# Node Specifications

## TL;DR

View specs starting [here](#constellation-network-hybrid-node).

## Introduction[​](https://docs-v1.constellationnetwork.io/validate/validator/specs#introduction) <a href="#introduction" id="introduction"></a>

As with any **cryptographic ecosystem**, there are specific **hardware requirements** that must be met to ensure your node operates **securely, efficiently, and reliably** within the **Constellation Network’s ecosystem**.

Meeting these requirements is essential for maintaining node performance, ensuring compatibility with consensus protocols, and avoiding issues related to resource limitations.

## Hardware Requirements​

Constellation Network currently supports two distinct types of nodes across its Hypergraph and metagraph infrastructure:

* **Constellation Network Hybrid Validator Node**
* **Dor Validator Data Layer 1 Node**

### Virtual vs Dedicated

A **VPS (Virtual Private Server)** is a virtualized environment running on a physical machine that **shares resources** (tenancies) with other instances. This makes it a more **cost-effective option** for operators who are just getting started.

A group of these VPS instances forms what is commonly referred to as the **"cloud."**

***

In contrast, a **dedicated bare metal server** is a **physical machine** allocated to a **single tenant**. It offers **exclusive access** to all hardware resources and typically provides higher performance and configurability. Many cloud providers offer both VPS and dedicated server options, depending on your needs.

{% hint style="success" %}
**Constellation Network does not require or prefer one over the other.**

You are free to choose the infrastructure that best fits your technical experience, performance expectations, and budget.
{% endhint %}

### Bare Metal

A **bare metal server** is a **physical machine** designed to run **dedicated services** for a **single tenant**. Unlike virtualized environments, bare metal servers provide **full access to the underlying hardware**, offering maximum performance, control, and customization.

You can run a bare metal server from various environments, including:

* A **personal data center**
* A **colocation facility**
* A **private office**
* Even **from your home**, if conditions allow

***

Because you have full control over both **hardware and software**, this setup is best suited for **advanced operators** who need:

* **Greater resource allocation**
* **Custom system configurations**
* **Specialized networking or storage requirements**

{% hint style="warning" %}
Due to the complexity and responsibility involved, bare metal servers are not recommended for beginners or casual operators
{% endhint %}

***

## 🔁 Constellation Network Hybrid Node

A **Hybrid Node** is required to operate on both the:

* **Global Layer 0** – the global consensus and infrastructure layer
* **DAG Layer 1** – the native currency and transaction layer for the $DAG token

This dual-role node type is commonly referred to as a **Hybrid Validator Node**.

***

### Hybrid Node Hardware Requirements

To ensure reliable and efficient performance hybrid nodes must meet the following **minimum hardware specifications**:

| Component        | Requirement               | Preferred                 |
| ---------------- | ------------------------- | ------------------------- |
| **CPU**          | 8 vCPUs                   | Greater than 8 vCPUs      |
| **RAM**          | 16 GB                     | 32 GB                     |
| **Disk**         | 320Gb                     | 500Gb                     |
| **Storage Type** | SSD                       | NVMe / NVM                |
| **Bandwidth**    | 2 TB/month                | 10 TB/month               |
| **OS**           | Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (64-bit) | Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (64-bit) |
| **Architecture** | x86\_64                   | x86\_64                   |

***

## 🔁 Dor Data Layer 1 Node

A **Dor Node** is required to operate on both the:

* **Data Layer 1 Metagraph** – the data validation layer for the Dor metagraph

### Dor Node Hardware Requirements

To ensure reliable and efficient performance hybrid nodes must meet the following **minimum hardware specifications**:

| Component        | Requirement               | Preferred                 |
| ---------------- | ------------------------- | ------------------------- |
| **CPU**          | 2 vCPUs                   | Greater than 2 vCPUs      |
| **RAM**          | 2 GB                      | 4 GB                      |
| **Disk**         | 40Gb                      | 80Gb                      |
| **Storage Type** | SSD                       | NVMe / NVM                |
| **Bandwidth**    | 1 TB/month                | 5 TB/month                |
| **OS**           | Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (64-bit) | Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (64-bit) |
| **Architecture** | x86\_64                   | x86\_64                   |

## Software Specification Requirements[​](https://docs-v1.constellationnetwork.io/validate/validator/specs#software-specification-requirements) <a href="#software-specification-requirements" id="software-specification-requirements"></a>

#### Distribution[​](https://docs-v1.constellationnetwork.io/validate/validator/specs#distribution) <a href="#distribution" id="distribution"></a>

* Linux Debian-based distribution

#### Operation System Recommendations[​](https://docs-v1.constellationnetwork.io/validate/validator/specs#operation-system-recommendations) <a href="#operation-system-recommendations" id="operation-system-recommendations"></a>

* Ubuntu 24.04
* Debian 12

#### Software Specific Version Requirements[​](https://docs-v1.constellationnetwork.io/validate/validator/specs#software-specific-version-requirements) <a href="#software-specific-version-requirements" id="software-specific-version-requirements"></a>

* Java 11

***

## **Considerations**

Constellation Network's Tessellation is developed to run on any **Debian** distribution with **Java 11** installed.

The **Node Pilot** utility was developed to run specifically on **Ubuntu 24.04** and **Ubuntu 22.04**.&#x20;

#### **Ubuntu Specific**[**​**](https://docs-v1.constellationnetwork.io/validate/validator/specs#ubuntu-specific)

Ubuntu uses the convention of `.04` to represent versions of their Debian distribution that is LTS (long term support), and `.10` for their more "experimental" short term support releases.

It is **highly** recommended to use a `.04` version release.


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