Running a node on Sonic gives you a direct role in securing the network, validating transactions, and supporting decentralization. As part of Sonic’s proof-of-stake (PoS) system, validators stake S tokens to help maintain network integrity while earning rewards in return. Sonic’s high-performance architecture makes node deployment both efficient and cost-effective. It offers a streamlined setup, lower hardware requirements, and built-in incentives to make it easy for anyone to run nodes on the network.
Sonic is a network built for high performance. It supports 10,000 transactions per second with sub-second finality. Compared to some other networks, Sonic nodes process transactions almost instantly, improving efficiency for both users and developers. Validator costs have been reduced by 66% compared to Fantom Opera, making it more affordable to maintain a node.
Sonic also introduces live pruning capabilities, which means nodes can remove unnecessary historical data in real time. Unlike traditional networks where pruning requires downtime, Sonic allows continuous operation while freeing up storage space. This ensures that node operators can efficiently manage resources without sacrificing performance.
There are two main types of nodes in the Sonic network: validator nodes and full nodes.
Validator nodes participate in consensus by verifying transactions and producing new blocks. To run a validator node, you must stake at least 500,000 S tokens. Validators earn rewards through block rewards and transaction fees.
Meanwhile, full nodes store the entire blockchain history and help relay transactions across the network. These nodes are essential for decentralization but do not participate in consensus.
Each validator node maintains a local Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) to batch transactions into event blocks before adding them to the main blockchain. Nodes confirm transactions asynchronously, greatly increasing processing speed compared to traditional blockchains that rely on sequential block production.
Setting up a node on Sonic requires proper hardware and software configuration. The network supports EVM compatibility, meaning it works with standard Ethereum-based development tools, making the setup process straightforward for those familiar with running Ethereum or Fantom nodes.
Since Sonic’s architecture is designed for efficiency, you can rest assured that the operating costs are much lower than other Layer 1 blockchains. To successfully run a node, you need to meet the following hardware requirements:
Once you meet the hardware requirements, the next step is to install the necessary node software. After installation, your node needs to synchronize with the Sonic blockchain. Unlike traditional blockchains that require downloading and storing the entire history, Sonic’s fast sync mechanism allows nodes to get up to speed more quickly. Sonic offers up to ten times faster node synchronization compared to Opera and optimized data storage that reduces unnecessary historical records. Even as a new node operator, you can get your system running quickly without long delays.
If you plan to run a validator node, you need to stake at least 500,000 S tokens and follow the rules to earn block rewards and a share of transaction fees. Once your node is live, you need to maintain it regularly. This includes monitoring uptime and performance metrics, keeping your software updated with the latest security patches, and ensuring reliable internet connectivity to avoid downtime.
Sonic’s proof-of-stake model rewards node operators for securing the network. Validators earn block rewards and transaction fees, with the total reward rate adjusting based on the percentage of staked tokens. For the first four years, validator rewards are coming from migrated Fantom block rewards, meaning no new tokens will be minted to fund staking incentives. After this period, new rewards will be issued at a rate of 1.75% per year to maintain network security without causing inflation.
In addition to validator rewards, Sonic features Fee Monetization (FeeM), a program where developers can earn up to 90% of the transaction fees generated by their applications. This provides an additional revenue stream for node operators who run applications on Sonic.
With faster synchronization, lower storage requirements, and an innovative consensus mechanism, running a node on Sonic is much more streamlined compared to traditional blockchain networks.
