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Run a full node

What exactly is Litecoin and blockchain?

  • A lot of folks reading this might be new to cryptocurrencies in general, so let’s start with an overview of how it actually works. First, Litecoin is not a stock - that’s important! Litecoin is a distributed ledger that stores transactions on a global network of computers. When a transaction is made, it is recorded in a block that is then broadcast to the other nodes in the network. Each block is chained to the previous block using cryptography, tracing back all the way to the very first block of transactions - this is the blockchain. By storing the transactions, you and everyone else can verify how much Litecoin is in your wallet and available to spend and share.

What is a full node?

  • Quite simply, a node is just one of the nodes as described above. It’s software, running on your computer, that listens to other nodes and shares blocks to help keep the entire ledger up-to-date. They also provide historical blocks to new nodes that are doing their first download of the full blockchain. The Litecoin Core wallet client on the Litecoin website is that software. By default, Litecoin Core maintains a maximum of 8 outbound connections to other nodes. That’s good, and lets you stay up-to-date, but what if we want to connect to a lot of other nodes to help better maintain the network? That’s the function of a full node. The only difference between a full node and the normal wallet client is that it can accept inbound connections in addition to making outgoing connections. Because it allows others to connect, this increases the number of peers from 8 to potentially hundreds.

How many nodes are there today?

How do I help?

  • By running a full node! The requirements are as follows:

  • Download the Litecoin Core wallet from the Litecoin website or straight from the official GitHub.

  • Have a computer that is running a lot of the time (doesn’t have to be 24/7, but the more time, the better!)

  • Have at least 90GB of free space - this is roughly the current size of the blockchain, including some room to grow.

  • Your node will need to perform an initial sync of the blockchain to catch up - this may take a day or so, and that’s okay - after all, you’re downloading over 10 years worth of transactions. 

 

Optional: (super node)

  • Allow your node to be externally accessed. In technical terms, this means doing port forwarding on your router to allow connections to the Litecoin port (:9333) to be forwarded from your router (which receives the connections) to your computer. If you don’t have access to your router settings (e.g. you’re on a university, work, or other public network), you won’t be able to do this.

  • Be okay with a lot of upload traffic. Most average web traffic is downloading content (like streaming videos), so this won’t interfere with day-to-day Internet use. My node generally uploads a few hundred GB per month. If you have a data cap, most modern routers have monitoring and alerts when you’re approaching a monthly limit, which can help you not go over.

Order the Litecoin Core Full Node

Litecoin Core Full Node Shopify.png

Installation of Node

Windows version:

Full Node:

  • Plug in power and ethernet cable into open ethernet port on router

  • On different PC connected to same network go to Remote Desktop Connection in windows.

  • Connect to computer name "LitecoinNode"

  • Enter password provided in the box with the litecoin node.

  • After connection verify Litecoin Core is running. (give it about a minute to boot up)

  • If it isn't running search for Litecoin Core and run.

  • Verify the "start on startup box is checked" in Litecoin Core UI to ensure it automatically starts when reset or loss of power.

  • Verify connections and network traffic under "Window" and "Information" and "Network Traffic" in Litecoin Core UI. You should have 8 outbound connections. 

Super Node:

  • Follow steps above then:

  • Go to Network settings and assign a static IP address for the litecoin node device. It is recommended to use the current litecoin node IP address that has been assigned (makes it easy to make sure it will work). To see the current IP settings go to the windows command prompt and type in ipconfig. 

  • Now log into your router (probably have to remember how to do this because it should be behind a password!).

  • Go to forwarding or port forwarding settings on the router. Create a new port to open. 

  • Add port 9333 and allow only the static IP address above. Then save.

  • Next go back to you the litecoin full node and search for windows defender firewall.

  • Select Advanced Settings

  • Select Inbound Rules

  • Disable any rules that say "block" Litecoin Core (GUI node for Litecoin)

  • Create New Rule (inbound), select Port click Next, Select TCP and specify port 9333, Allow this connection, select rules that apply and click next. Then finish. (this should be preset on the Litecoin Node for you)

  • You should now allow inbound connections to your Litecoin Super Node!

Linux version:

Full Node:

  • Plug in power and ethernet cable into open ethernet port on router.

  • Connect monitor to device initially to verify Litecoin Core is running on device.

  • Enter password provided in the box with the litecoin node after it is powered on and comes up on the monitor.

  • Verify Litecoin Core is running. (give it about a minute to boot up)

  • If it isn't running use the Linux terminal to run litecoin-qt.

  • Verify the networkstart on startup box is checked" in Litecoin Core UI to ensure it automatically starts when reset or loss of power.

  • Verify connections and network traffic under "Window" and "Information" and "Network Traffic" in Litecoin Core UI. You should have 8 outbound connections. 

Super Node:

  • Follow steps above then:

  • Go to Network settings and assign a static IP address for the litecoin node device. It is recommended to use the current litecoin node IP address that has been assigned (makes it easy to make sure it will work). To see the current IP settings go to Network in Linux and click the sprocket for advanced settings.  Then assign a static IP address under IPv4 settings.

  • Now log into your router (probably have to remember how to do this because it should be behind a password!).

  • Go to forwarding or port forwarding settings on the router. Create a new port to open. 

  • Add port 9333 and allow only the static IP address above. Then save.

  • Now go into Litecoin Core UI and select "Window" and "Information". 

  • You should now allow inbound connections to your Litecoin Super Node!

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Run Litecoin Node on Tor:

https://github.com/litecoin-project/litecoin/blob/master/doc/tor.md

Troubleshooting:

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