Running a Node

There are four types of nodes on the FRWA testnet. The node architecture of FRWA is modeled after OP's architecture, meaning there are no incentives for running a full node. If you prefer not to operate your own node, you can connect to the FRWA testnet using the RPC endpoints provided in the Network Parameters.

Currently, the FRWA team manages all testnet infrastructure, so we do not require operators for testnet nodes. However, if you still wish to run a node for free—without any guarantees of future fees, rewards, or potential airdrops—please refer to the instructions in the FRWA node configuration GitHub repository if you want to be added to our list of public nodes.

FRWA Sequencer

The FRWA sequencer is a single full node that orders transactions on the FRWA testnet. This forces all other full nodes to recognize the exact same transaction sequence, which allows them to deterministically compute the next state of the chain.

The sequencer can potentially be malicious and extract value by front-running transactions. However, the sequencer is unable to censor any transactions, which will all eventually get posted through the delayed inbox. Currently, the FRWA sequencer is operated by the FRWA team, but we made FRWA a modular blockchain so we can integrate with decentralized sequencer providers like Espresso Systems in the future.

FRWA Full Nodes

FRWA full nodes operate similarly to OP full nodes. They access the state via a direct connection to the underlying L1 chain, which for the FRWA testnet is Ethereum Sepolia. These nodes retrieve the sequence of L2 transactions either directly from the sequencer or through a feed relay. Each full node then executes the deterministic state transition function locally to calculate the next state based on the transaction sequence.

Since the state transition function is entirely deterministic and the transaction sequence is generated by a single sequencer, there is no consensus mechanism on the FRWA testnet. This means that every honest full node will consistently maintain the same state. One advantage of building an L2 chain is its ability to leverage the security and consensus of the underlying L1 chain.

Running your own FRWA node allows for independent participation in this process. You can always be confident about the actual state of the chain, even if other nodes behave dishonestly, and you won’t need to depend on any third-party operators or services.

FRWA Archive Nodes

FRWA archive nodes are full nodes that maintain the entire historical state of the network, rather than just the most recent transactions. They require significantly more storage (over 8 terabytes compared to 0.5 terabytes for a standard full node) and demand greater computational capacity and network bandwidth.

We recommend that users and developers who need to analyze historical blockchain data set up and operate their own FRWA archive node, as the FRWA team does not currently run any archive nodes.

FRWA Validator Nodes

FRWA validators are full nodes that engage in the rollup protocol, a distinct chain that verifies the outcomes of L2 transactions on the L1 chain. The rollup protocol is structured so that even a single honest validator can ensure the correct state of the chain is confirmed, regardless of the actions of other dishonest validators. For more information, refer to the 'OP Rollup Protocol' in the official OP documentation.

There are three primary types of validator nodes within the rollup protocol:

1. Active Validator Nodes: These nodes propose new blocks in the rollup protocol and must be staked. They face penalties if their proposed blocks are found to be inconsistent with the correct state.

2. Watchtower Validator Nodes: These nodes are not staked and do not propose new blocks, but they monitor active validators and notify other parties, such as defensive validator node operators, if any active validator proposes an incorrect block.

3. Defensive Validator Nodes: Typically unstaked, these nodes will stake to propose the correct block and generate a fraud proof if an active validator submits an incorrect block.

The combination of watchtower and defensive validators compels active validators to remain honest, as they risk losing their stake otherwise. This means the rollup protocol only requires one honest active validator, which is currently managed by the FRWA team.