News

Configuring the Cardano Node for Different Operating Modes

Albert Morgan

— 3 min read

Operating a Cardano node allows you to participate in validating transactions on the Cardano blockchain network. The node can run in different modes depending on your needs and resources. Proper configuration is key to ensuring your node runs smoothly on the network. In this article, we'll explore the various operating modes and how to configure your Cardano node for each one.

Introduction

The Cardano platform is a proof-of-stake blockchain that relies on community participants running nodes to validate transactions. Running a node allows you to take part in this process while also giving you access to the blockchain data. The Cardano node software, cardano-node, can be configured to run in different modes including relay, passive, or core modes. Understanding these modes and setting up your node properly for your needs is important to being an active part of the Cardano ecosystem.

Relay Mode

Relay mode is the most basic operating mode for a Cardano node. This mode will allow your node to relay blocks and transactions to other nodes on the network. Your node will not produce or validate blocks in this mode. Running in relay mode is useful if you just want access to the blockchain data but don't necessarily want or need to participate in the consensus process.

To configure your node for relay mode, edit the node configuration file and set the following parameters:

Copy codeMode: Relay EnableForwardPropagation: True

This will set your node to simply forward along valid blocks and transactions without any further processing. Relay nodes provide value by increasing connectivity in the network.

Passive Mode

In passive mode, your node will validate new blocks and transactions but will not participate in block creation. This mode allows you to take part in the consensus process without needing significant disk space or network resources. Passive mode is ideal for those who want to support the network through validation without running a core node.

To set up passive mode, edit your configuration file as follows:

Copy codeMode: Passive EnableForwardPropagation: True

Passive mode requires access to a full copy of the Cardano blockchain to validate against. You'll need to sync your node using cardano-cli before switching to passive.

Core Mode

Core mode turns your node into a full consensus participant that validates blocks and can also create new blocks. This requires higher specifications to handle the resource demands but allows full participation in the protocol. Running in core mode means your node will need to sync the full Cardano blockchain and remain online consistently.

To run in core mode, edit your configuration:

Copy codeMode: Core EnableForwardPropagation: True

You'll also need to create operational certificates for your core node and configure any other required parameters. Core mode provides the highest level of network participation.

Choosing Your Node Mode

When deciding which mode to use, consider your own needs and available resources:

  • Relay mode is best for those wanting basic access without resource demands.
  • Passive mode allows participation in validation without running a core node.
  • Core mode provides full consensus participation for committed node operators.

The Cardano community benefits from having a diversity of node types and participants on the network. Carefully configuring your node for the right mode allows you to contribute most effectively based on your own situation.

Conclusion

How can running a Cardano node benefit me personally?

Operating a properly configured Cardano node provides you with a number of potential benefits:

  • You gain access to the latest Cardano blockchain data to use for analysis or to power applications. Passive and core nodes give you fully validated data.
  • Participating in the consensus process allows you to help secure the network and earn rewards for doing so. The more nodes that are validating, the more decentralized and resilient the network.
  • Running a node gives you visibility into how the Cardano protocol works under the hood. This knowledge can be valuable professionally working with blockchain technology.
  • Contributing infrastructure and participation to the ecosystem furthers the success of a project you may be invested in or support ideologically.

Overall, being an active node operator puts you close to the cutting edge of the protocol and allows you to learn, support, and benefit from the Cardano network.

What hardware specifications should I consider for my Cardano node?

When selecting hardware to run your Cardano node, there are some minimum and recommended specifications to consider:

  • For relay or passive nodes, at minimum 2 CPU cores and 4GB RAM is required. 8GB+ RAM is recommended.
  • Core nodes require more robust specs of 8+ CPU cores and 32GB+ RAM. Fast SSD storage is also recommended.
  • Always choose stable, enterprise-grade server hardware components optimized for uptime.
  • An internet connection with at least 10 mbps download and 5 mbps upload speeds is required. Faster is better.
  • Consider a backup power supply, like a UPS, to keep your node online during power disruptions.

For core nodes especially, investing in proper hardware will lead to better performance and uptime. And with incentives for participation, the hardware can pay for itself over time.

The Cardano community works best when node operators run diverse hardware configurations. By selecting hardware tailored to your node's mode and resources, you'll be set up for smooth, stable long-term operation on the network.

Check our guide of the most promising crypto

Read more