Add a network to an application
Before setting up a blockchain network, ensure you have an application in place. You must always create an application first, as this provides the context for organizing networks, nodes, smart contract sets, etc.
Permissioned and public blockchain networks
You can choose to create a permissioned blockchain network, join a public blockchain network, join a permissioned blockchain network, or join an existing network in SettleMint with an invitation code.
In a public blockchain network, anyone can freely join and participate in the network's activities. In a permissioned blockchain network (often called a consortium network), participants need permission to join. The network owner dictates who can join and allocates a set of permissions to participants.
SettleMint supports multiple protocols for both types of networks. You can learn more about these protocols in the blockchain guides included in this documentation.
Permissioned networks:
Public networks (Mainnets & Testnets):
Joining a permissioned network:
Joining a network with an invitation code:
- How to join an existing network in SettleMint with an invitation code. For more information on inviting network participants, see how to invite network participants.
How to add a blockchain network
This section describes the general process for setting up a blockchain network. For protocol-specific information, please refer to the relevant sections in the blockchain guides.
Navigate to the application where you will create the network. Click the grid icon in the upper right corner, then click the application name to go to the application dashboard.
The application dashboard is initially empty. This will change once you add your first blockchain network and node. Click Start here, or click Blockchain networks in the left navigation.
Click Add blockchain network to open a form.
Follow these steps to set up the blockchain network:
- Select the protocol of your choice and click Continue.
- Choose a network name and a node name. Use names that are easily recognizable in your dashboards. If you are joining a public network, you do not need to provide a network name.
Note that your network requires at least 1 validating node to be operational. We will deploy 1 validating node to your network initially. You can add more nodes later.
- Choose a deployment plan. Select the type, cloud provider, region, and resource pack. Learn more about deployment plans
- For Hyperledger Besu and Hyperledger Fabric only (optional): Configure the network settings. You can keep the default settings or configure them according to your preferences. Note that these settings cannot be changed once your network is deployed.
- Review the resource costs associated with this network displayed at the bottom of the form. Click Confirm to add the network to your application.
The network is now added to the blockchain network overview with the status "deploying". When your network is fully deployed, the status will change to "running". This typically takes a few minutes. Click the network in the overview list to see detailed information, such as stats, usage metrics, logs, network participants, etc. Available network information varies depending on the protocol.
Navigate to the Blockchain nodes section of the application to see the first node that was deployed with the network. Click this node in the overview list to see detailed information, such as stats, usage metrics, connection info, logs, etc. Available node information varies depending on the protocol.
You can now start adding more nodes.
Manage a network
Navigate to the application containing the blockchain network. Click Blockchain networks in the left navigation, then choose the network from the overview list.
Click Manage network to see the available actions. You can only perform these actions if you have administrator rights.
- Leave Network - Removes the network from the application
- Pause Network - Pauses the network's operation
- Upgrade or re-apply config - Retries deploying the network or adds more resources
You can only delete a blockchain network when it has no more associated resources (e.g., nodes, smart contract sets, etc.). Resources must be deleted one by one first.