Become a Cardano Stake Pool Operator
This guide translates the official whitepaper into an interactive experience. Explore the technical, financial, and operational requirements to launch and run a successful stake pool on the Cardano network.
The SPO Journey
From foundational knowledge to operational success, your journey as a Stake Pool Operator involves several key stages. Click any step to jump to the detailed section.
The Three Pillars of Operation
A successful stake pool is built on a foundation of robust technology, sound financial commitment, and dedicated expertise. This section details these three essential pillars, providing the checklist of what you need to get started and maintain a reliable pool.
🖥️ Server Architecture
- Block-Producing Node: Core server, never exposed to the public internet.
- Relay Node(s): Public-facing servers (1+, 2 recommended) that connect to the network.
⚙️ Minimum Hardware Specs
- CPU: 4+ Cores (2GHz+)
- RAM: 24 GB
- Storage: 250 GB SSD/NVMe
- Network: 1 GB/hr bandwidth, static IPv4
🔒 Software & Security
- OS: 64-bit Linux (Ubuntu 20.04 LTS)
- Key Management: Mandatory air-gapped machine for cold keys.
- Firewall: Meticulous configuration to protect the block producer.
The Economic Engine
Understand the financial heart of a stake pool. The Cardano protocol automatically calculates and distributes rewards each epoch (5 days) based on performance and fees. Use this interactive calculator to explore how your pool's configuration can affect rewards for you and your delegators.
The Launch Sequence
Deploying your stake pool involves a formal, multi-step protocol of on-chain transactions. This interactive checklist breaks down the official 7-step process. Each step is critical for a secure and successful launch. Click each item to expand and see key details.
Architecture Deep Dive
The recommended architecture separates your core block-producing node from the public network for maximum security. Relay nodes act as protective buffers, communicating with the broader Cardano network and forwarding information to your secure core. Hover over the components for details.
Further Reading & Resources
The Cardano ecosystem is vast and constantly evolving. Use these official and community-trusted resources to deepen your knowledge and stay up-to-date.
| Resource | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Cardano.org | The official website for the Cardano blockchain, providing high-level overviews and news. | Visit Site → |
| Cardano Developer Portal | The essential technical resource for anyone building on Cardano, including detailed SPO documentation. | Visit Portal → |
| CoinCashew Stake Pool Guide | A widely respected, comprehensive community guide on setting up a Cardano stake pool from scratch. | Visit Guide → |
| Cardano Improvement Proposals | The official platform for discussing and formalizing standards and protocol changes for Cardano. | View CIPs → |