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 hostsParticipates in consensus : Confirms transactions affecting its partiesExposes APIs : Provides Ledger API access for applicationsConnects 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 CCDevNet : Integration testing environment, requires VPN and sponsorship, uses faucet for test CCTestNet : Staging environment, requires application process, uses faucet for test CCMainNet : Production environment, requires full onboarding, CC has real value
Progression Path Moving between environments requires:
LocalNet → DevNet : VPN credentials, Super Validator sponsorshipDevNet → TestNet : Application approval, IP whitelistingTestNet → 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
Best for: Organizations with DevOps/SRE capacity, specific compliance requirements, or need for full control.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
Best for: Teams focused on application development, organizations without infrastructure expertise.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 onboardingInfrastructure : Meet the infrastructure requirements Technical capacity : Team capable of operating containerized servicesCanton Coin : Budget for traffic fees (TestNet/MainNet)
Onboarding Process
Contact a Super Validator sponsor (list at canton.foundation )Provide your egress IP for network allowlistingWait for allowlisting (typically 2-7 days)Obtain onboarding secret from your sponsorDeploy your validator with the onboarding configurationVerify 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 consensusGovernance : The Global Synchronizer Foundation (GSF) manages network parameters. GSF is the non-profit foundation that governs the Global Synchronizer.Sequencing : Synchronizer orders transactionsMediation : Synchronizer manages confirmations
Next Steps
Infrastructure Requirements Hardware, software, and network requirements.
Validator Roles Understand your responsibilities as a validator.
