The 10-Tier System
Our 10-Tier System is designed to create a fair base for reward calculation and to provide a strong incentive to sustain a healthy ecosystem and network. Bad actors who attempt to game the system are prevented from receiving rewards, ensuring that node operators who act legitimately are treated fairly. At the same time, operators who take their role seriously and contribute to the stability and performance of the network are rewarded accordingly.
Rather than relying on a single metric, the system evaluates multiple performance dimensions simultaneously. To qualify for a specific tier, a storage node must meet or exceed all defined minimum thresholds for that tier - not just a subset. This ensures that consistent, real-world performance determines reward eligibility.
Tier 0 - Flagged
Nodes that do not meet the minimum requirements defined in Tier 1 are automatically placed into Tier 0 (Flagged). Tier 1 represents the baseline performance level required to participate in the network and therefore in the reward system.
Tier 0 also includes nodes that are identified through internal validation mechanisms as behaving inconsistently with expected real-world performance. These nodes are considered flagged and are excluded from receiving rewards.
Being in Tier 0 means that the node either:
- Does not meet the minimum technical performance requirements
- Has been identified through validation checks as not operating in a reliable or consistent manner
Node operators in this tier are encouraged to review their setup, improve performance, and ensure stable operation. Once the node meets the required performance thresholds again, it will automatically move into a reward-eligible tier and start receiving rewards.
Performance Threshold Overview
| Tier | Upload (Mbps) | Download (Mbps) | Read (MB/s) | Write (MB/s) | Uptime (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 0 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Tier 1 | 20 | 20 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 90 |
| Tier 2 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 92 |
| Tier 3 | 100 | 100 | 200 | 200 | 94 |
| Tier 4 | 200 | 200 | 500 | 500 | 96 |
| Tier 5 | 300 | 500 | 800 | 800 | 97 |
| Tier 6 | 400 | 600 | 1,200 | 1,200 | 98 |
| Tier 7 | 500 | 800 | 2,000 | 2,000 | 99 |
| Tier 8 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 3,000 | 3,000 | 99.5 |
| Tier 9 | 2,000 | 2,000 | 4,000 | 4,000 | 99.8 |
| Tier 10 | 10,000 | 10,000 | 5,000 | 5,000 | 99.9 |
How It Works
Each tier represents a clearly defined performance baseline across five key metrics:
- Network throughput (upload and download)
- Storage performance (read and write speeds)
- Operational reliability (uptime)
To be classified into a tier, a node must consistently meet or exceed all of these requirements. Falling short in any single metric will place the node into a lower tier, even if all other metrics are satisfied. This ensures that only well-balanced and consistently performing nodes reach higher tiers.
In addition to these visible thresholds, the system includes multiple internal validation layers, consistency checks, and behavioral indicators. These continuously verify that performance reflects real, sustained operation over time. Nodes that attempt to manipulate or artificially influence their results are identified and excluded from receiving rewards.
Our Goals
The 10 Tier System is built to give node operators a clear and actionable understanding of their current standing and what is required to move to a higher tier. It provides a transparent reference point for improving performance - whether through better hardware, improved connectivity, or higher uptime.
At the same time, the system allows IAGON to adapt to changes in technology and infrastructure. As new hardware becomes available or global performance standards evolve, thresholds can be adjusted to maintain fairness and relevance across the network.
In short, the system is designed to:
- Reward reliable and consistent node operators fairly
- Encourage continuous performance improvements
- Actively detect, stop, and exclude bad actors from participating in rewards
- Maintain a strong, healthy, and trustworthy network
This creates a sustainable and competitive environment where long-term contribution is recognized and rewarded.