13 Feb Ethereum: How does one become a DNS seed for Bitcoin Core?
Becoming a DNS Seed for Bitcoin Core: A Guide
In recent years, Bitcoin Core has experienced significant outages and reboots due to issues with its DNS (Domain Name System) service. One of the key components that contributes to these outages is the decentralized DNS (DDNS) seed used by Bitcoin Core to resolve domain names. To become a DNS seed for Bitcoin Core, you must understand how this process works and what factors contribute to your inclusion in the list.
What is a DNS Seed?
A DNS seed is a set of public keys that are used as a source of truth for resolving domain names on the internet. In the case of Bitcoin Core, its DNS seed is responsible for resolving domain names for Bitcoin-related services. The seeds are stored on a distributed network of nodes, and anyone can request access to these seeds in exchange for cryptocurrency.
How does the process work?
Here’s an overview of the process:
- Seed Registration: When a node joins the Bitcoin Core network, it must register its public keys as DNS seeds.
- Seed Verification: Each node verifies that their seed is valid and up-to-date by checking the blockchain for any issues with the key.
- DNS Query Resolution: When a client (such as a user or application) requests to resolve a domain name, they can ask Bitcoin Core’s DNS service to look up the corresponding private key associated with the public keys on the node that owns it.
Do Core devs add a DNS seed based on reputation?
In general, the answer is no. The Bitcoin Core team does not actively monitor or rely on reputation as a factor in selecting and adding nodes to the DNS seed list. Instead, the process is purely based on technical checks:
- Each node must register its public keys and verify their validity.
- The blockchain is checked for any issues with key validation.
However, it’s worth noting that some nodes may choose to add themselves to the DNS seed list if they have a strong reputation within the community. This can be due to various reasons, such as:
*Strong security practices
- Good code quality and performance
- Active participation in the Bitcoin Core community
How does a node get added to the DNS seed list?
To become a DNS seed for Bitcoin Core, you must follow these steps:
- Create an account: Sign up for a new wallet or create one if you already have access.
- Generate keys: Generate public and private keys using your wallet software.
- Verify key validity: Ensure that your keys are valid and compliant with the Bitcoin Core blockchain standards.
- Register node on mainnet
: Go to the Bitcoin Core network explorer (e.g., [ and register a new node with your public key.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be added to the list of nodes that are part of the Bitcoin Core DNS seed. Note that this process is typically automated, so you don’t need to actively manage or monitor your inclusion in the list.
Conclusion
Becoming a DNS seed for Bitcoin Core requires basic technical knowledge and a willingness to participate in the community. By following these steps and understanding how the process works, anyone can contribute to keeping Bitcoin’s decentralized DNS service running smoothly. However, be aware that adding yourself to the list is not an invitation to become involved in the development or governance of the Bitcoin Core project itself.
No Comments