# P2P-HARDWARE-REQUIREMENTS | Vac Research
- Status: raw

Skip to main content

# P2P-HARDWARE-REQUIREMENTS

- Status: raw
- Category: infrastructure
- Editor: Daniel Sanchez-Quiros <danielsq@status.im>
- Contributors:
  - Filip Dimitrijevic <filip@status.im>

## Abstract​

This specification defines the hardware requirements for running various types of Nomos blockchain nodes. Hardware needs vary significantly based on the node's role, from lightweight verification nodes to high-performance Zone Executors. The requirements are designed to support diverse participation levels while ensuring network security and performance.

## Motivation​

The Nomos network is designed to be inclusive and accessible across a wide range of hardware configurations. By defining clear hardware requirements for different node types, we enable:

1. Inclusive Participation: Allow users with limited resources to participate as Light Nodes
2. Scalable Infrastructure: Support varying levels of network participation based on available resources
3. Performance Optimization: Ensure adequate resources for computationally intensive operations
4. Network Security: Maintain network integrity through properly resourced validator nodes
5. Service Quality: Define requirements for optional services that enhance network functionality

Important Notice: These hardware requirements are preliminary and subject to revision based on implementation testing and real-world network performance data.

## Specification​

### Node Types Overview​

Hardware requirements vary based on the node's role and services:

- Light Node: Minimal verification with minimal resources
- Basic Bedrock Node: Standard validation participation
- Service Nodes: Enhanced capabilities for optional network services

### Light Node​

Light Nodes provide network verification with minimal resource requirements, suitable for resource-constrained environments.

Target Use Cases:

- Mobile devices and smartphones
- Single-board computers (Raspberry Pi, etc.)
- IoT devices with network connectivity
- Users with limited hardware resources

Hardware Requirements:

Component | Specification
--- | ---
CPU | Low-power processor (smartphone/SBC capable)
Memory (RAM) | 512 MB
Storage | Minimal (few GB)
Network | Reliable connection, 1 Mbps free bandwidth

### Basic Bedrock Node (Validator)​

Basic validators participate in Bedrock consensus using typical consumer hardware.

Target Use Cases:

- Individual validators on consumer hardware
- Small-scale validation operations
- Entry-level network participation

Hardware Requirements:

Component | Specification
--- | ---
CPU | 2 cores, 2 GHz modern multi-core processor
Memory (RAM) | 1 GB minimum
Storage | SSD with 100+ GB free space, expandable
Network | Reliable connection, 1 Mbps free bandwidth

### Service-Specific Requirements​

Nodes can optionally run additional Bedrock Services that require enhanced resources beyond basic validation.

#### Data Availability (DA) Service​

DA Service nodes store and serve data shares for the network's data availability layer.

Service Role:

- Store blockchain data and blob data long-term
- Serve data shares to requesting nodes
- Maintain high availability for data retrieval

Additional Requirements:

Component | Specification | Rationale
--- | --- | ---
CPU | Same as Basic Bedrock Node | Standard processing needs
Memory (RAM) | Same as Basic Bedrock Node | Standard memory needs
Storage | Fast SSD, 500+ GB free | Long-term chain and blob storage
Network | High bandwidth (10+ Mbps) | Concurrent data serving
Connectivity | Stable, accessible external IP | Direct peer connections

Network Requirements:

- Capacity to handle multiple concurrent connections
- Stable external IP address for direct peer access
- Low latency for efficient data serving

#### Blend Protocol Service​

Blend Protocol nodes provide anonymous message routing capabilities.

Service Role:

- Route messages anonymously through the network
- Provide timing obfuscation for privacy
- Maintain multiple concurrent connections

Additional Requirements:

Component | Specification | Rationale
--- | --- | ---
CPU | Same as Basic Bedrock Node | Standard processing needs
Memory (RAM) | Same as Basic Bedrock Node | Standard memory needs
Storage | Same as Basic Bedrock Node | Standard storage needs
Network | Stable connection (10+ Mbps) | Multiple concurrent connections
Connectivity | Stable, accessible external IP | Direct peer connections

Network Requirements:

- Low-latency connection for effective message blending
- Stable connection for timing obfuscation
- Capability to handle multiple simultaneous connections

#### Executor Network Service​

Zone Executors perform the most computationally intensive work in the network.

Service Role:

- Execute Zone state transitions
- Generate zero-knowledge proofs
- Process complex computational workloads

Critical Performance Note: Zone Executors perform the heaviest computational work in the network. High-performance hardware is crucial for effective participation and may provide competitive advantages in execution markets.

Hardware Requirements:

Component | Specification | Rationale
--- | --- | ---
CPU | Very high-performance multi-core processor | Zone logic execution and ZK proving
Memory (RAM) | 32+ GB strongly recommended | Complex Zone execution requirements
Storage | Same as Basic Bedrock Node | Standard storage needs
GPU | Highly recommended/often necessary | Efficient ZK proof generation
Network | High bandwidth (10+ Mbps) | Data dispersal and high connection load

GPU Requirements:

- NVIDIA: CUDA-enabled GPU (RTX 3090 or equivalent recommended)
- Apple: Metal-compatible Apple Silicon
- Performance Impact: Strong GPU significantly reduces proving time

Network Requirements:

- Support for 2048+ direct UDP connections to DA Nodes (for blob publishing)
- High bandwidth for data dispersal operations
- Stable connection for continuous operation

Note: DA Nodes utilizing libp2p connections need sufficient capacity to receive and serve data shares over many connections.

## Implementation Requirements​

### Minimum Requirements​

All Nomos nodes MUST meet:

1. Basic connectivity to the Nomos network via libp2p
2. Adequate storage for their designated role
3. Sufficient processing power for their service level
4. Reliable network connection with appropriate bandwidth for QUIC transport

### Optional Enhancements​

Node operators MAY implement:

- Hardware redundancy for critical services
- Enhanced cooling for high-performance configurations
- Dedicated network connections for service nodes utilizing libp2p protocols
- Backup power systems for continuous operation

### Resource Scaling​

Requirements may vary based on:

- Network Load: Higher network activity increases resource demands
- Zone Complexity: More complex Zones require additional computational resources
- Service Combinations: Running multiple services simultaneously increases requirements
- Geographic Location: Network latency affects optimal performance requirements

## Security Considerations​

### Hardware Security​

1. Secure Storage: Use encrypted storage for sensitive node data
2. Network Security: Implement proper firewall configurations
3. Physical Security: Secure physical access to node hardware
4. Backup Strategies: Maintain secure backups of critical data

### Performance Security​

1. Resource Monitoring: Monitor resource usage to detect anomalies
2. Redundancy: Plan for hardware failures in critical services
3. Isolation: Consider containerization or virtualization for service isolation
4. Update Management: Maintain secure update procedures for hardware drivers

## Performance Characteristics​

### Scalability​

- Light Nodes: Minimal resource footprint, high scalability
- Validators: Moderate resource usage, network-dependent scaling
- Service Nodes: High resource usage, specialized scaling requirements

### Resource Efficiency​

- CPU Usage: Optimized algorithms for different hardware tiers
- Memory Usage: Efficient data structures for constrained environments
- Storage Usage: Configurable retention policies and compression
- Network Usage: Adaptive bandwidth utilization based on libp2p capacity and QUIC connection efficiency

## References​

1. libp2p protocol
2. QUIC protocol

## Copyright​

Copyright and related rights waived via CC0.