The Global Synchronizer is the public coordination layer of Canton Network, operated by a decentralized set of validators. This section introduces what it means to operate a node on this network.
What is a Validator?
A validator (also called participant node) is infrastructure that:
- Hosts parties: Stores contract data for the parties it hosts
- Participates in consensus: Confirms transactions affecting its parties
- Exposes APIs: Provides Ledger API access for applications
- Connects to the Global Synchronizer: Provides connectivity to other validators on the Canton Network
Validator vs. Super Validator
Validators:
- Host parties and store contracts
- Expose Ledger APIs for applications
- Operated by application operators and enterprises
Super Validators:
- Operate synchronizer infrastructure (sequencer, mediator nodes)
- Participate in network governance
- Operated by major institutions and approved operators
As a validator, you:
- Run your own participant node
- Host parties for your users/applications
- Pay traffic fees in Canton Coin
- Are expected to keep your node updated with versions mandated by the network
- Do not operate synchronizer components (sequencer/mediator)
- Do not participate directly in network governance
- Do not run BFT consensus nodes
Network Environments
Canton Network operates across four environments:
- LocalNet: Local development environment, accessible to anyone, uses local test CC
- DevNet: Integration testing environment, requires VPN and sponsorship, uses faucet for test CC
- TestNet: Staging environment, requires application process, uses faucet for test CC
- MainNet: Production environment, requires full onboarding, CC has real value
Progression Path
Moving between environments requires:
- LocalNet → DevNet: VPN credentials, Super Validator sponsorship
- DevNet → TestNet: Application approval, IP whitelisting
- TestNet → MainNet: Full onboarding process, operational readiness
Operating Models
You have two primary options for running validator infrastructure:
Option 1: Self-Hosted
Run your own validator infrastructure on your own (or cloud) servers.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Control | Full control over infrastructure |
| Responsibility | You manage operations, upgrades, security |
| Requirements | Technical expertise, operational capacity |
| Cost | Infrastructure costs + operational overhead |
Option 2: Node-as-a-Service
Use a provider to host and manage your validator infrastructure.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Control | Configuration control; provider manages operations |
| Responsibility | Provider handles upgrades, availability |
| Requirements | Contract with provider |
| Cost | Service fees |
What Running a Validator Involves
Day-to-Day Operations
| Task | Frequency | Description |
|---|
| Monitoring | Continuous | Health checks, performance metrics |
| Log management | Continuous | Capture and analyze logs |
| Upgrades | Weekly-monthly | Keep pace with network versions |
| Traffic management | As needed | Ensure Canton Coin balance for fees |
| Backup | Regular | Database and identity backups |
Upgrade Expectations
The Global Synchronizer upgrades frequently:
| Type | Frequency | Impact |
|---|
| Minor updates | Weekly-monthly | Usually backward compatible |
| Feature releases | Quarterly | May require configuration changes |
| Security patches | As needed | Critical; rapid deployment required |
Validators must keep pace with network upgrades. Falling behind versions can result in disconnection from the network.
Getting Started
Prerequisites
Before deploying a validator, ensure you have:
- Sponsorship: A Super Validator must sponsor your onboarding
- Infrastructure: Meet the infrastructure requirements
- Technical capacity: Team capable of operating containerized services
- Canton Coin: Budget for traffic fees (TestNet/MainNet)
Onboarding Process
- Contact a Super Validator sponsor (list at canton.foundation)
- Provide your egress IP for network allowlisting
- Wait for allowlisting (typically 2-7 days)
- Obtain onboarding secret from your sponsor
- Deploy your validator with the onboarding configuration
- Verify connectivity and begin operations
DevNet is the recommended starting point for testing. DevNet secrets can be obtained via API and are valid for 1 hour. TestNet and MainNet secrets require manual provision from your sponsor.
Key Responsibilities
As a validator operator, you are responsible for:
| Responsibility | Description |
|---|
| Availability | Keep your node running and connected |
| Security | Protect your infrastructure and keys |
| Upgrades | Stay current with network versions |
| Traffic | Maintain Canton Coin balance for fees |
| Compliance | Meet any regulatory requirements for your jurisdiction |
What You Don’t Need to Worry About
The Global Synchronizer handles:
- Consensus: Super Validators run BFT consensus
- Governance: The Global Synchronizer Foundation (GSF) manages network parameters. GSF is the non-profit foundation that governs the Global Synchronizer.
- Sequencing: Synchronizer orders transactions
- Mediation: Synchronizer manages confirmations
Next Steps
