Should You Run Your Anyone Relay as an Exit Node? Rewards, Risks, and What to Know

Since 2020, I’ve been exploring DePIN projects, and the Anyone Protocol is a standout in the Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network space, offering a decentralized privacy network that challenges centralized VPNs. By running an Anyone Relay, either through software or the plug-and-play Anyone hardware Router, you can share bandwidth to route encrypted user traffic and earn $ANYONE tokens. One intriguing option is running your software relay as an exit node to boost your earnings. In this post, I’ll dive into what it means to run an Anyone software Relay as an exit node, the potential for higher rewards, the risks involved, and key factors to consider before deciding.

What Is the Anyone Protocol?

The Anyone Protocol lets any person build a decentralized privacy network by running relays, nodes that encrypt and route traffic to ensure user anonymity. Relays earn $ANYONE tokens that are distributed in real-time via Arweave’s Proof-of-Uptime mechanism. Community estimates suggest relays share about 2,500 tokens daily. Running a relay, whether with the Anyone Router or software, requires a public-facing IP address and port forwarding (e.g., port 9001).

Understanding Exit Nodes

In the Anyone network, standard relays encrypt and pass traffic between nodes, but exit nodes have a unique role. They decrypt traffic and send it to its final destination on the public internet, acting as the network’s gateway. This makes exit nodes essential for performance and censorship resistance, connecting the decentralized network to external websites. To encourage this critical function, Anyone introduced a 10% bonus pool for exit nodes in April 2025, which there are now over 1000 worldwide. Running an exit node lets you earn extra tokens on top of standard relay rewards, offering a strong incentive for operators. It's only software nodes that can be run as exit nodes as the hardware plug-and-play router can not be configured to be run as an exit node from any user-facing setting.

Rewards of Running an Exit Node

The primary appeal of running an exit node is the additional token rewards. While all relays share the 10,000,000-token pool (averaging ~2,500 tokens/day), exit nodes access an extra 10% bonus pool, approximately 250 tokens/day, distributed based on bandwidth and uptime. This bonus reflects the vital role exit nodes play in improving network speed and user flexibility by handling decrypted traffic.

Exit nodes also benefit from other incentives:

• Geolocation Multiplier: Extra tokens for relays in high-demand or underrepresented areas.
  
  
• Uptime Bonuses: Rewards for consistent uptime over consecutive days.
  

Risks of Running an Exit Node

Running an exit node offers tempting rewards, but it comes with significant risks due to its public-facing role. Here are the key risks to consider:

• Legal Liability: Exit nodes send decrypted traffic to the internet, so your public IP appears as the traffic’s source. If users engage in illegal activities (e.g., hacking, piracy), authorities or websites may trace it to your IP, potentially holding you liable. So exit node operators face higher scrutiny compared to standard relays, which only handle encrypted data.
  
  
• Abuse Complaints: Websites or ISPs may flag or block your IP if exit node traffic triggers abuse reports (e.g., spam, malicious activity). This could disrupt your internet service or require legal defense.
  
  
• Resource Demands: Exit nodes require more bandwidth and processing power than standard relays, potentially straining your internet connection.

These risks explain the extra rewards, as exit nodes shoulder a heavier network burden. You must balance the financial upside against these legal and technical challenges. Many users recommend that users should never ever run an exit relay on your home internet connection.

Requirements for Running an Exit Node

To run an Anyone Relay as an exit node, you need to meet standard relay requirements plus additional steps:

• Public-Facing IP: Ensure your ISP provides a public IP, as CGNAT blocks inbound connections. Check your public IP at whatismyip.com and compare it to your router’s WAN IP (e.g., 192.168.1.1). If they differ and the WAN IP is in the 100.64.0.0–100.127.255.255 range, you’re behind CGNAT and need workarounds like a dedicated IP VPN.
  
  
• Port Forwarding: Configure your router to forward port 9001 (or another specified port) to allow external traffic to your relay. Use tools like canyouseeme.org to verify the port is open.
  
  
• Exit Flag: Enable the “Exit” flag in the Anyone Control Panel, agreeing to the network’s terms and acknowledging the risks.
  

Software relays also require locking 100 $ANYONE tokens for 180 days.

Key Considerations Before Running an Exit Node

Before enabling the exit flag, weigh these factors to decide if it’s right for you:

• Legal Environment: Research your country’s VPN and internet traffic laws. Some jurisdictions pose legal risks for exit node operators if traffic is linked to illegal activities.
  
  
• ISP Policies: Confirm your ISP allows high-bandwidth activities or exit node operation. Some may throttle or block your connection due to abuse complaints. A business-grade ISP with a static public IP offers stability.
  
  
• Technical Expertise: Properly configure port forwarding, firewalls, and exit node settings to avoid logging traffic or exposing your network. Missteps could compromise user privacy or your security.
  
  
• Risk Tolerance: Are you okay with potential legal inquiries or IP bans? If not, a standard relay offers rewards with fewer risks.
  
  
• Reward Goals: Assess if the 10% bonus pool justifies the risks and costs (e.g., bandwidth, VPN fees for CGNAT). High-demand geolocations may tip the scales in your favor.
  

My Thoughts on Anyone’s Exit Nodes

The Anyone Protocol is a bold step toward decentralized privacy, and I’m excited about its potential to push back against increasing digital control, especially with looming technologies like Central Bank Digital Currencies. Exit nodes play a crucial role in this mission, enhancing the network’s resilience and user freedom. The extra rewards are enticing, but the risks, particularly legal liability and ISP issues, make this a decision that requires careful thought. If you’re technically savvy, in a favorable legal environment, and passionate about privacy, running an exit node could be a rewarding way to contribute to DePIN. Otherwise, a hardware relay router might be a safer bet to earn tokens without the added risks of running an exit node.

Final Thoughts

Running an Anyone software Relay as an exit node offers a unique opportunity to earn extra $ANYONE tokens while supporting a decentralized privacy network. The 10% bonus pool, combined with geolocation and uptime incentives, makes it appealing, but legal, technical, and resource risks demand caution. Before enabling the exit flag, ensure you have a public IP, proper setup, and a clear understanding of your local laws and ISP policies. If you’re instead interested in the Anyone plug and play hardware router, check the Anyone setup guide here below.