# Node Setup

**Introduction**

Running a node on Studio Blockchain enables developers and validators to fully interact with the network, participate in transaction validation, and contribute to the ecosystem’s decentralization. Whether you want to set up a full node for real-time interaction or a light node for basic querying, this guide provides step-by-step instructions.

**1. Types of Nodes**

Studio Blockchain supports two types of nodes:

**Full Node:**

* Stores the complete blockchain ledger.
* Provides full transaction and block data.
* Best for validators, indexers, and developers requiring deep insights.

**Light Node:**

* Stores only the latest blockchain state.
* Relies on full nodes for historical data.
* Ideal for users with limited storage or computational resources.

**2. System Requirements**

**Hardware Requirements for Full Node:**

* CPU: Quad-core processor (2.5 GHz or higher).
* RAM: 8 GB or more (4 GB minimum).
* Storage: Minimum 50 GB disk space (expandable as the blockchain grows).
* Network: High-speed internet connection (minimum 100 Mbps).
* OS: Linux (Ubuntu 20.04 or higher recommended).

**Hardware Requirements for Light Node:**

* CPU: Dual-core processor (2.0 GHz or higher).
* RAM: 4 GB or more.
* Storage: Minimum 10 GB disk space.
* Network: High-speed internet connection (minimum 50 Mbps).
* OS: Same as above.

**3. Installing Studio Blockchain Node**

**Step 1: Install Dependencies**

Update System Packages:

```
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
```

Install Required Software:

```
sudo apt install build-essential curl git jq -y
```

**Step 2: Install Geth**

Studio Blockchain’s implementation is based on Geth (v1.13.14-stable). Install Geth using the following commands:

```
sudo add-apt-repository -y ppa:ethereum/ethereum
sudo apt update
sudo apt install geth -y
```

**Step 3: Configure the Node**

Initialize the Genesis File:

```
geth init /path/to/genesis.json --datadir ~/.studio-node
```

Start the Node:

```
geth --datadir ~/.studio-node --networkid 240240 --http --http.addr 0.0.0.0 --http.port 8545 --http.api web3,eth,net --ws --ws.port 8546 --ws.api web3,eth,net
```

**4. Connecting to the Studio Blockchain Testnet**

After starting the node, you can connect it to the Studio Blockchain Testnet:

Modify Configuration: Add the Studio Blockchain Testnet bootnodes to the configuration file:

```
"bootnodes": [
  "enode://...@rpc.studio-blockchain.com:30303"
]
```

Sync the Blockchain:

```
tail -f ~/.studio-node/logs/node.log
```

**5. Running a Validator Node**

If you want to participate as a validator on Studio Blockchain’s Proof-of-Authority (PoA) network, follow these steps:

Generate Validator Key:

```
geth account new --datadir ~/.studio-node
```

Submit Validator Address: Send your validator address to the Studio Blockchain governance team to be added to the authorized list of validators.

Start Validator Node:

```
geth --datadir ~/.studio-node --mine --miner.threads=4
```

**6. Monitoring Your Node**

Use the following commands to monitor your node’s status and performance:

Check Peer Count:

```
curl -X POST -H "Content-Type: application/json" --data '{"jsonrpc":"2.0","method":"net_peerCount","params":[],"id":1}' http://localhost:8545
```

Check Sync Status:

```
curl -X POST -H "Content-Type: application/json" --data '{"jsonrpc":"2.0","method":"eth_syncing","params":[],"id":1}' http://localhost:8545
```

Node Health Check: Use the indexer "/health" endpoint for additional health metrics:

```
curl http://localhost:3000/health
```

**7. Best Practices**

**Security:**

* Use a firewall to restrict access to your node’s ports.
* Regularly update your node software to the latest version.
* Enable SSL/TLS for secure connections.

**Backup:**

* Backup the `~/.studio-node/keystore` directory regularly to avoid losing wallet or validator keys.

**Resource Allocation:**

* Monitor CPU and memory usage to ensure optimal performance.
* Allocate sufficient disk space for blockchain growth.

***

### **Next Steps**

Now that your node is set up:

1. Explore the **Indexer and Querying Data** subpage to efficiently interact with blockchain data.
2. Join the Studio Blockchain validator network to support the ecosystem.
3. Test your dApps and contracts with real-time node interactions.