Aztec is a privacy-focused Layer 2 that brings encrypted smart contracts to Ethereum.

It enables fully private apps without sacrificing decentralization or trust—thanks to its custom virtual machine (alt-VM), client-side proving, and a decentralized network of sequencers.

There are two ways to participate in the Network:

• Developers: Deploy private apps using the Playground and Noir language on the Aztec Network by connecting to Testnet.

• Node operators: Run sequencer nodes to propose and produce blocks using consumer hardware and are responsible for proposing and voting on network upgrades.

Follow the steps below to set up your Aztec Node on RapidNode:

Step 1: Log In to RapidNode & Add Credits 💰

1. Sign Up or Log In to your RapidNode account. If you don’t have one, sign up here.

2. Go to the Wallet section and add credits to ensure uninterrupted node operation.

Step 2: Purchase a Aztec Node 💳

1. On your RapidNode dashboard, navigate to the dashboard.

2. Select Aztec Network Node from the available options.

3. Confirm the purchase and complete the transaction.

Step 3: Deploy Your Node 🔧

1. Once purchased, go to the Active Nodes section.

2. Initially, the node status would show Setup Pending.

3. Wait for the node to be deployed. (Usually takes a few hours maximum)

Step 6: Secure Your Node Secrects 🔐

1. Click Node Secrets on the deployed node.

2. Copy your Private Key and securely store it or import Aztec wallet in metamask.

Note: Ensure your Aztec wallet has at least 2 ETH Sepolia to start the node.

Step 7: Sync Your Node ⚙️

1. Wait approx. 3 hours after deployment.

2. Click the three dots (...) → Select “Sync Node”.

Note: Make sure to use the “Sync Node” button only after waiting at least 3 hours to ensure accurate results.

3. You’ll receive: a Block Number and Proof String.

4. Use this proof to verify your node and get the “Apprentice” role in the Aztec Discord community.

5. After getting the “Apprentice” role, you can claim the “Guardian” role too. Simply:

1. Join the Aztec Discord: http://discord.gg/aztec

2. Go to: operators | start-here channel

3. Type: /checkip

4. Enter Your Node IP

5. Submit and Claim your Guardian Role

6. To find your Node IP:

1. Go to Active Nodes: http://app.rapidnode.xyz/active-nodes

2. Click on Monitor Node button

3. Copy the IP (part before :3001/) from your Uptime Kuma dashboard

Note: Do not share your IP address with anyone or publicly.

Step 4: Monitor Your Node 📊

1. Once your node is deployed, you can monitor its performance through UptimeKuma.

2. To view your node’s monitoring status, click the "Monitoring" button in the RapidNode dashboard.

3. Your UptimeKuma login credentials will be displayed, allowing you to track uptime and other metrics in real-time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get the Apprentice and Guardian role on the Aztec Discord?

   Guardian role can only be claimed after claiming the Apprentice role.

   Use the Sync Node button and wait a few minutes. Check if the Proof and Block Number have updated - if not, wait a bit longer and try again. Once both fields are updated, you can copy and use them to claim your role.

2. Do I need to buy a paid RPC to run Aztec Node?

   All Aztec nodes on RapidNode use our custom-built internal RPCs, so everything is preconfigured for you. Just purchase the node, deploy it, and you’re good to go.

Congratulations! 🎉

You’ve successfully deployed Aztec Network Node on RapidNode!

If you need any assistance or have questions, feel free to visit our Discord channel or check out our the FAQ section on the our website.

Happy Deploying! 🚀