# Bring your model to the network

> Use Core Node to participate as a provider, with explicit control over serving.

> **Provider participation**
> Participating computers can access request content. Use non-sensitive prompts. Eligible paid requests earn OptimAI credits; confirmed receipts record earnings. Credits are not token payouts and withdrawal is not available.

## Start with Core Node

Core Node owns the local model experience. [Download Desktop Core Node](https://optimai.network/optimai-nodes#nodes) for Windows or Mac from the OptimAI Network site, then sign in with your OptimAI account. Version 2.0.17 and later can serve Router requests.

## Choose a supported model

Choose a model supported by Router and suitable for your computer. A model appearing in a discovery catalog does not mean every edition can be served.

The selected artifact revision must match Router’s enabled edition. Core Node may need to download or activate the current revision before Router observes the computer as ready.

## Review pricing

Guided setup checks your computer, prepares and tests a model, then shows Pricing. Keep the suggested rates or edit them. Continue saves prices for the selected model before serving starts. Suggestions are starting points, not guaranteed earnings.

## Start serving

Explicitly opt into serving. Keep Core Node running and connected. A saved serving setting is a preference; observed readiness establishes whether your computer can accept work.

New paid assignments and readiness Points also require Network's shared earning eligibility. Review [readiness and Points](https://router.optimai.network/docs/providers/readiness-and-states.md#readiness-points) if the computer is connected but new earning is unavailable.

## Publish an optional offer

After saving model pricing, you can create a [public profile and publish individual offers](https://router.optimai.network/docs/providers/public-profiles-and-offers.md) for developers to choose. New offers start unpublished. Publication is separate from Serving and is not required for Auto eligibility. No administrator approval is required; ownership, model, price, and capacity checks still apply.

## Manage your computer

Use [My computers](/dashboard/computers) to inspect your enrolled computers and supported serving controls. The web dashboard cannot start an offline app or wake a sleeping computer.

> **Stay in control**
> You can stop serving. Online presence, free capacity, and saved settings describe different states; check observed status before assuming your computer is serving requests.

## What to read next

[**Readiness & states**](https://router.optimai.network/docs/providers/readiness-and-states.md): Interpret offline, connecting, ready, busy, paused, and revoked.

[**Serving controls**](https://router.optimai.network/docs/providers/sharing-controls.md): Start, pause, and revoke participation safely.

[**Performance & history**](https://router.optimai.network/docs/providers/performance-and-history.md): Read attempt outcomes and operational measurements.

[**Troubleshooting**](https://router.optimai.network/docs/providers/troubleshooting.md): Restore a computer that is not reaching ready state.