Learn about Nodes

The Aptos network consists of three node types: validator node, validator fullnode and public fullnode. To participate in consensus, you are required to run both a validator node and a validator fullnode, and stake.

Also learn how to run a public fullnode on a local network and connect to either a testnet or a devnet. This section describes everything you need to stake and participate in consensus and governance. See also the external resources offered by your fellow node operators.

Validator operations

Validation on Aptos

Everything you need to know about how validation, staking and governance works on Aptos.

How validation works

Validator-leader proposes and earns rewards on success.

Validator states

Learn how a validator gets into a validator set.

Staking

Staking on Aptos

A comprehensive guide to how staking works on Aptos.

Governance

Who can propose, who can vote, and how an AIP is resolved.

Owner

Describes the owner operations performed for staking.

Voter

Describes the voter operations performed for staking.

Operator

A comprehensive guide to deploying nodes, staking operations and participate in consensus.

Node requirements

Details the compute and storage resources you need. Read this first before anything.

Running validator node

In the cloud or on-premises, Docker or source, you will read step-by-step instructions here.

Node liveness criteria

Your nodes must pass these liveness criteria to be in an Aptos network.

Connecting to Aptos network

Steps to connect your nodes to an Aptos network.

Staking pool operations

Step-by-step guide for how to perform staking pool operations.

Shutting down nodes

Leave the validator set first, and then shut down your node.

Fullnode

A section with detailed, step-by-step instructions on everything related to Aptos fullnode.

Public fullnode

Follow this section to install a public fullnode.

Indexer fullnode

Describes how to run an indexer fullnode on the Aptos network.

Local testnet

Run a local testnet with a validator node.

Fullnode network connections

Describes in detail how to configure your node's network connections.

Network identity for fullnode

Create a static network identity for your fullnode.

Update fullnode

When devnet is wiped and updated with newer versions, follow this document to update your fullnode.

Bootstrap a new fullnode

Use data restore to bootstrap a new fullnode.

General

Aptos blockchain networks

See a snapshot of all Aptos networks.

Identity and configuration

A mental-model of identity and configuration plus a description of the identity YAMLs.

Node files

All the files you need while deploying nodes, whether on mainnet, testnet or devnet.

Indexing

Access Aptos-provided indexer service or build your own custom indexer for the Aptos blockchain.

State synchronization

Synchronize your nodes to the latest Aptos blockchain state.

Data pruning

Manage your validator node's disk space by controlling the pruning settings. Proceed with caution.

Node health checker

If you are a node operator, use the NHC service to check if your node is running correctly.

Telemetry

Know what telemetry metrics are sent by your node, and control the telemetry settings.

Leaderboard metrics

A guide to interpret the validator rewards performance, as shown on the leaderboard metrics site.