> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://firehose.streamingfast.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://firehose.streamingfast.io/firehose/architecture/components.md).

# Components

## Firehose Component Family

The Firehose system is comprised of several key components that work together to provide your desired functionality.

* [Reader Node](/firehose/architecture/components/reader.md)
* [Merger](/firehose/architecture/components/merger.md)
* [Relayer](/firehose/architecture/components/relayer.md)
* [Firehose](/firehose/architecture/components/firehose.md)
* [Substreams](/firehose/architecture/components/substreams.md)

## Component Relationships

The Firehose components work together in symphony to provide blockchain data from configured and instrumented nodes to consumers through the [Firehose](/firehose/architecture/components/firehose.md) component.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important***: Understanding the Firehose components individually is helpful for fully comprehending the overall system and will aid with setup and operation.*
{% endhint %}