Set up Validator Nodes
Learn how to deploy validator nodes for your L1 using managed infrastructure or self-hosted Docker deployments.
Now that the P-Chain records are set up, you can start syncing the node with your Subnet.
Run Your L1 Node
Use our free managed testnet infrastructure to instantly deploy a node for your L1, no need for Docker or Cloud Provider account set up with credits. Enjoy the benefits of:
- Instant deployment with one click
- Automatic configuration for your Subnet
- Free for testnet development
- Monitor and manage through the Builder Console
Managed nodes automatically shut down after 3 days. For production or extended testing, see the self-hosted option below.
Optional Alternative: Self-Hosted Infrastructure
The free managed testnet nodes are a great option for playing around with Avalanche L1s, but are not intended for running on production environments. They are shut down automatically after 3 days. If you want to test out your production environment, running beyond 3 days, or anything more complex you should run nodes on your own infrastructure using Docker:
L1 Node Setup with Docker
Configure your node settings, select your L1, and run Docker to start your node.
Configure Node Settings
Choose your network, node type, and settings. The config preview updates as you go.
Network
Node type
Log level · info is the default
2000ms0ms (fastest)1000ms2000ms (default)Minimum time between blocks. Lower is faster blocks but more network load.
Storage
Removes old state data to cut disk usage. Savings depend on your L1's transaction volume. Recommended for validators and pruned RPC nodes.
Bootstraps from a recent state snapshot instead of replaying every block from genesis. Recommended for faster initial sync.
API
Enables administrative APIs. Only enable if needed and secured.
Configuration Preview
Subnet-EVM config.jsonConfigure your node to see the Subnet-EVM chain configStorage Requirements
Mainnet · estimate- Initial
- 240GB
- Growth
- +12GB/mo
- After 1 yr
- 384GB
1.2TB0Now6mo1yrYour configArchival (1.2TB)Pruning ONState SyncTX IndexSet up Instance
Provision a server with these specs.
CPU4 vCPURAM8 GBStorage~200 GB MainnetOpen ports9651 P2PPort 9651 is P2P and 9650 is RPC. For a production L1, run 5+ validator nodes across regions. A single node is fine for local dev and quick demos.
Docker Installation
Make sure you have Docker installed on your system. You can use the following commands to install it:
# Install Docker using convenience scriptcurl -fsSL https://get.docker.com -o get-docker.shsudo sh get-docker.shsudo usermod -aG docker $USERnewgrp docker# Test installationdocker run -it --rm hello-worldNot using Docker? Follow the manual installation instructions.
Select L1
Enter the Subnet ID of the L1 you want to run a node for.
No L1 selected
Enter a Subnet ID to generate the config files and Docker command.
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Create a Blockchain
Learn how to create a Subnet and a blockchain record on the P-Chain by issuing the CreateSubnetTx and CreateChainTx transactions using the Builder Tooling.
Convert a Subnet to an L1
Learn how to convert a Subnet to an L1 on the P-Chain by issuing a ConvertSubnetToL1Tx transaction using the Builder Tooling.
