the security of their local environments. It is crucial to isolate enrolled nodes to prevent unauthorized access to local resources since `disNet` acts as a distributed platform that connects GPU owners with creators.

Node operators, particularly on Linux (Ubuntu 22.04/24.04), should use Docker to containerize the render application, providing a layer of isolation. However, Docker alone is not a replacement for a DMZ. While Docker provides process isolation, it does not offer the network-level buffering that a true [DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)](/isolated-networks-or-dmz) provides to protect your internal local area network (LAN).