# Glossary of Terms ### **Function Network Core Concepts** * **Function Network:** A decentralized system designed for AI inference, connecting **Gateways** (clients) to **Providers** (AI model operators) through a tokenized staking and reward mechanism. * **FUNC Token:** The native utility token of the Function Network, used for staking, rewarding, and facilitating transactions. * **Provider:** An operator hosting and maintaining AI inference models, offering services through the Function Network. * **Gateway:** An entity that connects users to providers, aggregating and routing AI inference requests. * **Epoch:** A fixed time period (in blocks) during which staking, rewards, and network activities are synchronized. * **Shard:** A unit of work or compute contribution attributed to providers, determining rewards. * **Stake:** FUNC tokens locked to participate in network operations, either as a provider or gateway. * **Whitelist:** A status allowing providers or gateways to participate in the network. * **Jail:** A status temporarily restricting a provider or gateway due to violations or inactivity. --- # 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.function.network/function-network/glossary-of-terms.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.