Node Operators
Sui has several node types, each with a different role:
- Full node: Stores the full chain state and serves read requests.
- Validator: Participates in consensus and produces certified transaction effects. Validators must meet staking and hardware requirements.
- Bridge node: Supports cross-chain asset transfers between Sui and other networks.
What does a node operator do?
Running Sui infrastructure involves more than launching a binary. Operators are responsible for:
- Configuring and starting nodes on supported hardware
- Keeping software up to date across network upgrades
- Managing chain data, snapshots, and archival storage
- Monitoring node health and setting up observability tooling
- Handling key management and operational security
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a full node and a validator?
A full node stores chain state, answers queries, and submits transactions to validators. A validator participates in consensus to finalize transactions. Validators earn staking rewards and must meet additional operational and hardware requirements.
How do I keep my node in sync after a restart?
Sui supports snapshots and archival data to help nodes catch up after downtime. The data management guides explain how to configure snapshot sources and restore from them.
What monitoring should I set up for my node?
The observability guide covers metrics endpoints, log configuration, and recommended alerting for production nodes.
Find guides for running and managing Sui network infrastructure, including full nodes, validators, bridge nodes, data management, and exchange integration.
Node Operators
Guides for running and managing Sui network infrastructure, including full nodes, validators, bridge nodes, data management, and exchange integration.
Genesis
Genesis refers to the initial state of the Sui blockchain at launch.
Observability
Set up and manage logging, tracing, metrics, and observability for Sui validators and full nodes using structured logging and Prometheus.
Database Snapshots
Database snapshots of the Sui network enable full node operators a way to bootstrap a full node without having to execute all the transactions that occurred after genesis.
Full Nodes
Data Indexing and Archives
Validators
Exchange Integration
Guidance for integrating SUI into a cryptocurrency exchange. Covers infrastructure, current APIs (gRPC and GraphQL), balance tracking, transactions, transfers, and staking.
Bridge Node Configuration
Correct configuration of your node ensures optimal performance and valid metrics data.