2026-06-26 · solana-foundation
Solana Foundation published new guidance explaining why production validators should run on dedicated bare metal hardware as the network prepares for higher-performance features. The post ties validator infrastructure directly to Solana's throughput roadmap, especially XDP networking and the upcoming 100M compute-unit feature activation.
The guidance says 100M compute-unit blocks raise the importance of fast block propagation through Turbine, making networking performance a core validator requirement. It highlights XDP, physical core allocation, elevated network capabilities, fast NVMe storage, ECC memory, and 10-25GbE connectivity as practical considerations for serious operators.
Validator hardware choices affect skip rate, block propagation, and the network's ability to absorb future performance upgrades. By recommending bare metal over cloud or containerized deployments for top-tier validators, Solana is signaling that infrastructure quality is part of the protocol's scaling path.
Validator operators should review their hardware, networking, and XDP readiness before 100M CU activation becomes more relevant. Developers and holders can track validator preparedness as one signal for Solana's ability to scale while preserving reliability under heavier network load.
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