> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://lava-network.gitbook.io/lava-network-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://lava-network.gitbook.io/lava-network-docs/4.-consensus-and-rewards-proof-of-uptime-pou.md).

# 4. Consensus & Rewards: Proof of Uptime (PoU)

Lava Network eliminates the need for energy-heavy mining. Instead, we use a **Proof of Uptime (PoU)** reward mechanism.

Users are rewarded directly proportional to their contribution to the network. The system evaluates:

* **Connection Duration:** The total time the node remains active and connected to the network.
* **Network Quality:** Low latency and stable bandwidth yield higher trust scores within the network.
* **Successful Verifications:** Nodes that actively participate in routing and verifying transactions without failing checks receive bonus distributions.


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