How to run a Xandeum pNode
A practical, independent walkthrough of setting up a Xandeum pNode, the storage node that powers Solana's decentralized storage layer. This complements the official setup docs; the tips come from running a fleet of 12 pNodes ourselves.
In short Rent a small Ubuntu 24.04 server, run one install command, pick a network, back up your key, dedicate some disk, and register. Running the software is free. The only required cost is the server, about $5 to $10 a month.
What you need
| Component | Minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 4 cores | A standard budget VPS is fine |
| RAM | 4 GB | |
| Disk | 80 GB SSD | Enough to run. To earn meaningful storage rewards, dedicate 256 GB+ (more is better) |
| Network | 1 Gbps + static IP | A stable connection and a fixed IP matter |
| OS | Ubuntu 24.04 | Required for current pNode releases |
Budget providers like Contabo or Netcup work well, often around $5 to $7 a month for a machine that meets the minimum.
The cost picture
- Running a node: free software, you only pay for the VPS.
- Boost NFTs (optional): sold via the pNode Store. They multiply your STOINC rewards. Tiers have ranged from Rabbit (1.5×) up to Titan (11×). You can assign up to 2 NFTs per pNode, and their multipliers combine (for example 1.2× × 1.5× = 1.8×). No NFT means a 1.0× boost.
- Stake: staked XAND scales your rewards. There is no officially published minimum, but real earnings generally need stake (your own or delegated).
Want to see what a given setup might earn first? Use our pNode rewards calculator.
Set it up, step by step
-
Provision a VPS
Spin up an Ubuntu 24.04 server meeting the specs above, with a static IP. SSH in (the port forwards let you reach the local web UI and API from your machine):
ssh -i ~/.ssh/id_ed25519 root@<pnode-ip> -L 4000:localhost:4000 -L 3000:localhost:3000 -L 8000:localhost:8000 -
Run the installer
As root, download and run the official xandminer installer, then choose option 1 (fresh install):
wget -O install.sh "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/xandeum/xandminer-installer/refs/heads/master/install.sh" \ && chmod a+x install.sh && ./install.shIt installs the web UI (port
3000), the API daemon (port4000), and the corepod.service, and sets them to auto-start on reboot. -
Choose your network
The cluster and RPC mode are set with installer flags:
--atlas-cluster—devnet(default, best to learn) ormainnet-alpha(real rewards)--prpc-mode private— keep the pRPC API on localhost. Recommended, per Foundation guidance--operator-revenue— your commission in basis points (1000 = 10%). Required for non-interactive installs
-
Generate and BACK UP your keypair
Your node identity lives at
/local/keypairs/pnode-keypair.json. Copy it off the server and store it safely now. If the machine dies and you have no backup, you cannot recover that node's identity, stake history, or rewards. -
Dedicate storage and register
Open the web UI at
http://localhost:3000/, confirm the versions look right, and click "Dedicate and Earn" to commit disk. Then go to the pNode Portal, connect your wallet, and set your rewards wallet. The portal can also check that your node is reachable.
Tips from running 12 nodes
- Back up
pnode-keypair.jsonthe day you create it. This is the single most common, most painful mistake. - Keep pRPC private. The pod serves a pRPC API (used by monitors like this one). Leave it on localhost unless you specifically need it public.
- Dedicate enough disk. 80 GB runs the node, but rewards scale with the storage you actually commit.
- Watch version pins on updates. If a package is held back by apt, an update can silently no-op. Confirm versions in the UI after upgrading.
Mainnet vs devnet: which to pick
Devnet is the installer default and the safe place to learn the whole flow with no real stake or rewards on the line. Mainnet-alpha is the production network where real STOINC economics and boosts apply. There is also a trynet for automated testing builds, which you should not use in production. If you are new, start on devnet, get comfortable, then run mainnet.
Keeping it running
- Updating: re-run the same installer command and choose option 2 (upgrade), then confirm versions in the UI. If an update seems to do nothing, the package may be version-pinned, see tips.
- Monitoring: the web UI on port 3000 shows your node; the live Pulsar dashboard shows the whole network.
- Earnings: STOINC settles each Yuga (~2.8 days), and the large majority of each pool goes to operators and stakers. Estimate yours with the calculator.
FAQ
What hardware do I need?
At least 4 cores, 4 GB RAM, an SSD (80 GB to run, 256 GB+ to earn well), 1 Gbps with a static IP, and Ubuntu 24.04.
How much does it cost?
The software is free. You only pay for the VPS, about $5 to $10 a month. Boost NFTs are optional and bought separately.
Do I need to buy a license to run one?
No. Running a pNode is free and open to anyone. Boost NFTs from the pNode Store only increase your reward multiplier; they are not required to participate.
How do I update my pNode?
Re-run the installer command and pick option 2 (upgrade), then check the versions in the web UI afterward.
An independent guide by Pulsar Network, a community operator. Not official Xandeum documentation. Details like store pricing and version numbers change; verify against the official portal before you buy or build.