A node is an independent verification surface implementing deterministic identity verification.
Nodes may federate, but no single node is required for global validation.
Node Properties
Independent operation (no mandatory central backend)
Deterministic verification (reproducible results)
Fail-closed execution gating
Hash-only publication / no public custody
Append-only audit continuity when logging is enabled
Recommended Engine
HBCE-OIS provides the pre-standard verification engine used by nodes.