Overview

Overview

This documentation provides comprehensive guidance for operators running and maintaining Bitplanet's validator nodes. It covers setup, operations, troubleshooting, and emergency procedures for maintaining a healthy validator.

Target Audience: Node operators, validators, and infrastructure engineers

What is a Bitplanet Node?

A Bitplanet node is a server running the evmd binary that participates in the Bitplanet network. Nodes maintain a copy of the blockchain, validate transactions, and — if configured as validators — participate in consensus to produce new blocks.

Bitplanet combines three powerful technologies:

• BitSDK - Modular blockchain framework with proven governance, staking, and IBC capabilities

• CometBFT Consensus - Byzantine Fault Tolerant consensus engine ensuring network security

• BitEVM - Full Ethereum Virtual Machine compatibility for running Solidity smart contracts

This hybrid architecture allows Bitplanet to support both native Cosmos modules (like the AI-focused Brahma module) and Ethereum-compatible smart contracts, creating a unique bridge between ecosystems.

How Bitplanet Consensus Works

Bitplanet uses Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus powered by CometBFT:

1. Validators Stake Tokens - Lock up BPL tokens as collateral, demonstrating commitment to honest behavior

2. Block Proposal - Validators take turns proposing blocks in proportion to their stake

3. Block Voting - Other validators vote on proposed blocks through a two-phase commit protocol

4. Finality - Once >2/3 of voting power approves, the block is permanently committed

5. Reward Distribution - Block rewards and transaction fees are distributed to validators and delegators

This creates fast finality and economic security (attacking the network requires controlling >1/3 of staked tokens).

Node Operations Lifecycle

1. Setup & Installation

Get your node software ready:

• Install dependencies (Go, Make, system libraries)

• Build the evmd binary from source, or

• Use Docker for containerized deployment

2. Configuration

Customize your node's behavior:

• Set network parameters (chain ID, denomination)

• Configure P2P networking and peer connections

• Enable APIs (RPC, gRPC, JSON-RPC for EVM)

• Adjust consensus timeouts and gas prices

3. Syncing

Connect to the network and catch up:

• Download the genesis file (network's initial state)

• Connect to peer nodes

• Sync the blockchain (hours to days depending on method)

• Use snapshots for faster bootstrapping

4. Validation (Optional)

Become an active validator:

• Ensure sufficient stake (50+ BPL minimum, 1,000+ BPL recommended)

• Create and fund validator account

• Submit create-validator transaction

• Monitor signing performance and uptime

5. Maintenance

Keep your node healthy:

• Monitor logs and metrics

• Update software during network upgrades

• Manage disk space and resources

• Respond to governance proposals

• Withdraw rewards regularly

Network Roles & Responsibilities

For Validators

• Uptime: Maintain 24/7 operation with redundancy

• Security: Protect validator keys with hardware security modules

• Governance: Vote on proposals that shape the network

• Upgrades: Coordinate updates during planned hard forks

• Community: Communicate with delegators and ecosystem

For Node Operators

• Reliability: Ensure stable infrastructure and connectivity

• Performance: Use recommended hardware (SSDs, adequate RAM)

• Monitoring: Set up alerts for node health and sync status

• Backup: Maintain secure backups of keys and configuration

Key Benefits of Running a Node

For Validators:

• Earn staking rewards (variable APR based on total stake and network conditions)

• Earn commission on delegated stake

• Influence network governance through voting power

• Support Bitplanet's AI economy mission

For Full Node Operators:

• Independent access to blockchain data

• Trustless verification of transactions

• Support network decentralization

• Enable application development and services

• Educational experience in blockchain operations

Common Use Cases

• Development & Testing - Run a local node to develop and test smart contracts or applications without network fees.

• RPC Services - Operate public RPC endpoints for community applications to query the blockchain.

• Archival Nodes - Maintain complete historical data for block explorers, analytics, or auditing.

• Validator Operations - Participate in consensus, earn rewards, and help secure the network.

• Private Networks - Deploy isolated testnets for enterprise use cases or protocol research.

Documentation Sections

This operator documentation is organized into the following sections:

1. Hardware Requirements - System specifications and prerequisites

2. Setup & Configuration - Installation and node configuration

3. Operations - Daily operations, backups, and monitoring

4. Troubleshooting - Common issues and solutions

5. Runbooks - Step-by-step procedures for critical operations

6. Additional Resources - Quick reference and support links