# 10. Protocol Components

RouterLink separates **traffic routing**, **state registration**, and **economic settlement**:

## Gateway

* Primary entry point for users/applications
* Receives signed AI requests
* Selects routing paths based on protocol data
* Does not make discretionary decisions

## Registries

On-chain registries manage:

* Node registration and status
* Service provider listings
* Published pricing weights
* Protocol parameters

## $WAI Vault

Distributes $WAI at regular intervals to:

* Service providers (based on usage)
* Node operators (based on routing/validation work)
* Delegators (based on stake alignment)

**No single component controls the full lifecycle of AI requests.**