> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.realio.network/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.realio.network/running-a-full-node.md).

# Running a Full Node

<table data-view="cards" data-full-width="false"><thead><tr><th align="center"></th><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td align="center"><strong>Full Node Requirements</strong> </td><td><em>Specifications and hardware needed to run a full node.</em></td><td></td><td><a href="/files/Z09nFwUzprPHhdFr9tZW">/files/Z09nFwUzprPHhdFr9tZW</a></td><td><a href="/pages/8QM2ZWGkWd4PWMiCztVX">/pages/8QM2ZWGkWd4PWMiCztVX</a></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><strong>Full Node Setup</strong></td><td><em>Step-by-step instructions to set up your full node.</em></td><td></td><td><a href="/files/mtsyZ9Njlns3alqNwTLe">/files/mtsyZ9Njlns3alqNwTLe</a></td><td><a href="/pages/issHsz4rDAgjqUH2wWnZ">/pages/issHsz4rDAgjqUH2wWnZ</a></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><strong>Update</strong></td><td><em>Download and install updates to maintain compatibility and performance.</em></td><td></td><td><a href="/files/cNJXqH4Okv63gblKkyJ3">/files/cNJXqH4Okv63gblKkyJ3</a></td><td><a href="/pages/7DckBgtD5ezV46vkDzst">/pages/7DckBgtD5ezV46vkDzst</a></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><strong>Cosmovisor</strong></td><td><p><em>Setup and configure Cosmovisor to Automate the management of your node upgrades.</em></p><p></p></td><td></td><td><a href="/files/0syh4bmY7phHgN3iqLKU">/files/0syh4bmY7phHgN3iqLKU</a></td><td><a href="/pages/LbjuGXPoLw5Vjzko0vHJ">/pages/LbjuGXPoLw5Vjzko0vHJ</a></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><strong>Reset The Data</strong></td><td><em>Instructions to safely clear and restart your node data</em></td><td></td><td><a href="/files/iuUOY0f2hQ09FKEsvtGd">/files/iuUOY0f2hQ09FKEsvtGd</a></td><td><a href="/pages/JrY9cmkt7hxGIFljCb32">/pages/JrY9cmkt7hxGIFljCb32</a></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><strong>State Sync</strong></td><td> <em>Configure and run state sync for faster node setup.</em></td><td></td><td><a href="/files/rjq4zaD2uMuaw2e14lWX">/files/rjq4zaD2uMuaw2e14lWX</a></td><td><a href="/pages/XKlDqjYiNHaj4klngJyt">/pages/XKlDqjYiNHaj4klngJyt</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

### Full Node Overview

A full node is a program that fully validates transactions and blocks of a blockchain. It is distinct from a light node that only processes block headers and a small subset of transactions. Running a full-node requires more resources than a light-node but is necessary in order to be a validator. In practice, running a full node only implies running a non-compromised and up-to-date version of the software with low network latency and without downtime.

Of course, it is possible and encouraged for users to run full-nodes even if they do not plan to be validators