Run an Algorand node

Help secure the Algorand network and participate in consensus by running a node.

What is running a node? 

Running an Algorand node essentially means operating a computer program that validates transactions and contributes to securing the network. Thousands of nodes around the world are doing the same thing, working together to validate transactions, secure the network, and maintain the integrity of the Algorand ledger. By running a node, you become an active contributor to this decentralized system.

How to run an Algorand node

 

nodekit for algorand

*Your Algorand node-running companion

NodeKit is a comprehensive terminal tool for installing, managing, and monitoring your own node. It offers a streamlined experience to:

    • download and install the Algorand core node
    • register participation keys 
    • monitor your node's performance
Get started with NodeKit

One-click nodes

*For those with a non-technical background 
 
Funk's Ultimate Node Controller (FUNC)

FUNC is a cross-platform service that makes it easy to spin up a node for Algorand and start participating in consensus.

Explore FUNC

Manual node installation 

*Technical expertise is required for manual setup 

 

Manual setup and running of an Algorand node requires a more hands-on approach compared to one-click options.

The Algorand Developer Portal provides an official step-by-step guide. The guide details a two-folder installation with an updater script to keep your software current. You'll download binaries, configure settings, and potentially use command-line tools to manage and interact with your node. (The NodeKit for Algorand terminal can also help guide you through the process.)

Set up a node

Disclaimer: FUNC is a third-party service. The Algorand Foundation has no control over this external service and makes no guarantees regarding its functionality, security, or reliability. Please exercise caution when accessing these sites and ensure that you understand the associated risks. Never share your private key data with any service.

Why run an Algorand node?

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Secure the network

Your node acts as an independent validator. This helps prevent fraudulent activity and ensures only valid transactions are added to the blockchain.

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Support the ecosystem

Your node contributes to a robust Algorand infrastructure, benefitting projects, developers, and users.

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Vote on network proposals

Participating nodes have voting rights on network proposals, letting you directly influence Algorand's future development.

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Earn rewards

With the introduction of consensus incentivization later in 2024, you have the potential to earn rewards for helping process transactions on the network.

What are the types of Algorand nodes?

The Algorand network comprises repeaters and validators.

Repeaters act as communication hubs, forwarding transactions and blocks to other nodes. On the legacy path, repeaters (relays) are whitelisted; on the P2P mesh, repeaters are permissionless.

Validators (formerly consensus nodes) focus on validating transactions and participating in Pure Proof-of-Stake consensus. Anyone can set up and operate a validator.

 

�� Discover best practices for running Algorand participation nodes in consensus

Who can run a node? 

Anyone with an Algorand account with an account balance of at least 0.1 Algo can run a node. To run a participation node you need a system with at least 16GB of RAM, 8 vCPU, a fast SSD (100 GB NVMe or equivalent), and a good internet connection (ideally 1 Gbps).

Ask the Algorand community 

Get help running a node

Head over to the dedicated #node-runners channel on the Algorand Discord server. Connect with experienced node runners, ask questions, and share your experiences. Or, get your node-related questions answered on the official Algorand Reddit page.

Discord Reddit

Additional node resources

  1. See best practices for running Algorand participation nodes in consensus →
  2. Monitor the voting health of your node at alerts.allo.info →
  3. Claim a Proof of Participation (PoP), an honorary NFT for validators participating in Algorand consensus →
FAQ

About nodes and node-running on Algorand

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