# Nodes and Wallets

### Account and Wallet Management

Users manage account keys through **wallets**, applications designed for secure key storage, though advanced users may operate without them. Accounts in the OneFinity Network are identified by a 32-byte public key, doubling as the account address in Bech32 format.

### Node Operator Overview

A **node operator** controls one or more nodes within the OneFinity Network, placing a significant ONE token stake as collateral for each node. This stake, which locks during the operation, signifies commitment to node reliability and efficiency. These staked nodes elevate to **validator** status, becoming pivotal in consensus activities and eligible for rewards. Unstaked, nodes function as **observers**, passive yet crucial network entities. The current requirements for those wishing to run a node on OneFinity is 3000 $ONE as staked collateral, along with 1 OneFinity Validator NFT per node. 

### Node and Validator Dynamics

**Nodes** are devices executing user requests on the OneFinity Network, with the active ones categorized as *eligible validators*. These validators engage in consensus processes, block addition, and network state maintenance, identified by a unique 96-byte BLS public key. Accounts, formed by pairs of keys (one public, one secret), transact by submitting signed instructions to the network, each holding a ONE token *balance* and an associative storage space.