> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.berachain.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Introduction

> Run validators and RPC nodes on Berachain: BeaconKit, architecture, operations, and staking pools.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/berachain-422fce37/t_xR8qCqqtWXRidI/images/general/docs-bear.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=t_xR8qCqqtWXRidI&q=85&s=b70b4b8b0a25b100b0a1c6bf5795c3e5" alt="Berachain Docs" style={{ maxWidth: "280px", margin: "0 auto 1.5rem auto", display: "block" }} width="713" height="712" data-path="images/general/docs-bear.png" />

Berachain runs on validator and RPC nodes. Validators propose blocks and earn rewards; RPC nodes serve the network. Both use execution clients paired with Berachain's consensus framework, BeaconKit.

## Get started

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Node architecture" href="/nodes/overview/node-architecture">
    Validator vs RPC nodes, active set, stake requirements, and block rewards.
  </Card>

  <Card title="BeaconKit" href="/nodes/beaconkit/overview">
    Berachain's consensus client and framework.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Become a validator" href="/nodes/guides/become-a-validator">
    Step-by-step guide to joining the active set.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Quickstart" href="/nodes/operations/quickstart">
    Run a node: quickstart and operations.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Architecture & operations

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Validator lifecycle" href="/nodes/architecture/validator-lifecycle">
    From deposit to active validator.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Operations" href="/nodes/operations/quickstart">
    Self-hosted RPC, production checklist, monitoring.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Staking pools" href="/nodes/staking-pools/overview">
    Run liquid staking for your community.
  </Card>

  <Card title="FAQ" href="/nodes/help/faq">
    Common questions about running nodes.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>