Powergate is composed of different modules which can be used independently, and compose toegheter to provide other higher-level modules.

Here's a high-level overview of the main components, and how Powergate interacts with IPFS and a Filecoin client:

Note in the diagram that the Lotus and Filecoin client node _doesn't need_ to be in the same host where Powergate is running. They can, but isn't necessary.