Running a node on the OKT Chain (OKTC) network is a critical step for participants who want to contribute to network security, decentralization, and data availability. Whether you're setting up a Validator Node, Full Node, or Archive Node, understanding the precise hardware and performance requirements ensures long-term stability and optimal performance. This guide outlines the essential configurations, explains key technical considerations, and provides actionable recommendations for deploying a reliable node.
Minimum Hardware Configurations
To maintain network integrity and ensure smooth synchronization, OKTC specifies minimum hardware standards for each node type. These configurations are designed to handle current network demands while allowing room for future growth.
| Component | Validator Node | Full Node | Archive Node |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | 3.5 GHz, 16-Core | 3.0 GHz or higher, 16-Core | 3.0 GHz or higher, 16-Core |
| System | x86_64 | x86_64 | x86_64 |
| RAM | 64 GB | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| Storage | 1 TB SSD | 1 TB SSD | 5 TB SSD (expandable) |
| Bandwidth | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps |
💡 Note: As the OKTC blockchain grows in size and transaction volume, storage requirements will increase over time. It’s strongly advised to exceed minimum specifications—especially in storage capacity—to ensure your node remains synchronized and resilient against data bottlenecks.
Cloud Instance Suggestions
For those deploying nodes on cloud infrastructure, here are recommended instance types:
- Validator Node: AWS
m6i.4xlarge(16 cores, 64 GB RAM, 3.5 GHz CPU) - Full Node: AWS
m6i.4xlarge - Archive Node: AWS
r6i.4xlarge(memory-optimized for intensive data queries)
These instances offer balanced compute, memory, and disk I/O performance ideal for blockchain operations.
👉 Discover how to deploy a high-performance node with scalable infrastructure
Technical Background: Why Disk Performance Matters
OKTC nodes use LevelDB as the underlying database engine to store both block data and state information. LevelDB is optimized for fast key-value writes and reads, but it performs best when backed by high-speed storage with low latency.
Because blockchain nodes constantly write new blocks and read historical data during synchronization and validation, disk I/O becomes a critical performance factor. Slow or inconsistent disk access can lead to:
- Delayed block processing
- Increased risk of falling out of sync
- Poor validator uptime and potential slashing penalties
Therefore, selecting the right storage type isn't just about capacity—it's about sustained read/write throughput.
Common Issues with Standard Cloud Storage
Many users attempt to reduce costs by using entry-level cloud disks, such as Alibaba Cloud’s Ultra Disks or basic HDD-backed volumes. However, real-world deployments have shown that these drives often fail to meet the consistent I/O demands of an OKTC node.
Problem: Synchronization Lag
Nodes running on standard cloud disks—particularly shared or burstable performance tiers—frequently experience synchronization lag. This occurs when the disk cannot keep up with the rate of incoming block data, causing the node to fall behind the chain head.
This delay affects not only full and archive nodes but can be catastrophic for validators, where timely block proposal and voting are mandatory.
Recommended Storage Solutions
To avoid performance degradation, OKTC recommends using high-performance SSDs across all deployment environments.
Alibaba Cloud Disk Options
Alibaba Cloud offers four primary disk types:
- Standard SSD – Balanced performance and cost; suitable for most node types
- Ultra Disk – Lower cost but limited IOPS; not recommended
- ESSD (Enhanced SSD) – High IOPS and throughput; ideal for archive nodes
- ESSD AutoPL – Automatically scales performance based on workload; excellent for growing networks
Best Practice Recommendation
👉 Learn how top-performing nodes maintain 99.9% uptime using optimized storage
For both Alibaba Cloud and AWS environments, we strongly recommend using Standard SSD as a baseline. For production-grade or high-traffic archive nodes, consider upgrading to ESSD PL1 or higher to ensure consistent low-latency access.
On AWS, ensure your EBS volume uses gp3 or io2 with provisioned IOPS if running a validator or archive node under heavy load.
Node Type Comparison: Use Cases and Requirements
Understanding the differences between node types helps you choose the right configuration for your goals.
Validator Node
Validators actively participate in consensus, proposing and voting on blocks. They must maintain near-perfect uptime and fast response times.
- Requires highest CPU clock speed (3.5 GHz)
- Must avoid any disk latency that could delay block signing
- Ideal for staking participants seeking rewards
Full Node
Full nodes validate all blocks and transactions independently but do not participate in consensus.
- Lower CPU requirement than validators
- Still needs fast SSD to stay synchronized
- Great for developers, explorers, and service providers
Archive Node
Archive nodes store the complete historical state of the blockchain—every change since genesis.
- Highest storage demand (minimum 5 TB)
- Benefits from memory-optimized instances (e.g., AWS
r6i) - Used for analytics, indexing services, and blockchain forensics
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I run a validator node on a VPS with 3.0 GHz CPU?
A: While technically possible, OKTC recommends a 3.5 GHz CPU to ensure timely block processing. A slower processor may result in missed blocks or reduced rewards due to latency.
Q: Is HDD storage acceptable for a full node?
A: No. HDDs lack the random read/write speed required by LevelDB. Always use SSD storage to prevent sync issues.
Q: How often should I upgrade my node’s storage?
A: Monitor disk usage monthly. As the blockchain grows, expand storage proactively—especially for archive nodes. Plan for at least 20% free space at all times.
Q: Does network bandwidth affect node performance?
A: Yes. A stable 100 Mbps connection is required to handle peer-to-peer traffic, block propagation, and synchronization without delays.
Q: Can I start with a full node and later become a validator?
A: Absolutely. Running a full node first allows you to test your setup before staking tokens and upgrading to validator status.
Q: Are there benefits to using ESSD over Standard SSD?
A: Yes. ESSD offers higher IOPS and consistent performance under load, making it better suited for long-term or high-demand deployments like archive nodes.
Final Recommendations
Deploying a successful OKTC node requires more than meeting minimum specs—it demands strategic planning around performance, scalability, and reliability.
- Always use SSD storage, preferably Standard SSD or ESSD
- Choose cloud instances with dedicated CPU and sufficient RAM
- Monitor disk I/O performance regularly
- Plan for storage expansion every 6–12 months
👉 Start building your secure, high-performance OKTC node today
By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure your node contributes effectively to the network while minimizing downtime and maximizing operational efficiency.