What is an RPC node?

In blockchain, an RPC (Remote Procedure Call) node is a remote server running a pre-installed blockchain node client, fully synchronized with its network peers. An RPC node reads and writes blockchain data, allowing its operator to access the full distributed ledger. Decentralized applications (dApps) rely on RPC nodes to retrieve and broadcast transaction data on the blockchain.

How to use an RPC node?

When using a private RPC node, dApp developers receive an API endpoint URL, activate it (if required), integrate it into their codebase, and begin sending requests to the blockchain. This approach is significantly more efficient than self-hosting a node, which requires leasing a server, setting up and synchronizing the node, and maintaining its uptime.

What are Compute Units (CUs)?

Compute Units (CUs) measure the computational resources consumed by an API endpoint user. CU consumption depends on two key factors: a) the blockchain network the dApp is running on; b) the specific API methods (commands) the dApp executes. Every read/write request to the blockchain has a specific CU "weight".

What is the Requests per Second (RPS) metric?

Requests per Second (RPS) is a bandwidth metric that indicates how many requests an API endpoint can process per second. High-traffic, data-intensive dApps require higher RPS limits to prevent request congestion and ensure smooth performance. RPS limits are enforced to ensure a fair and efficient allocation of node and server resources.

What are access tokens?

Access tokens serve as security credentials that authenticate users for connecting to blockchain nodes. By claiming an access token, the user confirms that they a) are authorized to connect to a specific testnet or mainnet; b) have the appropriate subscription plan that allows access; c) have an active and funded account (for paid plans).

What’s the difference between GetBlock free and paid packages?

GetBlock offers both free and paid packages with varying service limits: a) rate limits (RPS); b) Compute Units (CUs) allocation; c) number of simultaneous access tokens; d) additional service parameters. The free package is designed for testing and personal use, while commercial dApps require a paid plan for higher performance, stability, and priority access.

How to pay with crypto and fiat?

GetBlock accepts payments in both cryptocurrency and fiat. When choosing fiat, users authorize a credit or debit card, and payments are recurring, with automatic billing. Paying with crypto, users complete a one-time transaction via QR code to pay for GetBlock services.

I’m running out of CUs. What should I do?

If your Compute Units (CUs) are nearly depleted, you can purchase additional packages directly from your GetBlock Account. The purchase button is located near the CU tracker. To avoid running out of CUs in the future, consider upgrading to a higher-tier package with a larger CU allocation.