Run a Node on Shardeum with One-Click Node Setup

With Shardeum’s horizontal scalability enabled by dynamic state sharding, the network is committed to making node operation accessible to everyone. This means that an average computer user, with minimal hardware and a user-friendly graphical interface, can now participate in the operations of a blockchain network by running a validator node. By doing so, they contribute to maximizing its decentralization and security while earning real-world rewards. This approach is particularly crucial for Shardeum, as unlike other networks that scale vertically with powerful and costly servers, Shardeum’s throughput capacity increase effortlessly with the addition of validator nodes, ensuring low transaction fees.

Shardeum advocates for achieving greater decentralization within our societies. At the same time, we recognize some of the most impactful innovations were adopted by taking baby steps in the form of education and offering people alternative choices to explore and experience the benefits firsthand. If you’ve come across our docs page, you’ll see just how convenient it already is to self-host a node on Shardeum using your computer machine. And in case you don’t have a spare or compatible hardware, you have the option to operate your node through a VPS cloud service like Contabo and AWS with just a few clicks. There is an even simpler option known as the “one-click node setup,” making it especially easy for first time validators on top of being affordable as a result of Shardeum’s innovative protocol.

What is One-Click Node Setup?

As the name suggests, one-click node setup (or one-click validator services) require far lesser number of steps and technical know-how to setup a node when compared to self-hosting. You simply need to choose a suitable service provider available in the market, pay a service fee and let them handle all the technical aspects for you to run the node seamlessly while you earn rewards.

One-click validator service is similar to installing your node via a VPS in that both options simplify the process of node deployment by outsourcing much of the technical setup and maintenance. The service providers in this category segment offer validators-as-a-service solutions for various blockchain networks and their community members. In both cases, users do not need to manage the physical hardware directly and can rely on cloud-based infrastructure to keep their nodes running efficiently. Additionally, both methods provide a balance between convenience and contributing to network decentralization.

The key difference between these two options and self-hosting is that the latter allows you to maintain full control over the node without relying on third-party infrastructure providers, significantly reducing the risk of central points of failure and authority. Now, let’s find out how you can run a validator using one-click node setup services in a step by step manner.

How to Run a Node Using One-Click Node Setup?

Please note the following content is an excerpt from the official tutorial by Mintair, one of the instant node setup providers for Shardeum – which we are reusing in this blog for educational purposes for our readers.

Step 1: Connect Your Wallet

Login to Mintair dashboard. You’ll need to connect your wallet – they support MetaMask and other popular EVM wallet providers. Once connected, select Shardeum from their list of supported networks.

Step 2: Choose Your Plan

Select your preferred plan. Mintair offer various payment plans, starting at $19.99 per month. You’ll need to purchase credits first, however their interface makes the process simple.

Step 3: Deploy Your Node

With your credits in place, you’re ready to deploy the node.

After you click on “Run Node” button, click on the “key” icon in Mintair dashboard as shown below. Make sure to save your password – you’ll only see it once!

Step 4: Get Some SHM Tokens

After installation, you’ll need some SHM tokens to stake (as collateral). Head over to Shardeum’s Discord server and find the validator-faucet channel. Drop your wallet address in the channel to receive some testnet SHM.

Step 5: Access Your Node Dashboard

Back on Mintair, click “Visit Node” to access your node’s dashboard.

Enter the password which you had saved previously in the maintenance tab.

Step 6: Start Your Node and Stake

Once you reach the Maintenance tab, connect your wallet and click on “Start Node”

Proceed to refresh the page, and then add your minimum stake (currently 10 SHM) when prompted.

Congratulations. And there you have it! Your node is now set up and will rotate between standby and validating status. You’re officially part of the Shardeum network, contributing to the decentralized future of the internet.

Sidenote: Shardeum employs a leaderless consensus mechanism to randomly select nodes from the standby node pool for active validation to maximize both security and accessibility. Therefore, nodes start with ‘standby’ status by default. At the end of a certain duration (known as “cycle”), the oldest active validators in the network are rotated out for standby validators and the cycle continues.

If you are new to running a node on a blockchain network, start with this tutorial. You'll feel proud to be contributing to the democratization of global resources like finance and data storage. You are also welcome to participate in our ongoing incentivized testnet, where users like you help us stress test the network in return for potential rewards such as airdrops and NFTs. Click the link below👇and join today!