Getting Started
Node Types
There are three main types of nodes that users can run to participate in the zkVerify network:
- RPC nodes: can serve as local entry point for the user to interact with the blockchain. RPC nodes also:
- Connect to the other nodes and interact with them by sending and receiving blockchain data.
- Maintain either a full or partial copy of the blockchain.
- Boot nodes (or seeder nodes): are ideal for a user who wants to contribute an entry point to the network, thereby enhancing decentralization. They also:
- Provide connectivity to existing nodes, making it easier for new nodes to join the network.
- Hold minimal blockchain data.
- Require private keys for signing peer-to-peer (p2p) messages and uniquely identifying the node within the network (peer-id).
- Validator nodes: actively participates in consensus, authoring new blocks and selecting the best chain. Because of the critical role these nodes play, they earn new tokens through staking. In addition, they:
- Maintain a complete copy of the blockchain.
- Require specific private keys for the Babe and Grandpa consensus algorithms.
- Require a high-security and high-availability environment.
Not sure which option to choose?
If you're uncertain about which node type suits your needs, consider starting with an RPC node. It will allow you to explore the ecosystem and gain familiarity.
Hardware Requirements
The hardware requirements are listed in the table below:
| Requirement | RPC node | Boot node | Validator node |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Threads per core | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Clock speed (GHz) | 2.2 | 2.2 | 2.2 |
| Memory (GiB) | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Bandwidth (Gigabit) | Up to 5 | Up to 5 | Up to 5 |
| Storage (GB) | 50 5 with pruning | 5 | 150 |
note
These requirements are likely to change over time, and it's possible that nodes can run effectively on machines with lower specifications than what are laid out above.
Setup Types
There are two options to set up your node. You can:
- Use Docker (recommended): which provides a convenient and consistent environment for running your node. In addition:
- It simplifies deployment and ensures compatibility across different platforms.
- It is highly recommended for ease of use and maintenance.
- Use binaries built from source: which allows for more control over the installation process. You can build the binaries directly from the source code, available at zkVerify. In addition:
- It requires manual compilation and configuration.
- This is suitable for advanced users who want to customize their setup.