↓Skip to main content

Nodes

519 words·3 mins
NICK
Author
NICK

Role: DevOps
Domain: Crypto

                            - Stack -

Python3, Linux GNU, Docker, Ansible, Prometeus, Grafana, AWS

                       - Project Overview -

The Node Project is a network scaling initiative designed to support Web3 projects growth and simplify node deployment for contributors. Our team was tasked to build a secure, reliable platform that guides users seamlessly from sign-up to active contribution. Simply select a Web3 project, choose a plan, and start contributing.

                       - Responsibilities -

List of my responsibilities in a clear, task-oriented format:

  1. Infrastructure Setup:
  • Configure infrastructure components to align with the architectural specifications of all services.
  1. Infrastructure Metrics Visualization:
  • Implement systems to monitor and visualize key metrics for infrastructure performance and health.
  1. Node Installation and Updates:
  • Develop and maintain scripts to automate the installation and updating processes for project nodes.
  1. Node Hosting:
  • Manage the hosting of user nodes on servers, ensuring reliable and efficient performance.
  • Generate instructions based on user requests for server provisioning, resource allocation.
  1. Data Security:
  • Implement security measures to safeguard user data, focusing on data encryption, access control, and threat prevention strategies.
                   - Challenges & Solutions -

Omitting specific functional and technical requirements, the primary challenge was to align the project more closely with a PaaS (Platform as a Service) model. Due to limited time, budget the team opted to avoid a microservices architecture, instead developing independent units of a service(server utils, node utils). For the sake of flexibility, simplified development, and resource optimization. The node operator manually manages these outputs, which reduces the risk of creating an inflexible, overly complex system(monolith).

Each node often requires a unique IP address, which can be cost intensive and challenging to handle. Virtualization on a dedicated private server, combined with IP aliasing and automated network configuration to systematically manage IP addresses and automate their assignment across virtualized environments makes resource distribution more efficient.

                   - Reflections & Takeaways -
  1. Optimized Resource Utilization:
  • Reflection: Virtualizing a dedicated private server with Docker name aliasing was a strategic decision that led to much higher efficiency in resource management.
  • Takeaway: This reflection highlights how important it is to thoughtfully leverage modern containerization and virtualization technologies.
  1. Scalability Insights:

  • Reflection: The project reinforced the value of designing systems that can scale seamlessly. Although the initial setup required a deep understanding of network architecture, the payoff was significant in terms of flexibility and reduced future effort.

  • Takeaway: Even though complex setups can be daunting, investing time upfront in a robust architecture can lead to streamlined operations and easier maintenance down the road.

  1. Agile and Scrum in Crypto:

  • Reflection: Working within the crypto domain highlighted the importance of Agile and Scrum methodologies in managing uncertainty and fostering collaboration, but time zone differences and asynchronous communication can complicate Scrum ceremonies like daily stand-ups or sprint retrospectives, the crypto domain is highly volatile, requiring teams to prioritize flexibility.

  • Takeaway: The intersection of Agile and crypto is a testament to the adaptability of these frameworks. By fostering transparency, collaboration, and iterative development, Scrum teams in crypto can navigate uncertainty and deliver value in a cutting-edge industry. Yet, success requires a nuanced approach—embracing flexibility while staying grounded in the core principles of Agile.