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

# Introduction

Tapenet is a group of Tapedrive nodes working together as one system. Solana keeps
track of which nodes are in it and which pieces of data each one holds. The nodes store
and serve the data itself.

You can run it as a private network on hardware you control, or use the public network.

**The public network** lets you focus on using Tapedrive. Independent operators contribute
the hardware, store the data, prove they still hold it, and are paid for it.

**A private network** appeals when you want faster or private access to your data. The same
system runs on one machine or several, all yours. It isn't released yet;
[Run Tapedrive Locally](/tapenet/local) covers what is coming.

You can run a node in either environment.

<Columns cols={3}>
  <Card title="Get started" href="/tapenet/access">
    Set up a wallet and connect your tools to the public network.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Run a node" href="/protocol/node-setup">
    Contribute storage to the public network.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Run locally" href="/tapenet/local">
    Faster or private access to your data, on your own hardware.
  </Card>
</Columns>

## Availability

The public network is pre-mainnet and may be reset, so do not use it for data you cannot
recreate. The [network details](/protocol/architecture/networks) page lists current
environments, addresses, and operational caveats.

## Mainnet

Mainnet will work the same way: independently run Tapedrive nodes contribute storage and
are paid for it. Mainnet details are not yet published.