# Understanding Smartnodes Smartnodes, an innovative feature of Neoxa, represent a cutting-edge concept in the world of blockchain technology. Similar to masternodes in other cryptocurrencies, smartnodes are essential components that contribute to the network's efficiency and functionality. Smartnodes are specialized nodes that operate on the Neoxa network, serving distinct purposes beyond regular nodes. They enable a range of exciting features and services, including lightning-fast and confidential transactions, which set Neoxa apart from conventional cryptocurrencies. These nodes also play a crucial role in the governance and decision-making process of the Neoxa network, allowing stakeholders to have a say in its development through voting and budget allocation. To operate a smartnode on the Neoxa network, participants are required to hold 1 Million Neoxa as collateral, ensuring commitment and integrity to the system. In return for their contribution, smartnode operators are rewarded with Neoxa, providing an incentivized and decentralized ecosystem. To operate a Neoxa smartnode, you'll require a configuration consisting of: * 2 CPU cores * 4GB of RAM * A 60GB SSD (Solid State Drive) --- # 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://neoxa.gitbook.io/documentation/neoxa-documentation/understanding-smartnodes.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.