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Node Overview

A node is a computer running an instance of Quai that communicates (peers) with other nodes. The web of communication between nodes makes up Quai Network.
Nodes are responsible for validating and propagating transactions across Quai Network. Each node maintains a copy of all or a subset of chains within the network, and handles the computation of state changes when a new block is added to their local copy of the ledger. Nodes uphold the integrity of Quai by ensuring the validity and accurate recording of all transactions.
There are 4 unique kinds of nodes that exist within Quai Network that manage different subsets of data, serve different purposes, and have differing hardware requirements.

Node Types

Global Node

A global node on Quai Network maintains the ledger and generates proposed blocks for mining in all shards. Global nodes operate by sending and receiving the latest blocks along with their header data to its peers in the network. Global nodes also have the ability to serve requests that query each of the shards through WebSockets and HTTP. Currently, global nodes on Quai Network serve as archive nodes since historical state is not pruned.
The hardware requirement to run a global node during the Iron Age Testnet:
  • Fast CPU with 4+ cores
  • 32GB+ RAM
  • Fast SSD with at least 3TB free space
  • 10+ MBit/sec download Internet service

Slice Node

A slice node on the network is a subset of a global node that validates Prime, a single Region, and a single Zone. An example of a slice node would be the combination of Prime, Cyprus, and Cyprus1. The benefit to running a slice node is that a node needs fewer resources. The trade-off is that cross-node validation is delegated to the peered global nodes or coordinate slices. A slice node is the smallest subset of the network that a node can run and still trustlessly access the network.
The hardware requirement to run a slice node:
  • CPU with 4+ cores
  • 16GB RAM
  • 1TB free storage space to sync
  • 10+ MBit/sec download Internet service

Multi-Slice Node

A multi-slice node is a node that is also running one or more additional region or zone chains coordinate to the selected slice. Multi-slice nodes can be beneficial to node operators because it allows them to identify coordinate chain contention more quickly, lowering their uncle rate.
Multi-slice nodes are not currently a pre-set configuration, however advanced node operators can explore this construction.

Watcher Node

Watcher nodes are Quai Network nodes that observe a single subordinate Quai blockchain. Watcher nodes can be useful for organizations and businesses that are primarily monitoring a single Quai Network context, and are not concerned with coordinate or dominant chains. Watcher nodes are not a trustless way to interact with Quai Network, as they trust in the benevolence of dominant contexts.
Watcher nodes are not currently a pre-set configuration.

Networking and Conventions

Chain
Chain Index
HTTP Port
WS Port
Peering Port
Prime
8546
8547
30303
Cyprus
region-0
8578
8579
30304
Paxos
region-1
8580
8581
30305
Hydra
region-2
8582
8583
30306
Cyprus1
zone-0-0
8610
8611
30307
Cyprus2
zone-0-1
8542
8643
30308
Cyprus3
zone-0-2
8674
8675
30309
Paxos1
zone-1-0
8512
8613
30310
Paxos2
zone-1-1
8544
8645
30311
Paxos3
zone-1-2
8576
8677
30312
Hydra1
zone-2-0
8614
8615
30313
Hydra2
zone-2-1
8646
8647
30314
Hydra3
zone-2-2
8678
8679
30315