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 main components contributing to these outages is the Decentralized DNS (DDNS) seed that Bitcoin Core uses to resolve domain names. To become a Bitcoin Core DNS seed, you need to 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 is 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 its seed is valid and up-to-date by checking for key issues on the blockchain.
- DNS Query Resolution: When a client (such as a user or application) requests to resolve a domain name, it can ask the Bitcoin Core DNS service to look up the corresponding private key associated with the public keys on the node that owns it.
Do core developers add DNS seeds 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 based solely on technical checks:
- Each node must register its own public keys and verify their validity.
- The blockchain is checked for key validation issues.
However, it is worth noting that some nodes may choose to join the DNS seed list if they have a strong reputation in the community. This can be for a variety of 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 Bitcoin Core DNS seed, you need to 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.
- Check key validity: Make sure your keys are valid and meet the Bitcoin Core blockchain standards.
- Register a node on the network: Go to the Bitcoin Core network browser (e.g. [ and register a new node with your public key.
Once you have completed these steps, you will be added to the list of nodes that are part of the Bitcoin Core DNS seed. Note that this process is usually automated, so you do not need to actively manage or monitor your inclusion on the list.
Conclusion
Becoming a Bitcoin Core DNS seed requires basic technical knowledge and a desire to participate in the community. By following these steps and understanding how the process works, anyone can contribute to the smooth operation of Bitcoin’s decentralized DNS service. Please note, however, that adding yourself to the list is not an invitation to participate in the development or management of the Bitcoin Core project itself.
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