> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.lumia.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.lumia.org/run-a-node/run-a-node-faqs.md).

# 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](https://app.gitbook.com/s/chmhPiVNAafGw48c4oU2/run-a-node/node-troubleshooting) or [`/support`](https://app.gitbook.com/s/chmhPiVNAafGw48c4oU2/support-and-community).

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<summary>Which node type do I need?</summary>

If you want low-latency reads and transaction submission for a dapp backend or indexer, you want an [RPC node](https://app.gitbook.com/s/chmhPiVNAafGw48c4oU2/run-a-node/rpc-node/rpc-node-overview). 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.

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<summary>Can I run on a VPS?</summary>

For an RPC node: yes, as long as it meets [hardware requirements](https://app.gitbook.com/s/chmhPiVNAafGw48c4oU2/run-a-node/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](https://app.gitbook.com/s/chmhPiVNAafGw48c4oU2/run-a-node/zknode/zknode-overview), no ordinary VPS tier is realistic: that hardware profile is closer to dedicated server territory.

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<summary>Is this the same as HyperNodes?</summary>

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](https://app.gitbook.com/s/chmhPiVNAafGw48c4oU2/run-a-node) landing page states the distinction and points you there if that's what you're after.

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<summary>Do I need a private key to run any of this?</summary>

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.

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