Attention: Final Call To Current Node Operators

by Unigrid a year ago 4 min read

Attention all current node operators on the network! This is a final reminder to reach out to us as soon as possible! Despite previous attempts to contact you, some node operators still have not responded. If you are a service provider offering hosting of Unigrid nodes, it is even more important that you reach out to us as soon as possible.

The launch preparation of the first version of our updated network is ready, and with it, the distribution of tokens to our early supporters will finally commence. This release will also mark the beginning of a crucial testing period for our new network, where its performance and capabilities will be thoroughly evaluated. We urge all node operators to contact us promptly to ensure a smooth transition to the new network. We appreciate everybody's cooperation and support.

Previously, operating a node on our network only required running the legacy daemon unigridd. However, this has changed with the introduction of several new components. These components include:

unigridd - the legacy daemon, TCP network, and blockchain.
hedgehog - the new QUIC-based network.
groundhog - a daemon responsible for monitoring unigridd and hedgehogd and restarting them as necessary.

Adding these components brings improved performance and stability to the network but requires node operators to familiarize themselves with the new setup. We recommend all node operators take the necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition to the updated network.

To simplify the deployment process, we have created a Docker node installer that can be used to deploy nodes on Debian or Ubuntu-based servers. This image streamlines the deployment process and makes maintenance and upgrades easier to manage. The Docker image will install all the necessary components and keep track of their status. With over 600 nodes already running on the network, we must maintain as many of them as possible to ensure optimal network performance. We highly recommend everybody switch to the Docker image to help with this effort.

If you prefer to run the node on a different operating system or Linux distribution, the code is available and can be easily modified to suit your needs. If you make any modifications or add support for additional platforms, we welcome and appreciate pull requests and forks. By contributing to the project in this way, you can help make the network more accessible and robust for everyone.

Considering all the features and changes currently in development, frequent updates to these components should be expected. This may also result in hard forks for nodes that do not update - a normal part of the software development process. Utilizing the Docker image will greatly simplify the process and minimize the need for constant monitoring. The Docker image will automatically handle all updates, ensuring that your nodes are always running the latest version. Relying on the Docker image will not only make your life easier but also help ensure the stability and security of the network as a whole.

Additionally, the Janus wallet must also be installed for those who wish to monitor their nodes from a central location. This wallet provides a centralized and convenient way to monitor the performance of your nodes and ensure they are functioning as expected.

It is important to note that once the first mints are deployed on the updated network, all previous versions will become obsolete and no longer work with the new network. Any nodes or wallets still running on the old releases will hard fork into a separate chain. This means upgrading to the latest version is crucial to ensure seamless and uninterrupted access to the network.

Time to buckle up!