RPC (Remote Procedure Call)

RPCs - Remote Procedure Call

RPC stands for Remote Procedure Call, and in the context of cryptocurrency, it refers to a protocol that enables different software applications to communicate with each other over a network.

In a cryptocurrency network, an RPC is used to allow clients to send commands or requests to a full node or a wallet, and receive a response. This enables developers to build applications that interact with the blockchain network and perform various functions, such as sending or receiving transactions, retrieving blockchain data, and monitoring network status. This is done for MaxxChain through our MaxxExplorer tool.

Here are some examples of RPCs commonly used in cryptocurrency networks:

1. getblockcount: Retrieves the number of blocks in the blockchain.

2. getblockhash: Retrieves the hash of a specific block in the blockchain.

3. getbalance: Retrieves the balance of a particular wallet address.

4. sendtoaddress: Sends cryptocurrency from one wallet address to another.

5. gettransaction: Retrieves details of a specific transaction, such as the sender, receiver, and amount.

6. getnewaddress: Generates a new wallet address.

7. listunspent: Retrieves a list of unspent transaction outputs for a particular wallet address.

RPCs are a crucial component of cryptocurrency infrastructure, as they enable developers to build applications that can interact with the blockchain network. They also provide a way for users to interact with their wallets and monitor their transactions in real-time.

Servers and Nodes

Running a layer 1 proof of work (PoW) blockchain such as MaxxChain requires a network of servers that work together to validate transactions, create new blocks, and maintain the integrity of the blockchain. The specific servers required may vary depending on the blockchain network, but here are some general types of servers that are typically needed:

1. Full nodes: These servers store a complete copy of the blockchain and are responsible for validating transactions, checking block validity, and broadcasting new transactions and blocks to other nodes on the network. Full nodes are critical to the security and stability of the blockchain network. MaxxChain, at launch, will have 3 full nodes in function on 3 different servers.

2. Mining nodes: These servers are responsible for generating new blocks and validating transactions using computational power. They are often equipped with specialized hardware, such as ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), that can perform the complex calculations required for mining more efficiently. As launch, MaxxChain will ensure that several mining nodes are in place for individual miners on the network while the several pools the team is working with will have their own mining nodes set up prior to launch.

3. Seed nodes: These servers act as initial points of contact for new nodes joining the network. They maintain a list of active nodes and their IP addresses, making it easier for new nodes to connect to the network.

4. Wallet nodes: These servers provide a user interface that enables users to interact with the blockchain network, view their balances, and send or receive cryptocurrency.

5. API nodes: These servers provide a public interface for accessing blockchain data and sending transactions. They allow developers to build applications that interact with the blockchain network using RPC (Remote Procedure Call) calls.

Running a PoW blockchain can be resource-intensive, as it requires significant computational power and storage capacity. As such, it is common for blockchain networks to rely on a distributed network of servers, with participants incentivized through block rewards to maintain and secure the network.