What is a VPS and why does it matter?
A VPS is a virtual computer that people can rent for a fixed monthly price. A VPS provider takes a large, powerful computer and splits it into smaller less powerful virtual computers. People can customize their computer based on the needs of the node network.
Running a Node requires a stable internet connection and enough computing resources to run the software. Rather than having to buy a computer and dedicate it to running a single Node, a license owner can rent a VPS as a computer to use. A good VPS provider can provide up to 100% guaranteed uptime.
It is often more cost effective to rent a VPS, rather than spending the money to buy a dedicated machine for each Node. Pricing can vary based on the provider, but a reputable provider can offer much better uptime than hosting at home. Some Node owners may have bad internet connection or inconsistent power, so using a VPS may be the best option for them.