Learn about Nodes

The Aptos network consists of three node types: validator nodes, validator fullnodes (VFNs), and public fullnodes (PFNs). To participate in consensus, you are required to run a validator node and stake the minimum amount of utility coins. VFNs and PFNs are not required to participate in consensus, but they are necessary to distribute blockchain data and enable ecosystem services, e.g., indexing, querying, and RESTful API services (see Aptos APIs). VFNs can only be run by validator operators, while PFNs can be run by anyone. You can learn more about the different types of nodes in the Blockchain Deep Dive section.

This section provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to deploy and operate Aptos nodes in different environments. It also describes everything you need to stake and participate in consensus and governance. You can also find additional resources for node operation in the External Resources section.

Quick Links

Validation on Aptos

Everything you need to know about how validation, staking and governance works on Aptos.

How validation works

Validator-leader proposes and earns rewards on success.

Validator states

Learn how a validator gets into a validator set.

Staking

Staking on Aptos

A comprehensive guide to how staking works on Aptos.

Governance

Who can propose, who can vote, and how an AIP is resolved.

Owner

Describes the owner operations performed for staking.

Voter

Describes the voter operations performed for staking.

Validators and VFNs

A comprehensive guide to deploying nodes, staking operations and participate in consensus.

Node requirements

Details the compute and storage resources you need. Read this first before anything.

Running validator node

In the cloud or on-premises, Docker or source, you will read step-by-step instructions here.

Node health

You can verify your node health using several options.

Connecting to Aptos network

Steps to connect your nodes to an Aptos network.

Staking pool operations

Step-by-step guide for how to perform staking pool operations.

Shutting down nodes

Leave the validator set first, and then shut down your node.

Public Fullnodes (PFNs)

A section with detailed, step-by-step instructions on everything related to Aptos PFNs.

Deploy a PFN

Follow this section to deploy a PFN.

Indexer PFN

Describes how to run an indexer PFN on the Aptos network.

Common Operations

Local development testnet

Run a localnet for development (including validator nodes).

Upgrade a node

Upgrade your node with new releases.

Bootstrap from a snapshot

Use a snapshot to bootstrap a new node.

Bootstrap from a backup

Use data restore to bootstrap a new node.