TON and Solana Node on a VPS: System Requirements and Setup

Running a high-performance TON or Solana node on a VPS requires powerful configurations: from 8-16 vCPU, 64-128 GB RAM, and a fast NVMe disk of 2 TB or more, with a 1-10 Gbps network connection. Such servers, necessary to ensure stable operation and validator competitiveness, typically start from $150-300 per month for TON and can reach $500-1000+ for Solana on dedicated servers.

The TON (The Open Network) and Solana blockchain networks are known for their high throughput and scalability. These characteristics, which ensure fast transaction processing and low fees, simultaneously impose strict requirements on the hardware and network infrastructure of nodes, especially when it comes to validators. For those who aim to launch their own node and contribute to decentralization, and perhaps earn rewards, choosing the right hosting provider and server configuration becomes critically important. In this article, we will thoroughly examine what resources are needed for effective TON node hosting and Solana node hosting, how different node types differ, and how to choose the optimal solution.

What system requirements are needed for a TON and Solana node on a VPS?

Running a node in high-performance blockchains like TON and Solana is not just about installing software. It requires serious hardware investment, especially if you plan to participate in validation. The key word here is performance, which is measured not only by the number of cores but also by their frequency, disk subsystem speed, and network bandwidth.

General Hardware Requirements

For both networks, general hardware requirements have much in common, but there are also critical differences. TON and Solana validator nodes must process huge volumes of data in real-time, which requires a powerful processor, a large amount of RAM, and, most importantly, an exceptionally fast disk subsystem. A slow disk or insufficient RAM will cause the node to fall behind the network and lose validation opportunities.

• Processor (CPU): High-frequency multi-core processor. The number of cores is important, but for some operations, single-thread performance is more critical.
• Random Access Memory (RAM): Large volume, preferably with ECC support for stability.
• Disk Subsystem: NVMe SSD only. Regular SATA SSDs cannot handle intensive I/O operations.
• Network Connection: High-speed and stable uplink, preferably 1-10 Gbps, with low latency.

The Critical Role of Network Connection

Network connectivity is one of the most underestimated yet critically important aspects for any validator node. TON and Solana generate blocks at a high frequency, and validators must receive, process, and propagate these blocks almost instantly. Network delays or insufficient bandwidth will cause your node to miss blocks, lose synchronization, and consequently, reduce its efficiency and potential rewards. For validator node VPS, this means choosing a data center with excellent connectivity and a provider offering guaranteed high-speed ports.

What is the difference between a validator node and an RPC node?

Before delving into specific requirements, it's important to understand that not all nodes are created equal. In the context of TON and Solana, two main types of nodes are generally distinguished: validator nodes and RPC nodes. Each type has its purpose, its requirements, and, accordingly, its potential for rewards.

Validator Node: The Heart of Decentralization

A validator node is a key element of any Proof-of-Stake (PoS) or similar network. Its main task is to confirm transactions and create new blocks. To do this, validators must be constantly synchronized with the network, verify cryptographic signatures, execute smart contracts, and participate in consensus. In return for their work and stake, validators receive rewards in the form of the network's native tokens (TON for The Open Network, SOL for Solana).

The requirements for validator nodes are significantly higher than for RPC nodes, as they directly impact the security and stability of the entire network. Missed blocks, delays in transaction confirmation, or discrepancies in the blockchain state can lead to penalties (slashing) or loss of trust from the network. This is why validator node VPS requires maximum performance and reliability.

RPC Node: Gateway to the Blockchain

An RPC (Remote Procedure Call) node, or full node, serves as an interface for interacting with the blockchain. Developers, exchanges, wallets, and decentralized applications (dApps) use RPC nodes to send requests to the network: to retrieve information about balances, transaction history, smart contract states, and to send new transactions. RPC nodes maintain a full copy of the blockchain but do not participate in the consensus process and do not stake tokens.

The requirements for RPC nodes are lower than for validators, as they are not required to be at the forefront of processing every block. However, to ensure high availability and fast response to requests, RPC nodes still require significant resources, especially disk space and network bandwidth. If you do not plan to participate in staking but want to provide access to blockchain data, then your own Bitcoin full node on a VPS or Ethereum, as well as TON/Solana RPC, can be a good option.

Why do TON and Solana nodes have such high requirements?

The reason for the high resource requirements of TON and Solana validator nodes lies in their ambitious architecture, aimed at achieving maximum throughput and scalability. These networks are designed to process thousands and even tens of thousands of transactions per second (TPS), significantly exceeding the capabilities of many other blockchains.

High TPS and finality speed: Solana, for example, can reach up to 65,000 TPS, and TON also aims for high figures. This means that validators must process a huge amount of transactions and data in very short periods. Each new block contains thousands of transactions, and the node must quickly verify, record, and transmit them further across the network.

Rapid growth of network state: With each new block, the size of the blockchain state (current balances, smart contract data, etc.) constantly increases. This requires the disk subsystem to continuously write and read large volumes of data at high speed. For Solana, for example, this is especially relevant due to its architecture, which heavily loads the disk subsystem.

Intensive computations: Verifying cryptographic signatures, executing smart contracts, and participating in consensus algorithms require significant computational power. Modern processors with high clock speeds and many cores become a necessity for efficient validator operation.

Network bandwidth requirements: To maintain synchronization and participate in consensus, validators must constantly exchange data with other nodes. This includes receiving new blocks, sending confirmations, and propagating transactions. High bandwidth (1-10 Gbps) and low latency are critically important for timely participation in the process.

All these factors combined explain why TON node and Solana node requirements for hardware are so high. It's not just "the more, the better," but a specific set of characteristics where each component must be balanced to ensure maximum performance.

Detailed overview of TON node system requirements

The Open Network (TON) is an ambitious project aimed at a decentralized and scalable network with high throughput. To effectively participate in TON validation, your node must meet strict requirements.

Processor (CPU) for TON node

A powerful processor is required for a TON node. While exact specifications may change as the network evolves, current recommendations indicate the need for a multi-core CPU with a high clock speed.
Recommended:

• Cores: From 8-16 vCPU (virtual cores) or physical cores.
• Frequency: The higher, the better, preferably 3.0 GHz and above.
• Architecture: Modern Intel Xeon processors (e.g., E3-12xx v5+, E5-26xx v3+) or AMD EPYC/Ryzen provide the necessary performance.

TON actively uses parallel computing, so having a sufficient number of cores is important for simultaneous transaction processing and maintaining consensus.

Random Access Memory (RAM) for TON node

The amount of RAM is also very important for TON node hosting. A TON node stores the current blockchain state in memory and caches data for quick access.
Recommended:

• Minimum: 32 GB RAM.
• Optimal: 64 GB RAM.
• Type: ECC RAM is desirable to prevent data errors, which is critical for validator stability.

Lack of RAM can lead to active use of swap on the disk, which will significantly slow down the node's operation, even if you have a fast NVMe disk.

Disk Subsystem (NVMe) for TON node

The disk subsystem is one of the most critical components. Read/write speed and IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second) must be very high.
Recommended:

• Type: NVMe SSD only. Regular SATA SSDs will not suffice.
• Capacity: 2 TB NVMe or more. The blockchain size is constantly growing, and you will need spare capacity.
• Endurance: SSDs with high endurance (TBW - Total Bytes Written) are preferred, as the node will constantly write and rewrite data.
• IOPS: Minimum 100,000+ IOPS for random read/write.

Choosing a high-quality NVMe disk with low latency is a key factor for keeping the TON node up-to-date.

Network Connection (Uplink) for TON node

For stable operation, a TON node requires a high-speed and reliable network connection.
Recommended:

• Speed: Minimum 1 Gbps symmetric port.
• Optimal: 10 Gbps symmetric port to increase competitiveness and minimize latency.
• Latency: Low latency to the main TON network peers. Choosing a data center geographically close to other validators can be an advantage.

High upload speed is especially important, as your node will actively propagate new blocks and confirmations to other validators.

Detailed overview of Solana node system requirements

Solana is known for its incredible speed and scalability, but this comes at the cost of very high hardware requirements for validators. Running a Solana node imposes some of the strictest requirements in the industry.

Processor (CPU) for Solana node

For Solana, the CPU is the heart of the validator. The network actively uses single-thread performance and requires a large number of cores.
Recommended:

• Cores: Minimum 12-16 physical cores (24-32 threads), preferably 24+ physical cores.
• Frequency: Very high clock speed, preferably 3.5 GHz (Turbo Boost 4.5+ GHz) and above.
• Architecture: AMD EPYC (e.g., 7402P, 7443P) or AMD Ryzen 9 (5950X, 7950X) have shown excellent results. Intel Xeon Scalable (Gold/Platinum) with high frequency are also suitable.

Solana actively uses AVX-512 instructions, so processors that support them may have an advantage. Low processor cache latency is also critical.

Random Access Memory (RAM) for Solana node

Solana consumes a significant amount of RAM to store the blockchain state and for the validator program to operate.
Recommended:

• Minimum: 128 GB ECC RAM.
• Optimal: 256 GB ECC RAM.
• Type: ECC RAM is absolutely mandatory for Solana, as memory errors can lead to critical failures and slashing.

The more RAM, the less the node will access the disk, which significantly increases performance and stability.

Disk Subsystem (NVMe) for Solana node

This is arguably the most critical component for Solana. The node constantly reads and writes huge volumes of data.
Recommended:

• Type: Minimum 2 NVMe SSDs. One for the OS and validator program, another (or two) for ledger and accounts.
• Capacity: Minimum 2 TB NVMe for ledger and 1 TB NVMe for accounts. Total capacity of 3-4 TB NVMe.
• Endurance: High endurance (TBW of 1500+). Solana is very "hard" on disks.
• IOPS: Minimum 500,000+ IOPS for random read/write for ledger. High figures are also required for accounts.
• Performance: Sequential read/write of 5-7 GB/s.

Using multiple physical NVMe disks and properly distributing them for various Solana node components (e.g., ledger and accounts) is standard practice for achieving maximum performance. Solana node hosting is impossible without high-performance NVMe disks.

Network Connection (Uplink) for Solana node

For Solana, a high-speed network connection with low latency is not just desirable, but a mandatory requirement.
Recommended:

• Speed: Minimum 1 Gbps symmetric port.
• Optimal: 10 Gbps symmetric port. This is the standard for most successful validators.
• Latency: Extremely low latency to other validators. Choosing a data center with excellent connectivity and low latency to most regions of the world is critical.

Solana actively uses UDP for data exchange between validators, and any delay or packet loss can lead to performance degradation and missed blocks.

Comparison of requirements for TON and Solana validator nodes

For clarity, here is a summary table of the minimum recommended requirements for TON and Solana validator nodes:

Component	TON Validator Node (Recommended Minimum)	Solana Validator Node (Recommended Minimum)
Processor (CPU)	8-16 vCPU, 3.0+ GHz	12-16 physical cores (24-32 threads), 3.5+ GHz (Turbo Boost 4.5+ GHz)
Random Access Memory (RAM)	64 GB ECC RAM	128 GB ECC RAM (256 GB optimal)
Disk Subsystem	2 TB NVMe SSD (high endurance, 100k+ IOPS)	3-4 TB NVMe SSD (2x 2TB NVMe or 2x 1TB + 1x 2TB), very high endurance, 500k+ IOPS
Network Connection	1 Gbps symmetric (10 Gbps optimal)	1 Gbps symmetric (10 Gbps standard)
Operating System	Ubuntu Server LTS (20.04/22.04)	Ubuntu Server LTS (20.04/22.04)

Choosing hosting: VPS or dedicated server for a validator node?

When it comes to hosting for TON and Solana validator nodes, the choice between a VPS and a dedicated server is not always obvious and depends on the specific network, your financial capabilities, and the desired level of performance.

When is a high-performance VPS suitable?

For TON node hosting, a high-performance VPS can be a viable option, especially in the initial stages. Modern VPS providers offer plans with guaranteed resources, NVMe disks, and 1-10 Gbps ports. The key here is "guaranteed resources." Avoid "overselling" (over-provisioning), where the provider sells more resources than actually available, as this can lead to unstable operation and performance loss.

Advantages of VPS:

• Flexibility: Easy to scale resources (CPU, RAM, disk) as needed.
• Cost: Usually cheaper than a dedicated server initially.
• Ease of management: Fewer concerns about hardware.

Disadvantages of VPS:

• "Neighbors": Performance can depend on the load on the same physical server (although this is minimized for high-performance VPS).
• Limitations: Maximum VPS configurations may be insufficient for the most demanding scenarios, especially for Solana.

If you choose a VPS for TON, look for plans with dedicated cores, guaranteed disk and network bandwidth. For example, Valebyte offers high-performance VPS that may be suitable for TON.

When is a dedicated server necessary?

For Solana node hosting, a dedicated server is practically a mandatory requirement. Due to the extremely high demands on CPU, RAM, and especially the disk subsystem (multiple NVMe disks with high endurance and IOPS), as well as a stable 10 Gbps network connection, VPS solutions can rarely provide the necessary level of performance and reliability.

Advantages of a dedicated server:

• Full control: You get all the resources of a physical machine without "neighbors."
• Maximum performance: Ability to install the most powerful CPUs, large amounts of ECC RAM, and multiple NVMe disks.
• Stability: Fewer external factors affecting performance.
• Customization: Choice of specific CPU models, disks, and network cards.

Disadvantages of a dedicated server:

• Cost: Significantly more expensive than a VPS, especially initially.
• Management: Requires more knowledge in hardware administration.
• Scaling: Less flexible scaling, often requires server replacement.

For a Solana validator, you will need a dedicated server with at least one powerful AMD EPYC or Ryzen 9 processor, 128-256 GB ECC RAM, and multiple NVMe disks. Such servers are offered by providers specializing in high-performance hosting, such as Valebyte. Explore offers for dedicated servers in Ashburn or other major hubs for optimal connectivity.

Setting up a TON and Solana node on a VPS: a step-by-step plan

The process of installing and configuring a TON or Solana node has common stages, but also its specific features. We will consider a general action plan.

Operating System Preparation

1. OS Selection: It is recommended to use Ubuntu Server LTS (Long Term Support) version 20.04 or 22.04. This is the most common choice for crypto nodes.
2. System Update: After installing the VPS/dedicated server, first update all packages.

   sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

3. Install Necessary Tools: Install Git, curl, screen/tmux, and other utilities that may be needed.

   sudo apt install git curl screen tmux -y

4. Firewall Configuration: Configure UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) to allow only necessary ports. For TON and Solana, these may include various P2P, RPC, and SSH ports.

   sudo ufw allow ssh
   sudo ufw allow 30303/tcp # Example P2P port
   sudo ufw enable
   sudo ufw status

5. NTP Configuration: Ensure your server synchronizes time with NTP servers to prevent consensus issues.

Installing and Configuring TON Node Software

For TON, you will need to install the TON Lite Client and Full Node. The process involves compiling from source or using pre-built binaries.

1. Install Dependencies:

   sudo apt install build-essential cmake libssl-dev zlib1g-dev -y

2. Clone TON Repository:

   git clone https://github.com/ton-blockchain/ton.git
   cd ton

3. Build TON:

   mkdir build
   cd build
   cmake ..
   cmake --build . --target lite-client validator

4. Launch Node: After building, configure the configuration files (global-config.json) and launch the node.

   ./validator/validator -C /path/to/global-config.json --workchain 0 --verbosity 3

   (The path to global-config.json and parameters may vary depending on the current TON documentation).

Installing and Configuring Solana Node Software

For Solana, the installation process is usually simpler thanks to official scripts.

1. Install Solana Tool Suite:

   sh -c "$(curl -sSfL https://release.solana.com/v1.16.12/install)"

   (Replace v1.16.12 with the current stable version).
2. Add to PATH:

   export PATH="/root/.local/share/solana/install/active_release/bin:$PATH"

3. Verify Installation:

   solana --version

4. Configure System Parameters (important for Solana!):

   Solana requires specific Linux kernel settings to handle a large number of open files and network connections.

   sudo sysctl -w net.core.rmem_max=134217728
   sudo sysctl -w net.core.rmem_default=134217728
   sudo sysctl -w net.core.wmem_max=134217728
   sudo sysctl -w net.core.wmem_default=134217728
   sudo sysctl -w net.ipv4.udp_mem='262144 327680 393216'
   sudo sysctl -w net.ipv4.ip_local_port_range='1024 65535'
   sudo sysctl -w net.ipv4.tcp_fin_timeout=10
   sudo sysctl -w net.ipv4.tcp_tw_reuse=1
   sudo sysctl -w net.ipv4.tcp_max_syn_backlog=10000
   sudo sysctl -w net.ipv4.tcp_no_metrics_save=1
   sudo sysctl -w net.ipv4.tcp_syn_retries=2
   sudo sysctl -w net.ipv4.tcp_synack_retries=1
   sudo sysctl -w net.ipv4.tcp_keepalive_time=600
   sudo sysctl -w net.ipv4.tcp_keepalive_intvl=10
   sudo sysctl -w net.ipv4.tcp_keepalive_probes=5
   sudo sysctl -w net.ipv4.tcp_sack=1
   sudo sysctl -w net.ipv4.tcp_fack=1
   sudo sysctl -w net.ipv4.tcp_window_scaling=1
   sudo sysctl -w net.ipv4.tcp_timestamps=1
   sudo sysctl -w net.ipv4.tcp_ecn=0
   sudo sysctl -w net.ipv4.tcp_congestion_control=bbr
   sudo sysctl -w fs.file-max=1000000
   sudo sysctl -w vm.max_map_count=1000000

   These settings should be added to /etc/sysctl.conf for persistence.

5. Launch Solana Validator:

   solana-validator \
     --identity /path/to/identity.json \
     --vote-account /path/to/vote-account.json \
     --ledger /mnt/nvme/ledger \
     --accounts /mnt/nvme2/accounts \
     --entrypoint entrypoint.mainnet-beta.solana.com:8001 \
     --expected-shred-version 12345 \
     --dynamic-port-range 8000-8020 \
     --full-rpc-api \
     --rpc-port 8899 \
     --log /var/log/solana-validator.log

   (Launch parameters will depend on your configuration and current Solana documentation, including paths to NVMe disks).

Monitoring and Maintenance

After launching the node, it is crucial to set up monitoring. Use tools like Prometheus and Grafana to track CPU, RAM, disk I/O, network traffic, and specific node metrics (synchronization, missed blocks, consensus participation). Regular updates of node software and the operating system are also mandatory for security and stability.

Cost and ROI: How much does TON node hosting and Solana node hosting cost?

The question of cost and ROI is key for anyone considering launching a validator node. Investments in high-performance hosting are significant, and it's important to understand potential revenues and risks.

Analysis of Monthly Expenses

The cost of TON node hosting will depend on the chosen configuration and provider.

• High-performance VPS for TON: From $150 to $300 per month. For this amount, you can get 8-16 vCPU, 64-128 GB RAM, and 2-4 TB NVMe with a 1-10 Gbps port.
• Dedicated server for TON: From $250 to $500 per month. This will provide more stable resources and better performance.

The cost of Solana node hosting is significantly higher due to stricter requirements.

• Dedicated server for Solana: From $500 to $1000+ per month. For this price, you will get a server with AMD EPYC/Ryzen 9, 128-256 GB ECC RAM, multiple NVMe disks (3-4 TB), and a 10 Gbps port.

In addition to the monthly server fee, there may be additional costs:

• Staking: To participate in validation, you will need to stake a significant amount of native tokens (TON or SOL). This is the largest investment.
• Maintenance: If you do not have sufficient system administration skills, you may need to hire a specialist.
• Power consumption (for home hosting): Although this is included in the cost for VPS/dedicated servers, it's worth remembering this factor.

Potential Revenues and Risks

Revenues from validation are formed from several sources:

• Block rewards: Validators receive a portion of newly minted tokens for creating new blocks.
• Transaction fees: A portion of the transaction fees processed in blocks is distributed among validators.
• Staker fees: If you manage a staking pool, you can charge a fee on the rewards of other stakers.

The return on investment heavily depends on:

• Token price: Cryptocurrency market volatility directly affects the value of your rewards.
• Competition: The number of validators and their total staked amount affect the share of rewards each validator receives.
• Node performance: The efficiency of your node (number of missed blocks, processing speed) directly affects the size of rewards.
• Slashing: Unstable node operation or rule violations can lead to the loss of a portion of staked tokens.

One should approach calculating a quick return on investment in a validator node VPS with caution. This is a long-term investment requiring constant attention and maintaining high performance. However, for those who believe in the long-term potential of TON and Solana, it can be a valuable way to participate in the ecosystem. Given that many node operators prefer to pay for hosting services with cryptocurrency, Valebyte offers VPS with USDT payment and other digital assets, simplifying transactions.

Conclusion

Launching a TON or Solana validator node is a serious technical and financial undertaking, requiring powerful hardware and a stable network connection. For TON, high-performance VPS can be considered, while for Solana, a dedicated server with top-tier specifications and multiple NVMe disks is practically the only choice. Valebyte.com offers a wide range of solutions, from powerful VPS to dedicated servers, capable of meeting the highest requirements for TON node hosting and Solana node hosting, providing a reliable foundation for your participation in decentralized networks.