Run a node FAQs

Who this is for: operators with quick questions before committing to a node deployment. If your question isn't here, check Node troubleshooting or /support.

Which node type do I need?

If you want low-latency reads and transaction submission for a dapp backend or indexer, you want an RPC node. This is what almost everyone means by "run a Lumia node." The validium/"zkNode" role and the DA light client role are narrower, specialized cases. Read their overview pages before assuming you need either one.

Can I run on a VPS?

For an RPC node: yes, as long as it meets hardware requirements. A typical small/shared VPS tier will not, since the RAM and dedicated-NVMe requirements are substantial. Check specs before you provision. For the heavier proving role described under zkNode overview, no ordinary VPS tier is realistic: that hardware profile is closer to dedicated server territory.

Is this the same as HyperNodes?

No. This section (Run a Node) is generic, self-run infrastructure: you deploy the software yourself, on your own hardware, and nothing here involves a Lumia product purchase or holder programme. HyperNodes, under Pulse, is Lumia's separate commercial node product with its own documentation section. The Run a node landing page states the distinction and points you there if that's what you're after.

Do I need a private key to run any of this?

Not for the node types documented in this section. RPC nodes, validium/read-replica nodes, and DA light clients are all permissionless: no key custody or funded account is required to run them. (You will need a separate, ordinary API credential for a third-party Ethereum L1 RPC provider if you're deploying an RPC node: that's a standard infrastructure dependency, not a Lumia-issued key.) Roles that do require privileged keys (running the sequencer or the proof-settlement component) are not currently available to self-run operators.