> 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/mining-and-node-upgrade-mechanism/node-upgrade-activities/node-tier-system.md).

# Node Tier System

The Node Tier System classifies Nodes by their level of sustained activity, measured on a monthly cycle. A Node that reaches a higher tier receives a Boost Multiplier in the following month. Unlike the ordinal ranking in Section 4.4.7, a Node's tier reflects whether it maintains a stable level of contribution over time.

There are six tiers, based on the same Contribution Points calculation as Top Contributors Ranking (monthly cycle only):

| Tier           | Boost Multiplier (next month) |
| -------------- | ----------------------------- |
| Base (default) | None                          |
| Bronze         | +10%                          |
| Silver         | +20%                          |
| Gold           | +35%                          |
| Platinum       | +60%                          |
| Diamond        | +100%                         |

The core difference of the tier system is its **retention mechanism**, designed to encourage sustained activity rather than short bursts. At the end of each month, the network checks a Node's contribution against the threshold of its current tier:

* Meets or exceeds the threshold: keeps the tier, or moves up if eligible.
* Reaches from half to nearly the full threshold: keeps the current tier. The network does not demote a Node just for one slower month.
* Falls below half the threshold: the streak protection mechanism below applies.

**Streak Protection.** A Node that holds the same tier for three consecutive months or more is granted a protective buffer. If the Node later has one low-contribution month, this buffer is used to keep the tier, counting as a single exemption. Only if the Node keeps contributing little the following month, with no buffer left, does the tier drop by one level. A demotion always lowers the tier by only one level at a time, never several.

*Example: A Node reaches Gold for three consecutive months and is granted a protective buffer. In the fourth month the Node is busy and its contribution drops: the buffer is used, and the Node keeps Gold. In the fifth month the Node still has not returned to steady activity: with no buffer left, the Node drops to Silver. Once the Node contributes enough to meet the Gold threshold again in a single month, it returns to Gold and starts building its streak from the beginning.*

The philosophy of the Node Tier System: a Node active steadily for years is worth more than a Node that flares up and vanishes. The retention mechanism protects loyal Users from being penalized for one period of rest, while still requiring real contribution to keep the advantage.