> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.node.novalink.technology/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.node.novalink.technology/product-list/software-technology-license.md).

# Software Technology License

### **Software Technology  License/ Participation Units (PU)**

**Participation Units (PU)** are software-based participation licenses that enable users to take part in the NodeLink infrastructure ecosystem. Each Participation Unit represents a **fixed participation value** within the network and can be activated with or without a physical machine, depending on the participation level.

### Participation Unit Overview

* **Cost per Unit:** ***USD $25***
* **Participation Value:** Fixed per unit
* **Activation:** Units can be added at any time
* **Machine Association:**
  * Units are typically linked to a specific Nx1 Home Station
  * Exception applies for **Level 0 participation**

### Machine Capacity

* Each **Nx1 Home Station supports up to 100 Participation Units**
* Units may be activated incrementally based on user preference and configuration

### Participation Levels

#### Level 0 — Participation Without a Machine

Level 0 allows users to participate in the NodeLink infrastructure **without owning a physical Nx1 Machine**.

* Users may activate **up to 20 Participation Units**
* Units are temporarily hosted on:
  * NodeLink-operated infrastructure, or
  * Approved third-party infrastructure within the network
* Designed to provide **basic access to infrastructure participation**

#### Level 1 — Machine-Based Participation

Level 1 is unlocked by owning an **Nx1 Home Station** and activating Participation Units directly on the machine.

* Participation Units are hosted on the participant’s **own Nx1**
* Each Nx1 supports up to **100 Units**
* Units can be added or expanded at any time

This level provides **direct, machine-based participation** in the NodeLink infrastructure.

### Reward Generation via Infrastructure Participation

Participation Units contribute to infrastructure activity and generate rewards on a daily basis.

**Key Principles:**

* Rewards are generated **automatically** while participation remains active
* Rewards **scale with the number of active Participation Units**
* Rewards increase progressively through **community contribution**
* Exact reward values and activity metrics are displayed in the **user dashboard**
* Rewards are designed to reflect **real infrastructure usage**, not fixed or guaranteed returns

### Participation Unit Airdrop

#### NodeLink Token (NLK)

When a Participation Unit is activated:

* **80% of the unit value** is distributed as a **NodeLink Token (NLK) airdrop**
* Since each Unit costs **$25**, this corresponds to:
  * **$20 worth of NLK per Participation Unit**
* NLK distribution details and balances are visible within the user dashboard