# Bootstrap Nodes A **bootstrap node** in a P2P network is a trusted entry point into a peer-to-peer network. Because decentralized networks have no central server, new nodes need a known "rendezvous host" to find their first peers and begin discovering the rest of the network. The bootstrap node doesn't run consensus or other application logic for the AI network. Its sole purpose is to be a bridge for peers to enter the network. Each bootstrap node, including all peers that connect, runs a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism. Therefore, only peers with a validated on-chain proof-of-stake to the specific subnet can enter and communicate with other peers. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.hypertensor.org/copy-of-subnet-template/peer-discovery-and-connection/bootstrap-nodes.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.