> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.unich.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.unich.com/unich-network/core-principles/the-user-node-model-vs.-the-user-only-model.md).

# The User-Node Model vs. the User-Only Model

In the **User-only model** (most Web2 and most current Web3), the platform interacts directly with the User. Users work, Users receive rewards. This creates two problems: virtual machines can fake "working" at near-zero cost, and the User-platform relationship is a one-way transaction — the User accumulates no productive asset beyond a coin balance that may go to zero.

In **Unich Network's User-Node model**, Users own Nodes, and Nodes are the units that participate in the network. When a User performs an activity, the Node is upgraded, and the Node mines FC according to its upgraded Mining Rate. Three consequences: virtual machines cannot upgrade Nodes (because they cannot perform Peer Meet), Users have a genuine accumulated asset, and the User-network relationship is symmetric and two-directional.