Run a Malairte Full Node and Strengthen the Network

Why would I run a Malairte node if it does not earn coins?

+

A node does not earn MLRT, but it makes the network stronger. By validating every block yourself you stop trusting third parties, you help relay valid data to other peers, and you make the chain harder to censor or attack. More independent nodes means a more decentralised, resilient network. Many people run a node on a machine that is on anyway, as a quiet contribution to the project they mine or hold.

Does running a Malairte node hold or store my coins?

+

No. The Malairte node software has no built-in wallet. It does not hold private keys, it does not sign transactions, and it does not custody any MLRT. A node downloads the blockchain, verifies every rule for itself, and relays valid blocks and transactions to other nodes. Key management and signing are handled by separate software entirely. This separation is deliberate and useful: because the node holds no funds, you can run it on a cheap always-on machine without it becoming a target. Running a node means you are providing verification and relay to the network, not custody.

What is the difference between a node and a miner?

+

A miner produces new blocks by doing proof-of-work with a CPU or GPU and competes for the block reward. A node validates and relays whatever miners produce: it checks every block against the consensus rules and rejects anything invalid. The two jobs are distinct. A node does no mining and earns no coins; it secures the network by enforcing the rules. Many miners run a node so they have a trusted local view of the chain, but you can run a node without ever mining a single hash. Miners propose blocks, nodes decide which ones count.

How much disk space does a Malairte full node need?

+

A full node stores the entire blockchain, so disk is the resource you plan around first. The chain grows over time, so the right approach is to provision generous headroom above the current size rather than the bare minimum, so you are not migrating storage within months. A solid-state drive is strongly preferred over a spinning hard disk because the initial sync touches the disk constantly and an SSD makes that far faster. Keep an eye on free space as the chain grows, and upgrade storage before the drive fills, since a full disk stops the node cold.

How long does the initial node sync take?

+

The initial sync downloads and re-verifies the entire chain history, so it is the slowest part of setup and can range from a few hours to a couple of days. The two biggest factors are your disk and your internet speed. An SSD dramatically shortens the sync compared to a spinning hard disk, since validation is disk-bound. Track progress by comparing your node block height against the current tip shown on a public explorer. Leave the node running uninterrupted; restarting repeatedly only loses in-progress work. The sync is a one-time cost, after which the node simply keeps pace with new blocks.

Do I need to forward a port on my router to run a node?

+

No, port forwarding is optional. A node that only makes outbound connections is still fully validating and perfectly useful to you. Forwarding the node port lets your node also accept inbound connections, which helps the wider network because new nodes can connect to you while they bootstrap. If you want to be reachable from outside, reserve a fixed local IP for the node machine and forward its listening port at the router, then allow it in any local firewall. If you skip this, your node still works fine; it just will not host new arrivals.

All Nodes FAQs →