diff --git a/packages/tracker/meshnet_tracker/dashboard.html b/packages/tracker/meshnet_tracker/dashboard.html
index 9d41c32..c0769e5 100644
--- a/packages/tracker/meshnet_tracker/dashboard.html
+++ b/packages/tracker/meshnet_tracker/dashboard.html
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
            border-bottom:1px solid var(--border); flex-shrink:0; }
   header h1 { font-size:16px; margin:0; color:var(--accent); }
   header .meta { color:var(--dim); font-size:12px; }
-  main { display:grid; grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(340px,1fr));
+  main { display:grid; grid-template-columns:1fr;
          gap:14px; padding:14px 20px; }
   body.chat-tab-active main {
     flex:1; min-height:0; display:flex; flex-direction:column;
diff --git a/packages/tracker/meshnet_tracker/server.py b/packages/tracker/meshnet_tracker/server.py
index ebe495e..0a428ef 100644
--- a/packages/tracker/meshnet_tracker/server.py
+++ b/packages/tracker/meshnet_tracker/server.py
@@ -6489,7 +6489,7 @@ class TrackerServer:
         embedded_relay_port: int = 8765,
         embedded_relay_max_peers: int = 500,
         billing: BillingLedger | None = None,
-        enable_billing: bool = False,
+        enable_billing: bool = True,
         billing_db: str | None = None,
         accounts: AccountStore | None = None,
         accounts_db: str | None = None,
diff --git a/tests/test_accounts.py b/tests/test_accounts.py
index 112c330..ae3da48 100644
--- a/tests/test_accounts.py
+++ b/tests/test_accounts.py
@@ -396,7 +396,7 @@ def test_accounts_gossip_endpoint_applies_events(account_tracker):
 def test_accounts_endpoints_404_when_disabled():
     "Accounts endpoints 404 when disabled\n\nTags: accounts, auth, http"
 
-    tracker = TrackerServer()  # no accounts, no billing
+    tracker = TrackerServer(enable_billing=False)  # no accounts, no billing
     port = tracker.start()
     try:
         with pytest.raises(urllib.error.HTTPError) as exc_info:
diff --git a/tests/test_billing_ledger.py b/tests/test_billing_ledger.py
index ba7b0b7..72dc543 100644
--- a/tests/test_billing_ledger.py
+++ b/tests/test_billing_ledger.py
@@ -172,13 +172,13 @@ def test_restart_persistence(tmp_path):
     assert reloaded.snapshot()["protocol_cut"] == pytest.approx(0.02 * 0.10)
 
 
-def test_tracker_enables_billing_with_default_db_when_requested(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
-    "Tracker enables billing with default db when requested\n\nTags: billing, http, payments"
+def test_tracker_enables_billing_with_default_db(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
+    "Tracker enables billing with default db by default\n\nTags: billing, http, payments"
 
     from meshnet_tracker.billing import DEFAULT_BILLING_DB_PATH
 
     monkeypatch.chdir(tmp_path)
-    tracker = TrackerServer(enable_billing=True)
+    tracker = TrackerServer()
     port = tracker.start()
     try:
         # /v1/billing/summary is admin-gated now; just confirm the server is up.
@@ -329,6 +329,7 @@ def billed_tracker():
             }
         },
         billing=ledger,
+        enable_billing=False,
         hive_secret=HIVE_SECRET,
     )
     port = tracker.start()
@@ -457,6 +458,7 @@ def test_proxy_chat_caps_inflated_streaming_usage_by_observed_chunks():
             }
         },
         billing=ledger,
+        enable_billing=False,
     )
     port = tracker.start()
     tracker_url = f"http://127.0.0.1:{port}"
@@ -506,6 +508,7 @@ def test_proxy_chat_splits_payout_by_tracker_assigned_route_span():
             }
         },
         billing=ledger,
+        enable_billing=False,
     )
     port = tracker.start()
     tracker_url = f"http://127.0.0.1:{port}"
@@ -582,6 +585,7 @@ def test_proxy_chat_rejects_request_above_spend_cap_before_routing():
             }
         },
         billing=ledger,
+        enable_billing=False,
         max_charge_per_request=0.01,
     )
     port = tracker.start()
@@ -656,6 +660,7 @@ def test_proxy_chat_records_validation_event_with_plain_route_metadata():
             }
         },
         contracts=contracts,
+        enable_billing=False,
     )
     port = tracker.start()
     tracker_url = f"http://127.0.0.1:{port}"
diff --git a/tests/test_dashboard.py b/tests/test_dashboard.py
index 27e67c4..3d698e6 100644
--- a/tests/test_dashboard.py
+++ b/tests/test_dashboard.py
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@ def test_dashboard_served_with_all_panels():
         assert "resolveModelGroup" in html
         assert "buildModelAliasMap" in html
         assert "modelAliasKey(raw)" in html
+        assert "main { display:grid; grid-template-columns:1fr;" in html
     finally:
         tracker.stop()
 
diff --git a/tests/test_dynamic_routing.py b/tests/test_dynamic_routing.py
index 7b1d5cc..83a9d2f 100644
--- a/tests/test_dynamic_routing.py
+++ b/tests/test_dynamic_routing.py
@@ -253,7 +253,7 @@ def test_proxy_head_is_route_head_and_routing_endpoint_lists_routes():
         threads.append(thread)
     gpu_stub, cpu_stub = stubs
 
-    tracker = TrackerServer(model_presets={
+    tracker = TrackerServer(enable_billing=False, model_presets={
         "qwen3.6-35b-a3b": {
             "layers_start": 0,
             "layers_end": 39,
@@ -321,7 +321,7 @@ def test_proxy_head_is_route_head_and_routing_endpoint_lists_routes():
 
 def test_admin_model_load_request_queues_directive_on_joined_node():
     "Admin model load request queues directive on joined node\n\nTags: http, performance, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(validator_service_token="test-admin")
+    tracker = TrackerServer(enable_billing=False, validator_service_token="test-admin")
     port = tracker.start()
     try:
         node = _post_json(
diff --git a/tests/test_forfeiture_penalty.py b/tests/test_forfeiture_penalty.py
index 754161b..53b677a 100644
--- a/tests/test_forfeiture_penalty.py
+++ b/tests/test_forfeiture_penalty.py
@@ -203,6 +203,7 @@ def test_probation_earns_nothing_then_earning_begins():
         },
         contracts=contracts,
         billing=ledger,
+        enable_billing=False,
     )
     port = tracker.start()
     tracker_url = f"http://127.0.0.1:{port}"
diff --git a/tests/test_fraud_detection.py b/tests/test_fraud_detection.py
index 33969d7..9e4c9c4 100644
--- a/tests/test_fraud_detection.py
+++ b/tests/test_fraud_detection.py
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@ def test_bad_node_is_slashed_and_excluded_from_gateway_routes(capsys):
     contracts = LocalSolanaContracts()
     contracts.registry.submit_stake("wallet-good", 500)
     contracts.registry.submit_stake("wallet-bad", 500)
-    tracker = TrackerServer(contracts=contracts)
+    tracker = TrackerServer(contracts=contracts, enable_billing=False)
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     tracker_url = f"http://127.0.0.1:{tracker_port}"
 
diff --git a/tests/test_model_speed_latency.py b/tests/test_model_speed_latency.py
index 611f3c4..c245c93 100644
--- a/tests/test_model_speed_latency.py
+++ b/tests/test_model_speed_latency.py
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ def test_tracker_records_increasing_hop_latency_for_model_and_hardware(model, ha
 
     layer_count, hf_repo = MODELS[model]
     nodes, threads = _start_latency_nodes(5)
-    tracker = TrackerServer(model_presets={
+    tracker = TrackerServer(enable_billing=False, model_presets={
         model: {
             "layers_start": 0,
             "layers_end": layer_count - 1,
@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@ def test_tracker_records_increasing_hop_latency_for_model_and_hardware(model, ha
 
 def test_model_speed_dashboard_includes_visualization_and_route_drilldown():
     "Model speed dashboard includes visualization and route drilldown\n\nTags: model, node, routing"
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = TrackerServer(enable_billing=False)
     port = tracker.start()
     try:
         html = urllib.request.urlopen(f"http://127.0.0.1:{port}/dashboard").read().decode()
diff --git a/tests/test_openai_gateway.py b/tests/test_openai_gateway.py
index e6e15c2..9988af8 100644
--- a/tests/test_openai_gateway.py
+++ b/tests/test_openai_gateway.py
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ def _register_node(tracker_url: str, endpoint: str, shard_start: int, shard_end:
 @pytest.fixture
 def two_node_setup():
     """Start tracker, two stub nodes, and gateway; yield (gateway_url, node_a, node_b)."""
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = TrackerServer(enable_billing=False)
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     tracker_url = f"http://127.0.0.1:{tracker_port}"
 
diff --git a/tests/test_tracker_routing.py b/tests/test_tracker_routing.py
index 853ef6e..09cd63f 100644
--- a/tests/test_tracker_routing.py
+++ b/tests/test_tracker_routing.py
@@ -28,6 +28,11 @@ from meshnet_tracker.server import (
 _TEST_HIVE_SECRET = "test-hive-secret"
 
 
+def _tracker(**kwargs):
+    kwargs.setdefault("enable_billing", False)
+    return TrackerServer(**kwargs)
+
+
 def _post_json(url: str, payload: dict) -> dict:
     data = json.dumps(payload).encode()
     req = urllib.request.Request(
@@ -67,7 +72,7 @@ def test_tracker_send_json_ignores_broken_pipe_after_client_disconnect():
 
 def test_tracker_exposes_registered_model_metadata():
     "Tracker exposes registered model metadata\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = _tracker()
     port = tracker.start()
     url = f"http://127.0.0.1:{port}"
     try:
@@ -114,7 +119,7 @@ def test_tracker_exposes_registered_model_metadata():
 
 def test_tracker_lists_recommended_kimi_before_nodes_register():
     "Tracker lists recommended kimi before nodes register\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = _tracker()
     port = tracker.start()
     url = f"http://127.0.0.1:{port}"
     try:
@@ -138,7 +143,7 @@ def test_tracker_lists_recommended_qwen_27b_before_nodes_register():
 
     Tags: http, routing, tracker
     """
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = _tracker()
     port = tracker.start()
     url = f"http://127.0.0.1:{port}"
     try:
@@ -177,7 +182,7 @@ def test_quantization_coverage_uses_higher_precision_shards():
 
 def test_network_map_exposes_pool_size_and_speed_summary():
     "Network map exposes pool size and speed summary\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = _tracker()
     port = tracker.start()
     url = f"http://127.0.0.1:{port}"
     try:
@@ -219,7 +224,7 @@ def test_network_map_exposes_pool_size_and_speed_summary():
 
 def test_network_map_exposes_served_model_copy_count():
     "Network map exposes served model copy count\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = _tracker()
     port = tracker.start()
     url = f"http://127.0.0.1:{port}"
     try:
@@ -273,7 +278,7 @@ def test_network_map_exposes_served_model_copy_count():
 
 def test_recommended_kimi_becomes_deployable_when_pool_is_large_enough():
     "Recommended kimi becomes deployable when pool is large enough\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = _tracker()
     port = tracker.start()
     url = f"http://127.0.0.1:{port}"
     gib = 1024 * 1024 * 1024
@@ -302,7 +307,7 @@ def test_recommended_kimi_becomes_deployable_when_pool_is_large_enough():
 
 def test_network_assign_can_start_recommended_kimi_by_short_name():
     "Network assign can start recommended kimi by short name\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = _tracker()
     port = tracker.start()
     url = f"http://127.0.0.1:{port}"
     try:
@@ -344,7 +349,7 @@ def test_tracker_serves_health_while_proxy_request_is_in_flight():
     slow_node = http.server.HTTPServer(("127.0.0.1", 0), SlowChatHandler)
     slow_thread = threading.Thread(target=slow_node.serve_forever, daemon=True)
     slow_thread.start()
-    tracker = TrackerServer(heartbeat_timeout=60.0)
+    tracker = _tracker(heartbeat_timeout=60.0)
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     proxy_error = []
     try:
@@ -410,7 +415,7 @@ def test_tracker_route_log_counts_proxy_inflight_requests():
     slow_node = http.server.HTTPServer(("127.0.0.1", 0), SlowChatHandler)
     slow_thread = threading.Thread(target=slow_node.serve_forever, daemon=True)
     slow_thread.start()
-    tracker = TrackerServer(heartbeat_timeout=60.0)
+    tracker = _tracker(heartbeat_timeout=60.0)
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     errors = []
     try:
@@ -498,7 +503,7 @@ def test_tracker_logs_stream_progress_before_request_completes():
     node = http.server.HTTPServer(("127.0.0.1", 0), StreamingChatHandler)
     node_thread = threading.Thread(target=node.serve_forever, daemon=True)
     node_thread.start()
-    tracker = TrackerServer(heartbeat_timeout=60.0)
+    tracker = _tracker(heartbeat_timeout=60.0)
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     response = None
     try:
@@ -590,7 +595,7 @@ def test_tracker_stream_survives_idle_gap_between_sse_chunks():
     node = http.server.HTTPServer(("127.0.0.1", 0), IdleStreamingChatHandler)
     node_thread = threading.Thread(target=node.serve_forever, daemon=True)
     node_thread.start()
-    tracker = TrackerServer(heartbeat_timeout=60.0)
+    tracker = _tracker(heartbeat_timeout=60.0)
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     response = None
     try:
@@ -657,7 +662,7 @@ def test_tracker_dashboard_can_cancel_inflight_proxy():
     node = http.server.HTTPServer(("127.0.0.1", 0), StreamingChatHandler)
     node_thread = threading.Thread(target=node.serve_forever, daemon=True)
     node_thread.start()
-    tracker = TrackerServer(heartbeat_timeout=60.0)
+    tracker = _tracker(heartbeat_timeout=60.0)
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     response = None
     request_id = None
@@ -723,7 +728,7 @@ def test_tracker_dashboard_can_cancel_inflight_proxy():
 
 def test_tracker_routes_hf_model_alias_from_quickstart():
     "The documented qwen2.5-0.5b alias resolves a full HF repo registration.\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = _tracker()
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     try:
         _post_json(
@@ -775,7 +780,7 @@ def test_tracker_proxy_accepts_hf_model_alias_from_quickstart():
     node = http.server.HTTPServer(("127.0.0.1", 0), ChatHandler)
     node_thread = threading.Thread(target=node.serve_forever, daemon=True)
     node_thread.start()
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = _tracker()
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     try:
         _post_json(
@@ -833,7 +838,7 @@ def test_tracker_proxy_routes_split_preset_nodes_by_alias():
     head = http.server.HTTPServer(("127.0.0.1", 0), ChatHandler)
     head_thread = threading.Thread(target=head.serve_forever, daemon=True)
     head_thread.start()
-    tracker = TrackerServer(model_presets={
+    tracker = _tracker(model_presets={
         "qwen3.6-35b-a3b": {
             "layers_start": 0,
             "layers_end": 39,
@@ -889,7 +894,7 @@ def test_tracker_proxy_routes_split_preset_nodes_by_alias():
 
 def test_tracker_route_endpoint_routes_split_preset_nodes_by_alias():
     "Tracker route endpoint routes split preset nodes by alias\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(model_presets={
+    tracker = _tracker(model_presets={
         "qwen3.6-35b-a3b": {
             "layers_start": 0,
             "layers_end": 39,
@@ -936,7 +941,7 @@ def test_tracker_route_endpoint_routes_split_preset_nodes_by_alias():
 
 def test_tracker_route_endpoint_ignores_model_case_and_outer_whitespace():
     "Tracker route endpoint ignores model case and outer whitespace\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(model_presets={
+    tracker = _tracker(model_presets={
         "qwen3.6-35b-a3b": {
             "layers_start": 0,
             "layers_end": 39,
@@ -970,7 +975,7 @@ def test_tracker_route_endpoint_ignores_model_case_and_outer_whitespace():
 
 def test_tracker_route_prefers_distributed_over_single_full_shard():
     "When a full 0-39 node and a partial 0-21 head coexist, /v1/route\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(model_presets={
+    tracker = _tracker(model_presets={
         "qwen3.6-35b-a3b": {
             "layers_start": 0,
             "layers_end": 39,
@@ -1044,7 +1049,7 @@ def test_tracker_proxy_ignores_model_case_and_outer_whitespace():
     node = http.server.HTTPServer(("127.0.0.1", 0), ChatHandler)
     node_thread = threading.Thread(target=node.serve_forever, daemon=True)
     node_thread.start()
-    tracker = TrackerServer(model_presets={
+    tracker = _tracker(model_presets={
         "qwen3.6-35b-a3b": {
             "layers_start": 0,
             "layers_end": 39,
@@ -1083,7 +1088,7 @@ def test_tracker_proxy_ignores_model_case_and_outer_whitespace():
 
 def test_tracker_registration_node_id_includes_wallet_prefix_and_stable_suffix():
     "Tracker registration node id includes wallet prefix and stable suffix\n\nTags: http, routing, security, tracker, wallet"
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = _tracker()
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     wallet = "7j77FsPY1evV8tuf4Z73AVrWwxBEW1pvKwi4EvcRD3g"
     try:
@@ -1124,7 +1129,7 @@ def test_tracker_registration_node_id_includes_wallet_prefix_and_stable_suffix()
 
 def test_tracker_node_registration():
     "A node can register with the tracker and receives a node_id.\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = _tracker()
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     try:
         resp = _post_json(
@@ -1146,7 +1151,7 @@ def test_tracker_node_registration():
 
 def test_tracker_route_selection():
     "Tracker returns ordered route when nodes collectively cover all layers.\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = _tracker()
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     try:
         _post_json(
@@ -1174,7 +1179,7 @@ def test_tracker_route_selection():
 
 def test_tracker_route_error_no_coverage():
     "Tracker returns 503 when registered nodes do not cover all required layers.\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = _tracker()
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     try:
         # Only half the layers covered — route must fail.
@@ -1197,7 +1202,7 @@ def test_tracker_route_error_no_coverage():
 
 def test_tracker_coverage_endpoint_reports_uncovered_ranges():
     "Coverage endpoint returns compressed layer ranges with node counts.\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(model_presets={
+    tracker = _tracker(model_presets={
         "tiny-model": {
             "total_layers": 6,
             "bytes_per_layer": {"bfloat16": 1_000},
@@ -1242,7 +1247,7 @@ def test_tracker_coverage_endpoint_reports_uncovered_ranges():
 
 def test_tracker_coverage_endpoint_accepts_registered_hf_repo_or_short_name():
     "Coverage endpoint supports real HF models registered outside preset catalog.\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = _tracker()
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     try:
         _post_json(
@@ -1279,7 +1284,7 @@ def test_tracker_coverage_endpoint_accepts_registered_hf_repo_or_short_name():
 
 def test_tracker_models_endpoint_lists_registered_hf_repo_and_short_name_alias():
     "Tracker models endpoint lists registered hf repo and short name alias\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = _tracker()
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     try:
         _post_json(
@@ -1302,7 +1307,7 @@ def test_tracker_models_endpoint_lists_registered_hf_repo_and_short_name_alias()
 
 def test_tracker_auto_assigns_new_node_to_uncovered_range_first():
     "Capability-driven registration fills the first uncovered layer gap.\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(model_presets={
+    tracker = _tracker(model_presets={
         "tiny-model": {
             "total_layers": 8,
             "bytes_per_layer": {"bfloat16": 1_000},
@@ -1331,7 +1336,7 @@ def test_tracker_auto_assigns_new_node_to_uncovered_range_first():
 
 def test_tracker_speed_weighted_vram_assignment_covers_model():
     "Three auto-assigned nodes reach 100% coverage with widest range on largest VRAM.\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(model_presets={
+    tracker = _tracker(model_presets={
         "tiny-model": {
             "total_layers": 12,
             "bytes_per_layer": {"bfloat16": 1_000},
@@ -1375,7 +1380,7 @@ def test_tracker_speed_weighted_vram_assignment_covers_model():
 
 def test_tracker_speed_is_primary_when_both_nodes_can_cover_gap():
     "Tracker speed is primary when both nodes can cover gap\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(model_presets={
+    tracker = _tracker(model_presets={
         "tiny-model": {
             "total_layers": 12,
             "bytes_per_layer": {"bfloat16": 1_000},
@@ -1410,7 +1415,7 @@ def test_tracker_speed_is_primary_when_both_nodes_can_cover_gap():
 
 def test_tracker_registration_directive_is_not_replayed_on_heartbeat():
     "Tracker registration directive is not replayed on heartbeat\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(model_presets={
+    tracker = _tracker(model_presets={
         "tiny-model": {
             "total_layers": 2,
             "bytes_per_layer": {"bfloat16": 1_000},
@@ -1434,7 +1439,7 @@ def test_tracker_registration_directive_is_not_replayed_on_heartbeat():
 
 def test_tracker_pool_join_adds_redundant_copy_without_splitting_incumbent():
     "A second managed node with capacity for the full model keeps the first copy intact.\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(model_presets={
+    tracker = _tracker(model_presets={
         "tiny-model": {
             "total_layers": 4,
             "bytes_per_layer": {"bfloat16": 1_000},
@@ -1472,7 +1477,7 @@ def test_tracker_pool_join_adds_redundant_copy_without_splitting_incumbent():
 
 def test_tracker_explicit_full_copy_join_preserves_existing_serving_node():
     "--model style joins with explicit shards add redundancy instead of reshuffling.\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(heartbeat_timeout=10.0)
+    tracker = _tracker(heartbeat_timeout=10.0)
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     try:
         base_reg = {
@@ -1511,7 +1516,7 @@ def test_tracker_explicit_full_copy_join_preserves_existing_serving_node():
 
 def test_tracker_periodic_rebalance_purges_expired_nodes_without_requests():
     "Tracker periodic rebalance purges expired nodes without requests\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(
+    tracker = _tracker(
         heartbeat_timeout=0.05,
         rebalance_interval=0.02,
         model_presets={"tiny-model": {"total_layers": 1, "bytes_per_layer": {"bfloat16": 1_000}}},
@@ -1533,7 +1538,7 @@ def test_tracker_periodic_rebalance_purges_expired_nodes_without_requests():
 
 def test_tracker_faster_node_receives_wider_range_when_capacity_ties():
     "Tracker faster node receives wider range when capacity ties\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(model_presets={
+    tracker = _tracker(model_presets={
         "tiny-model": {
             "total_layers": 12,
             "bytes_per_layer": {"bfloat16": 1_000},
@@ -1564,7 +1569,7 @@ def test_tracker_faster_node_receives_wider_range_when_capacity_ties():
 
 def test_tracker_rebalances_after_middle_range_node_timeout():
     "Killing a middle shard queues LOAD_SHARD and restores coverage.\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(
+    tracker = _tracker(
         heartbeat_timeout=0.15,
         model_presets={
             "tiny-model": {
@@ -1612,7 +1617,7 @@ def test_tracker_rebalances_after_middle_range_node_timeout():
 
 def test_tracker_rebalances_managed_hf_node_after_peer_timeout():
     "HF nodes auto-assigned by the tracker receive LOAD_SHARD after a peer dies.\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(heartbeat_timeout=0.15, rebalance_interval=10.0)
+    tracker = _tracker(heartbeat_timeout=0.15, rebalance_interval=10.0)
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     try:
         managed = _post_json(
@@ -1648,7 +1653,7 @@ def test_tracker_rebalances_managed_hf_node_after_peer_timeout():
 
 def test_tracker_route_error_no_nodes():
     "Tracker returns 503 with clear error when the registry is empty.\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = _tracker()
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     try:
         try:
@@ -1664,7 +1669,7 @@ def test_tracker_route_error_no_nodes():
 
 def test_tracker_heartbeat_updates_node():
     "Sending a heartbeat for a registered node succeeds.\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = _tracker()
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     try:
         reg = _post_json(
@@ -1684,7 +1689,7 @@ def test_tracker_heartbeat_updates_node():
 
 def test_tracker_heartbeat_stores_current_requests():
     "Node-reported in-flight request snapshots appear on the network map.\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = _tracker()
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     try:
         reg = _post_json(
@@ -1749,7 +1754,7 @@ def test_normalize_current_requests_sanitizes_payload():
 
 def test_tracker_heartbeat_expiry():
     "Nodes that miss their heartbeat window are excluded from routes.\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(heartbeat_timeout=0.05)  # 50 ms
+    tracker = _tracker(heartbeat_timeout=0.05)  # 50 ms
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     try:
         _post_json(
@@ -1778,7 +1783,7 @@ def test_tracker_heartbeat_expiry():
 
 def test_tracker_heartbeat_expiry_removes_node_from_registry():
     "Expired nodes are removed, not merely hidden from route responses.\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(heartbeat_timeout=0.05)
+    tracker = _tracker(heartbeat_timeout=0.05)
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     try:
         reg = _post_json(
@@ -1806,7 +1811,7 @@ def test_tracker_heartbeat_expiry_removes_node_from_registry():
 
 def test_tracker_route_rejects_non_extending_overlap():
     "Overlapping shards that do not extend coverage cannot form a complete route.\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = _tracker()
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     try:
         _post_json(
@@ -1831,7 +1836,7 @@ def test_tracker_route_rejects_non_extending_overlap():
 
 def test_tracker_console_records_model_not_available():
     "Tracker console records model not available\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = _tracker()
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     try:
         try:
@@ -1856,7 +1861,7 @@ def test_tracker_console_records_model_not_available():
 
 def test_tracker_registration_rejects_invalid_payload():
     "Registration errors return a defined JSON 400 response.\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = _tracker()
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     try:
         try:
@@ -1876,7 +1881,7 @@ def test_tracker_registration_rejects_invalid_payload():
 
 def test_tracker_registration_rejects_invalid_max_loaded_shards():
     "Tracker registration rejects invalid max loaded shards\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = _tracker()
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     try:
         try:
@@ -1896,7 +1901,7 @@ def test_tracker_registration_rejects_invalid_max_loaded_shards():
 
 def test_network_map_exposes_node_capacity_limits():
     "Network map exposes node capacity limits\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(model_presets={
+    tracker = _tracker(model_presets={
         "tiny-model": {
             "total_layers": 12,
             "bytes_per_layer": {"bfloat16": 1_000},
@@ -1927,7 +1932,7 @@ def test_network_map_exposes_node_capacity_limits():
 
 def test_tracker_capacity_uses_ram_when_node_has_no_vram():
     "CPU-only nodes should expose RAM-backed shard capacity, not default GPU capacity.\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(model_presets={
+    tracker = _tracker(model_presets={
         "tiny-model": {
             "total_layers": 20,
             "bytes_per_layer": {"bfloat16": 1_000},
@@ -1956,7 +1961,7 @@ def test_tracker_capacity_uses_ram_when_node_has_no_vram():
 
 def test_rebalance_keeps_one_active_range_even_when_multiple_slots_advertised():
     "max_loaded_shards is exposed but reserved until node runtime supports multi-range serving.\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(model_presets={
+    tracker = _tracker(model_presets={
         "tiny-model": {
             "total_layers": 8,
             "bytes_per_layer": {"bfloat16": 1_000},
@@ -1983,7 +1988,7 @@ def test_rebalance_keeps_one_active_range_even_when_multiple_slots_advertised():
 
 def test_tracker_routes_only_nodes_for_requested_model():
     "A node registered for one model cannot satisfy another model's route.\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(model_presets={
+    tracker = _tracker(model_presets={
         "model-a": {"layers_start": 0, "layers_end": 31},
         "model-b": {"layers_start": 0, "layers_end": 31},
     })
@@ -2006,7 +2011,7 @@ def test_tracker_routes_only_nodes_for_requested_model():
 
 def test_tracker_assignment_coverage_is_model_scoped():
     "Shard assignment gaps are computed only from nodes serving the same model.\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(model_presets={
+    tracker = _tracker(model_presets={
         "model-a": {"layers_start": 0, "layers_end": 31},
         "model-b": {"layers_start": 0, "layers_end": 31},
     })
@@ -2031,7 +2036,7 @@ def test_tracker_excludes_banned_wallets_from_routes():
     contracts.registry.submit_stake("wallet-a", 1_000)
     contracts.registry.submit_stake("wallet-b", 1_000)
     contracts.registry.ban_wallet("wallet-b")
-    tracker = TrackerServer(contracts=contracts, minimum_stake=100)
+    tracker = _tracker(contracts=contracts, minimum_stake=100)
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     try:
         _post_json(
@@ -2065,7 +2070,7 @@ def test_tracker_rejects_banned_wallet_registration():
     contracts = LocalSolanaContracts()
     contracts.registry.submit_stake("wallet-b", 1_000)
     contracts.registry.ban_wallet("wallet-b")
-    tracker = TrackerServer(contracts=contracts, minimum_stake=100)
+    tracker = _tracker(contracts=contracts, minimum_stake=100)
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     try:
         try:
@@ -2111,7 +2116,7 @@ def test_gateway_routes_even_when_compute_node_has_low_stake():
     contracts = LocalSolanaContracts()
     contracts.registry.submit_stake("wallet-a", 1_000)
     contracts.registry.submit_stake("wallet-b", 5)
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = _tracker()
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     tracker_url = f"http://127.0.0.1:{tracker_port}"
 
@@ -2166,7 +2171,7 @@ def test_gateway_records_compute_attribution_after_inference_session():
     contracts.registry.submit_stake("wallet-a", 1_000)
     contracts.registry.submit_stake("wallet-b", 1_000)
     contracts.payment.fund_api_key("api-key-a", lamports=10_000)
-    tracker = TrackerServer(contracts=contracts, minimum_stake=100)
+    tracker = _tracker(contracts=contracts, minimum_stake=100)
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     tracker_url = f"http://127.0.0.1:{tracker_port}"
 
@@ -2294,7 +2299,7 @@ def test_gateway_returns_json_503_for_malformed_tracker_route():
 
 def test_two_node_pipeline_via_tracker():
     "End-to-end: nodes register with tracker; gateway discovers route dynamically.\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = _tracker()
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     tracker_url = f"http://127.0.0.1:{tracker_port}"
 
@@ -2351,7 +2356,7 @@ def test_two_node_pipeline_via_tracker():
 
 def test_stats_endpoint_returns_empty_models_initially():
     "Stats endpoint returns empty models initially\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = _tracker()
     port = tracker.start()
     try:
         resp = _get_json(f"http://127.0.0.1:{port}/v1/stats")
@@ -2449,7 +2454,7 @@ def test_stats_sqlite_persistence_survives_restart(tmp_path):
 
 def test_stats_gossip_endpoint_merges_peer_slice():
     "Stats gossip endpoint merges peer slice\n\nTags: gossip, http, network, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(hive_secret=_TEST_HIVE_SECRET)
+    tracker = _tracker(hive_secret=_TEST_HIVE_SECRET)
     port = tracker.start()
     try:
         peer_payload = {
@@ -2610,7 +2615,7 @@ def test_select_route_reputation_never_overrides_coverage():
 
 def test_two_stub_nodes_complete_pipeline_via_tracker():
     "Integration: two StubNodeServer instances serving complementary shards\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(model_presets={
+    tracker = _tracker(model_presets={
         "two-node-model": {"layers_start": 0, "layers_end": 3}
     })
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
@@ -2732,7 +2737,7 @@ def test_shard_heal_cycle_surviving_node_covers_dead_peers_gap(monkeypatch):
     monkeypatch.setattr(torch_server, "_load_backend", fake_load)
 
     # Use a very short timeout so Node A expires quickly.
-    tracker = TrackerServer(heartbeat_timeout=0.15, rebalance_interval=10.0)
+    tracker = _tracker(heartbeat_timeout=0.15, rebalance_interval=10.0)
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
 
     node_b = TorchNodeServer(backend=_FakeBackend(shard_start=12, shard_end=23))
@@ -2807,7 +2812,7 @@ def test_shard_heal_cycle_surviving_node_covers_dead_peers_gap(monkeypatch):
 
 def test_network_map_exposes_memory_pool():
     "Network map exposes memory pool\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(model_presets={
+    tracker = _tracker(model_presets={
         "tiny-model": {
             "total_layers": 8,
             "bytes_per_layer": {"bfloat16": 1_000},
@@ -2836,7 +2841,7 @@ def test_network_map_exposes_memory_pool():
 
 def test_same_endpoint_can_register_multiple_models():
     "Same endpoint can register multiple models\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = _tracker()
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     try:
         base = {
@@ -2866,7 +2871,7 @@ def test_same_endpoint_can_register_multiple_models():
 
 def test_scale_demanded_models_queues_add_shard_on_spare_host():
     "Scale demanded models queues add shard on spare host\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(model_presets={
+    tracker = _tracker(model_presets={
         "model-a": {
             "total_layers": 4,
             "bytes_per_layer": {"bfloat16": 1_000},
@@ -2957,7 +2962,7 @@ def _proxy_chat_status(policy: str, quantization: str | None) -> tuple[int, dict
     node = http.server.HTTPServer(("127.0.0.1", 0), _EchoChatHandler)
     node_thread = threading.Thread(target=node.serve_forever, daemon=True)
     node_thread.start()
-    tracker = TrackerServer(capability_policy=policy)
+    tracker = _tracker(capability_policy=policy)
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     try:
         endpoint = f"http://127.0.0.1:{node.server_address[1]}"
@@ -3005,7 +3010,7 @@ def test_a_node_declaring_a_null_quantization_is_never_routed():
     node = http.server.HTTPServer(("127.0.0.1", 0), _EchoChatHandler)
     node_thread = threading.Thread(target=node.serve_forever, daemon=True)
     node_thread.start()
-    tracker = TrackerServer(capability_policy=POLICY_COMPAT)
+    tracker = _tracker(capability_policy=POLICY_COMPAT)
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     try:
         endpoint = f"http://127.0.0.1:{node.server_address[1]}"
@@ -3028,7 +3033,7 @@ def test_a_node_declaring_a_null_quantization_is_never_routed():
 
 def test_raft_apply_preserves_a_declared_precision_for_follower_routing():
     "A follower that drops the declared precision would route unlike the leader.\n\nTags: raft, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = _tracker()
     tracker.start()
     try:
         tracker._raft_apply("register", {
@@ -3051,7 +3056,7 @@ def test_raft_apply_preserves_a_declared_precision_for_follower_routing():
 
 def test_raft_apply_grandfathers_a_legacy_registration_that_omits_quantization():
     "The follower must reach the same legacy fallback the leader did, not a bare None.\n\nTags: raft, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer()
+    tracker = _tracker()
     tracker.start()
     try:
         tracker._raft_apply("register", {
@@ -3071,7 +3076,7 @@ def test_raft_apply_grandfathers_a_legacy_registration_that_omits_quantization()
 
 def test_rebalancing_does_not_resurrect_a_node_that_declared_an_unusable_precision():
     "Managed assignment picks a node's precision, so it must not overwrite an explicit unusable one.\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(heartbeat_timeout=0.15, rebalance_interval=10.0)
+    tracker = _tracker(heartbeat_timeout=0.15, rebalance_interval=10.0)
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     try:
         managed = _post_json(
@@ -3120,7 +3125,7 @@ def _register_shard(tracker_port: int, port: int, **overrides) -> dict:
 
 def test_a_node_with_an_unusable_precision_covers_no_layers():
     "A node no request can reach must not report its shards as served coverage.\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(rebalance_interval=10.0)
+    tracker = _tracker(rebalance_interval=10.0)
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     try:
         _register_shard(
@@ -3136,7 +3141,7 @@ def test_a_node_with_an_unusable_precision_covers_no_layers():
 
 def test_rebalancing_fills_the_layers_an_unusable_node_only_appears_to_cover():
     "Counting a dark node as coverage hides the gap, so the rebalancer never fills it.\n\nTags: http, routing, tracker"
-    tracker = TrackerServer(rebalance_interval=10.0)
+    tracker = _tracker(rebalance_interval=10.0)
     tracker_port = tracker.start()
     try:
         # The dark node claims the model's tail; the managed node holds the head.