What does it mean to "run a node"?
Run software.
Known as a 'client', this software downloads a copy of the Quantaureum blockchain and verifies the validity of every block, then keeps it up-to-date with new blocks and transactions, and helps others download and update their own copies.
With hardware.
Quantaureum is designed to run a node on average consumer-grade computers. You can use any personal computer, but most users opt to run their node on dedicated hardware to eliminate the performance impact on their machine and minimize node downtime.
While online.
Running a Quantaureum node may sound complicated at first, but it's merely the act of continuously running client software on a computer while connected to the internet. While offline, your node will simply be inactive until it gets back online and catches up with the latest changes.
Who should run a node?
Everyone! Nodes are not just for validators. Anyone can run a node—you don't even need QAU.
You don't need to QAU to run a node. In fact, it's every other node on Quantaureum that holds validators accountable.
You may not get the financial rewards that validators earn, but there are many other benefits of running a node for any Quantaureum user to consider, including privacy, security, reduced reliance on third-party servers, censorship resistance and improved health and decentralization of the network.
Having your own node means you don't need to trust information about the state of the network provided by a third party.
Don't trust. Verify.
Why run a node?
When sending transactions using public nodes, personal information can be leaked to these third-party services such as your IP address and which Quantaureum addresses you own.
By pointing compatible wallets to your own node you can use your wallet to privately and securely interact with the blockchain.
Also, if a malicious node distributes an invalid transaction, your node will simply disregard it. Every transaction is verified locally on your own machine, so you don't need to trust anyone.
A 3rd-party node could choose to refuse transactions from specific IP addresses, or transactions that involve specific accounts, potentially blocking you from using the network when you need it.
Having your own node to submit transactions to guarantees that you can broadcast your transaction to the rest of the peer-to-peer network at any time.
By running a node you become part of a global movement to decentralize control and power over a world of information.
If you're a holder, bring value to your QAU by supporting the health and decentralization of the network, and ensure you have a say in its future.
Centralized cloud servers can provide a lot of computing power, but they provide a target for nation-states or attackers looking to disrupt the network.
Network resilience is achieved with more nodes, in geographically diverse locations, operated by more people of diverse backgrounds. As more people run their own node, reliance on centralized points of failure diminishes, making the network stronger.
In the event of a chain fork, where two chains emerge with two different sets of rules, running your own node guarantees your ability to choose which set of rules you support. It's up to you to upgrade to new rules and support proposed changes, or not.
If you're staking QAU, running your own node allows you to choose your own client, to minimize your risk of slashing and to react to fluctuating demands of the network over time. Staking with a third party forfeits your vote on which client you think is the best choice.
An Quantaureum wallet allows you to take full custody and control of your digital assets by holding the private keys to your addresses, but those keys don't tell you the current state of the blockchain, such as your wallet balance.
By default, Quantaureum wallets typically reach out to a third-party RPC node, such as the public Quantaureum RPC, when looking up your balances. Running your own node allows you to have your own copy of the Quantaureum blockchain.
Getting started
The classic way to run a node is via the command line: download the official client, sync, and you're verifying the chain yourself.
If this is your preference, and you've got the skills, feel free to check out our technical docs.
Spin up a Quantaureum nodeThe official node client is free and open-source software, downloadable from the Quantaureum GitHub repository.
Or use Docker: one compose stack and your node is up and running.
Running a node yourself means you verify the chain with your own copy of the state — no need to trust anyone else's node. This makes it easier for everyone to participate and create a more decentralized network.
Choose your adventure
You'll need some hardware to get started. Although running node software is possible on a personal computer, having a dedicated machine can greatly enhance the performance of your node while minimizing its impact on your primary computer.
When selecting hardware, consider that the chain is continually growing, and maintenance will inevitably be needed. Increasing specs can help delay the need for node maintenance.
Build your own
Step 1 – Hardware
Step 2 – Software
Option 1 – Docker
When you're ready with your hardware, the official Quantaureum node ships as a Docker image, with a compose stack for quick deployment on Windows and Linux.
Option 2 – Command line
For maximum control, experienced users may prefer using the command line instead.
See the developer docs for the full walkthrough: building from source, joining testnet/mainnet, key management, validator setup, and session-key rotation.
Find some helpers
Online platforms such as Discord or Reddit are home to a large number of community builders willing to help you with any questions you may encounter.
Don't go at it alone. If you have a question it's likely someone here can help you find an answer.
Further reading
- Quantaureum on GitHub (opens in a new tab) - the open-source codebase
- Developer documentation (opens in a new tab)
- Community channels (opens in a new tab) - ask other node runners
Plan on staking?
To run a validator efficiently: 8 GB RAM, a 500 GB+ NVMe SSD, and a symmetric 100 Mbit connection with a static public IP are recommended. These specs come from the official node documentation.
Find validator guidance in the developer docs - How to shop for Quantaureum validator hardware (opens in a new tab)
A note on ARM hardware
Lightweight ARM boards like the Raspberry Pi can run a full node for reading and verifying the chain, but they have limitations that may impact performance. Validators are better served by a machine with more RAM, a fast NVMe SSD and a stable connection.
- Quantaureum node on GitHub (opens in a new tab) - Build and run the official client from source
- Run a node with Raspberry Pi (opens in a new tab) - Follow along here if tutorials are your preference