Why Running a Node Matters

True Sovereignty

Don't trust block explorers or third-party services. Verify every transaction yourself. Your node, your rules, your truth.

Maximum Privacy

Broadcasting transactions through your own node prevents IP address leaks. No one knows your wallet balance or transaction history.

Network Strength

Every node strengthens Bitcoin's decentralization. More nodes = harder to attack. You become part of the most resilient network in history.

Enforce Consensus

Your node validates every block and transaction against Bitcoin's rules. Reject invalid blocks. Protect the protocol.

Business Critical

Enterprises accepting Bitcoin need nodes for reliable payment verification, instant confirmations, and operational independence.

Support Lightning

Lightning Network requires Bitcoin nodes for channel management and routing. Run a node, run Lightning, enable instant payments.

Choose Your Node Setup

From plug-and-play hardware to enterprise-grade infrastructure

Home Node

Beginner
Hardware: Raspberry Pi / Old Laptop
Storage: 1TB+ SSD
Cost: $200-500
Setup Time: 2-4 hours

Perfect for beginners. Pre-built solutions like Start9, Umbrel, or RaspiBlitz make setup effortless. Everything you need in one package.

  • Plug and play setup
  • Web interface included
  • Automatic updates
  • Lightning Network ready

Power User Node

Intermediate
Hardware: Dedicated Server / Desktop
Storage: 2TB+ NVMe SSD
Cost: $800-2,000
Setup Time: 4-8 hours

Custom Bitcoin Core installation with full control. Ideal for advanced users who want maximum performance and customization options.

  • Full Bitcoin Core control
  • Custom configurations
  • Advanced privacy tools
  • Tor support included

Quick Start Guide

Get your first Bitcoin node running in under an hour

1

Get Hardware

Minimum Requirements:

  • CPU: Dual-core 1.5GHz+
  • RAM: 2GB+ (4GB recommended)
  • Storage: 1TB+ SSD
  • Internet: Unlimited data
Budget: Raspberry Pi 4 (8GB) + 1TB SSD ≈ $200
Recommended: Old laptop or NUC + 2TB SSD ≈ $400
3

Install & Sync

Installation:

  1. Download your chosen software
  2. Flash to SD card or USB drive (use Balena Etcher)
  3. Boot your device from the drive
  4. Follow on-screen setup wizard
Initial Sync Time: 3-7 days depending on hardware and internet speed. The node downloads and verifies the entire Bitcoin blockchain (~600GB).
4

Secure & Use

Security Checklist:

  • Change default passwords immediately
  • Enable Tor for privacy (optional but recommended)
  • Set up automatic backups
  • Configure firewall rules
  • Enable 2FA if available
  • Keep software updated

Start Using: Connect your hardware wallet, broadcast transactions, verify payments, run Lightning channels.

Enterprise Node Setup

Professional Bitcoin infrastructure for businesses accepting payments, managing treasuries, or building Bitcoin-native products.

Treasury Management

Companies holding Bitcoin need reliable node infrastructure for:

  • Independent transaction verification
  • Real-time balance monitoring
  • Multi-signature wallet coordination
  • Audit trail generation
  • Compliance reporting

Payment Processing

Accept Bitcoin payments with confidence:

  • Instant payment detection
  • Confirmation monitoring
  • Double-spend protection
  • Custom payment workflows
  • Invoice generation & tracking

Lightning Network

Enable instant, low-fee Bitcoin payments:

  • Lightning node setup & management
  • Channel liquidity management
  • Payment routing optimization
  • Lightning invoice generation
  • Integration with existing systems

Data & Analytics

Leverage blockchain data for business intelligence:

  • Custom blockchain data queries
  • Transaction pattern analysis
  • Network metrics monitoring
  • API access for applications
  • Real-time alerting system

What's Included in Enterprise Setup

Professional Installation

Hardware procurement, OS installation, Bitcoin Core configuration, and security hardening.

Security Audit

Comprehensive security review including firewall configuration and intrusion detection.

Monitoring & Alerts

24/7 uptime monitoring, disk space alerts, and performance dashboards.

Backup & Recovery

Automated backup systems and disaster recovery procedures.

Documentation & Training

Complete operational documentation and team training on node management.

Ongoing Support

Dedicated support team, software updates, and quarterly infrastructure reviews.

Ready to Deploy Enterprise Bitcoin Infrastructure?

Schedule a consultation to discuss your requirements. We'll design a custom solution that fits your business needs and compliance requirements.

Schedule Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need technical knowledge to run a node?

Not anymore. Pre-built solutions like Umbrel and Start9 make it as easy as plugging in a device. If you can follow a YouTube tutorial, you can run a node.

How much does it cost?

Initial hardware: $200-500 for basic setup. Monthly costs: ~$10-20 for electricity and internet. Enterprise setups vary based on requirements.

How long does initial sync take?

3-7 days typically, depending on your hardware and internet speed. The node downloads and verifies every Bitcoin transaction since 2009 (~600GB).

Can I earn Bitcoin by running a node?

Running a Bitcoin Core node doesn't earn rewards—that's mining. However, Lightning routing nodes can earn small fees. The real value is sovereignty.

What's the difference between a node and mining?

Nodes verify transactions and enforce Bitcoin's rules. Mining creates new blocks and secures the network (requires specialized hardware). Everyone should run a node.

Do businesses need their own nodes?

Yes, if accepting Bitcoin payments or holding significant treasury amounts. Running your own node eliminates third-party dependencies and ensures reliable verification.

Global Node Network

~18,000
Reachable Nodes Worldwide
~600GB
Current Blockchain Size
~5,000
Lightning Network Nodes
100%
Network Uptime Since 2009

Don't Trust. Verify.

Join thousands running Bitcoin nodes worldwide. Strengthen the network. Achieve true financial sovereignty.