Run a Validator Node

A validator node participates in block production and consensus on the Shardeum testnet. It is used to test validator operations, node performance, and network behavior in a live environment.

Validator requirements and staking behavior on testnet may differ from mainnet.

Testnet configurations, chain IDs, staking requirements, and token availability may change. Always refer to the latest repository or official announcements.

1. System Requirements

Operating System: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
CPU: 4 cores (8 threads recommended)
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
Network: 100 Mbps dedicated
Dependencies: git, jq, curl, make, build-essential, pkg-config
Go: Version 1.25+

Install dependencies:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install git jq curl make build-essential pkg-config -y

2. Install Shardeum Node Binary

git clone https://github.com/shardeum/shardeum-evm.git
cd shardeum-evm
make install

Verify:

shardeumd version
command -v shardeumd

3. Set Environment Variables

export SHARDEUM_CONFIG_DIR="$PWD/config"
export SHARDEUM_NETWORK=testnet

4. Initialize the Node

Ensure your keys and mnemonic are stored securely. Loss of keys may result in loss of validator access.

NODE_ID="<validator-id>"
MONIKER="<validator-name>"
 
shardeumd init "$MONIKER" \
  --chain-id shardeum_8119-2 \
  --home $HOME/.testnet/$NODE_ID \
  --overwrite

Note: Chain ID: Refer to the latest testnet configuration in the repository

5. Copy Genesis File

cp config/environments/testnet-genesis.json $HOME/.testnet/$NODE_ID/config/genesis.json

Verify:

jq -r '.chain_id' $HOME/.testnet/$NODE_ID/config/genesis.json

6. Start and Sync the Node

shardeumd start \
  --home $HOME/.testnet/$NODE_ID \
  --chain-id shardeum_8119-2 \
  --p2p.laddr tcp://0.0.0.0:27656 \
  --rpc.laddr tcp://127.0.0.1:26657 \
  > $HOME/.testnet/$NODE_ID/node.log &

Monitor:

tail -f $HOME/.testnet/$NODE_ID/node.log

Ensure your node is connected to peers. Without peers, the node will not sync.

Wait until fully synced before proceeding.

Note: Initial sync may take time depending on hardware and network conditions.

You can verify sync status using:

shardeumd status | jq '.SyncInfo'

7. Create Validator Key

Only perform this step after the node is fully synced.

shardeumd keys add validator-key

Or recover:

shardeumd keys add validator-key --recover

Retrieve your validator address:

shardeumd keys show validator-key -a

Store your mnemonic phrase securely. It is required for recovery.

8. Fund Your Validator (Testnet)

Testnet SHM tokens can be obtained via faucets

Use official testnet faucets or community distribution channels to obtain testnet SHM tokens.

Verify balance:

shardeumd query bank balances $(shardeumd keys show validator-key -a)

9. Create Your Validator

Get consensus key:

shardeumd comet show-validator --home $HOME/.testnet/$NODE_ID

Create validator.json:

Adjust the stake amount based on testnet requirements and available balance.

{
  "pubkey": {
    "@type": "/cosmos.crypto.ed25519.PubKey",
    "key": "<your consensus key>"
  },
  "amount": "1000000000000000000ashm",
  "moniker": "<your validator name>",
  "commission-rate": "0.10",
  "commission-max-rate": "0.20",
  "commission-max-change-rate": "0.01",
  "min-self-delegation": "1"
}

Create validator:

shardeumd tx staking create-validator validator.json \
  --from=validator-key \
  --chain-id shardeum_8119-2 \
  --gas="auto" \
  --gas-adjustment="1.5"

10. Verify Validator Status

shardeumd query staking validator $(shardeumd keys show validator-key --bech val -a)

Look for:

status: BONDED (or equivalent)
voting power > 0

11. Important Notes

EVM Chain ID: 8119
Network: Testnet (subject to resets)
Tokens: No real value
Validator set may reset between testnet phases
Slashing/penalties may not fully apply

Validator Setup Complete

Your testnet validator node is now running. You can use it for:

Validator testing and operations
Performance benchmarking
Upgrade and maintenance simulations
Network participation experiments

Run a Validator Node

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