> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.filecoin.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.filecoin.io/provide-storage/getting-started.md). # Getting started The Filecoin network provides decentralized data storage and makes sure data is verified, always available, and immutable. Storage providers in the Filecoin network are in charge of storing, providing content and issuing new blocks. To become a storage provider in the Filecoin network you need a range of technical, financial and business skills. We will explain all the key concepts you need to understand in order to design a suitable architecture, make the right hardware investments, and run a profitable storage provider business. Follow these steps to begin your storage provider journey: 1. Understand Filecoin economics 2. Plan your business 3. Build the right core competencies 4. Build the right infrastructure 5. Get to know the ecosystem 6. Understand ROI and collateral 7. Choose your provider software stack 8. Set up a local development environment 9. Become a storage provider 10. Configure PoRep deal-making and retrieval services 11. Explore verified deals and ecosystem tools ## Understand Filecoin economics To understand how you can run a profitable business as a Filecoin storage provider, it is important to make sure you understand the economics of Filecoin. Once you understand all core concepts, you can build out a strategy for your desired ROI. Storage providers can also add additional value to clients when they offer certain certifications. These can enable a storage provider to charge customers additional fees for storing data in compliance with those standards, for example, HIPAA, SOC2, PCI, GDPR and others. [Filecoin economics ->](/provide-storage/filecoin-economics/storage-proving.md) ## Plan your business The hardware and other requirements for running a Filecoin storage provider business are significantly higher than regular blockchain mining operations. The mechanisms are designed this way because, in contrast to some other blockchain solutions, where you can simply configure one or more nodes to "mine" tokens, the Filecoin network's primary goal is to provide decentralized storage for humanity's most valuable data. You need to understand the various earning mechanisms in the Filecoin network. [Filecoin deals ->](/provide-storage/filecoin-deals/storage-deals.md) ### Daily fees and startup readiness (FIP-0100) With the activation of [FIP-0100](https://github.com/filecoin-project/FIPs/blob/master/FIPS/fip-0100.md) in network version 25, all new sectors — and any sectors that are extended or updated — incur a daily fee. This fee replaces the previous batch fee model and introduces a predictable cost structure tied to each sector's quality-adjusted power and the network's circulating supply. The fee begins accruing the day after a sector is committed or extended. It is deducted automatically at the end of each proving deadline. The network first draws from vesting block rewards. If those are insufficient, it draws from the miner's available balance. If both are empty, the unpaid amount becomes **fee debt**. Fee debt does not directly cause faults. However, it can impact operations: * A miner with fee debt may be blocked from submitting certain messages (e.g., pre-commits or recoveries). * If the balance is too low to pay for WindowPoSt messages, sectors may fault. * Critically, a miner with outstanding fee debt cannot win block rewards until the debt is repaid. To avoid this, storage providers should: * Keep a FIL buffer in the miner actor's balance. * Avoid fully withdrawing unlocked funds unless upcoming rewards will cover future fees. ### Startup considerations Miners become eligible to win block rewards once they reach **10 TiB of raw byte power (RBP)**. However, rewards are not guaranteed as soon as that threshold is met. Block production is probabilistic, and smaller miners may wait longer to win a block — especially when competing against larger ones. This creates a funding gap during the startup phase. New storage providers must plan for this by funding their miner actor with enough FIL to: * Cover daily fees during onboarding, * Support message submission (like WindowPoSt), * And continue sealing until rewards start arriving. While the amount of FIL required is relatively small compared to overall infrastructure costs, it is operationally critical. Without it, the miner may become stuck — unable to seal new sectors, submit required messages, or produce blocks and win block rewards due to fee debt or insufficient balance. To estimate how much FIL may be needed, review the [FIP-0100 discussion thread](https://github.com/filecoin-project/FIPs/discussions/1105) or use the [real-time fee calculator](https://penalty.660688.xyz/dailyfee) to model your expected onboarding rate. ## Build the right core competencies As will become clear, running a storage operation is a serious business, with client data and pledged funds at stake. You will be required to run a highly-available service, and there are automatic financial penalties if you cannot demonstrate data availability to the network. There are many things that can go wrong in a data center, on your network, on your OS, or at an application level. You will need skilled people to operate your storage provider business. Depending on the size and complexity of your setup this can be 1 person with skills across many different domains, or multiple dedicated people or teams. [Core competencies ->](/provide-storage/core-competencies.md) ## Build the right infrastructure At the lowest level, you will need datacenter infrastructure. You need people capable of architecting, racking, wiring and operating infrastructure components. Alternatively, you can get it collocated, or even entirely as a service from a datacenter provider. Take availability and suitable redundancy into consideration when choosing your datacenter or collocation provider. Any unavailability of your servers, network or storage can result in automatic financial penalties on the Filecoin network. [Software architecture ->](/provide-storage/architecture/lotus-components.md) [Infrastructure ->](/provide-storage/infrastructure.md) ## Get to know the ecosystem One of the enriching elements of the Filecoin ecosystem lies in its vibrant community. Within this dynamic network, you will find individuals eager to share their experiences and offer solutions to the challenges they have encountered. Whether it is navigating the intricacies of storage provider operations or overcoming hurdles on the blockchain, this supportive community stands ready to help. Embrace the spirit of collaboration and tap into this remarkable network. [Filecoin Slack ->](https://filecoinproject.slack.com/ssb/redirect) ## Understand ROI and collateral To run a successful storage provider business, it is crucial to understand the concept of Return on Investment (ROI) and the significance of collateral. By planning ahead and considering various factors, such as CAPEX, OPEX, network variables, and collateral requirements, you can make informed decisions that impact your business's profitability and desired capacity. ## Choose your provider software stack Storage providers usually run several pieces of software together. Start by understanding which component handles each part of the operation: | Component | Role | | ---------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | [Curio](https://curiostorage.org/) | Modern storage-provider stack for running provider operations, including PDP storage, proving, and retrieval, and PoRep sealing and proving workflows. | | [Lotus](https://lotus.filecoin.io) | Reference Filecoin implementation for chain sync, node operations, miner actor interactions, and client tooling. | | [Boost](https://boost.filecoin.io) | Deal-making and retrieval software for accepting PoRep storage deals and serving retrievals, including HTTP retrievals when configured. | For new storage-provider planning, treat Curio as the provider operations stack, Lotus as the underlying Filecoin node and chain tooling, and optionally Boost as the PoRep storage-deal and retrieval layer. Use each project's maintained documentation for installation and production configuration. [Curio documentation ->](https://docs.curiostorage.org/) [Lotus documentation ->](https://lotus.filecoin.io) ## Set up a local development environment Setting up a local development network (devnet) is the most accessible way to begin your hands-on Filecoin journey. A local devnet lets you experiment with sealing sectors and observe firsthand how the process works without risking real FIL or affecting the mainnet. [Local devnet ->](/networks-and-tools/networks/local-testnet.md) ## Become a storage provider Once ready, determine your starting capacity and architect a solution to accommodate it. Equip yourself with the necessary hardware and test your setup on the calibration testnet to fine-tune your skills and ensure seamless operations before joining the mainnet. [Reference architectures ->](/provide-storage/infrastructure/reference-architectures.md) ## Configure PoRep deal-making and retrieval services As you step into the mainnet, Boost helps you accept PoRep storage deals and offer data retrieval services to data owners. Deploying Boost unlocks your ability to participate in PoRep deal-making and serve clients across the Filecoin network. Boost is not used for PDP deals and retrieval. [Boost documentation ->](https://boost.filecoin.io) ## Explore verified deals and ecosystem tools Within the Filecoin network there are many programs and tools designed to enhance your storage provider setup. Explore the documentation to gain insights into verified deals, client programs, and other resources that can improve your operations and expand your client base. 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