# Three Types of Nodes in EMC GPU Network EMC has three types of nodes. For detailed information and hardware configuration about these nodes, please refer to the [whitepaper - Get Start](https://whitepaper.edgematrix.pro/en/get-start) . **Validator node** > The validator node is responsible for sending proof of computing and reaching consensus. The initial number of validator nodes is 13, and the number of new nodes added in each batch is (3F+1-current total number of validator nodes) to ensure that Istanbul Byzantine Fault Tolerance (IBFT) achieves a 2/3 consensus. The community will open an application portal when new nodes are needed, and any community member can apply to become a validator node. **Smart Router Node** > The job of the smart router node is to allocate and schedule computing tasks, and any community member can apply to become the smart router node at any time. **Computing Nodes** > The job of a computing node is to contribute computing power to complete tasks, and any community member can apply to become a computing node at any time. --- # 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.emc.network/emc/emc-terminology/three-types-of-nodes-in-emc-gpu-network.md?ask= ``` 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.