clearnode

Clearnode

Clearnode is the off-chain node implementation for the Nitrolite protocol. It manages state channels, processes off-chain transactions, and coordinates state updates between users and applications to enable fast, low-cost payment channels and complex application sessions.

Overview

Clearnode provides a WebSocket-based RPC service that allows users and applications to:

• Create and manage home and escrow channels on multiple blockchains
• Perform instant off-chain transfers between users
• Execute multi-party application sessions with arbitrary logic
• Delegate signing authority via session keys
• Atomically rebalance funds across multiple application sessions
• Track balances and transaction history across all supported assets

The node monitors blockchain events, validates state transitions using a monotonic sequence logic, and ensures secure coordination between on-chain channels and off-chain state updates.

Architecture

Clearnode is built with a modular architecture:

• RPC Server: WebSocket-based JSON-RPC server handling client requests.
• Blockchain Listeners: Monitors on-chain events from Nitrolite ChannelHub contracts across multiple chains.
• Event Handlers: Processes blockchain events to update internal channel and user states.
• Storage Layer:
  • Database Store: Persistent storage for channels, states, and transactions (supports SQLite and PostgreSQL).
  • Memory Store: Fast in-memory access for node configuration, blockchains, and assets.
• Blockchain Workers: Coordinates on-chain operations such as automated settlement or rebalancing.
• Metrics: Built-in Prometheus exporter for monitoring node health and protocol performance.

API Groups

The WebSocket RPC service exposes several API groups:

1. channel_v1: Core payment channel management (Creation, State Submission, Latest State).
2. app_session_v1: Advanced application session management (Creation, Deposits, Rebalancing).
3. user_v1: User-specific queries (Balances, Transaction History).
4. node_v1: Node-level information (Config, Supported Assets).

For detailed API specifications, see ../docs/api.yaml.

Configuration

Clearnode uses YAML files for core configuration and environment variables for sensitive data and runtime overrides.

Blockchain Configuration

Define supported chains in config/blockchains.yaml:

default_contract_address: "0x019B65A265EB3363822f2752141b3dF16131b262"

blockchains:
  - name: polygon_amoy
    id: 80002
    contract_address: "0x9d1E88627884e066B81A02d69BCB2437a520534C"
    block_step: 1000

  - name: base_sepolia
    id: 84532
    contract_address: "0x33e57a8900882B8D5A038eC3Aa844c19Acfc539A"

Asset Configuration

Define supported assets and their multi-chain token deployments in config/assets.yaml:

assets:
  - symbol: "USDC"
    name: "USD Coin"
    decimals: 6
    suggested_blockchain_id: 80002
    tokens:
      - blockchain_id: 80002
        address: "0xDB9F293e3898c9E5536A3be1b0C56c89d2b32DEb"
        decimals: 6
      - blockchain_id: 84532
        address: "0xaf88d065e77c8cC2239327C5EDb3A432268e5831"
        decimals: 6

Environment Variables

Running Clearnode

Prerequisites

• Go 1.25 or later
• Access to blockchain RPC endpoints (e.g., Alchemy, Infura, or local Anvil)

Quick Start (Local)

1. Set up your configuration files in a ./config directory.
2. Set the required environment variables:

   export CLEARNODE_SIGNER_KEY=0x...
   export CLEARNODE_BLOCKCHAIN_RPC_POLYGON_AMOY=https://...
   

3. Run the node:

   go run . --config-dir ./config
   

The node will be available at ws://localhost:7824/ws.

Docker

docker build -t clearnode .
docker run -p 7824:7824 -e CLEARNODE_SIGNER_KEY=... clearnode

Development

Project Structure

clearnode/
├── api/             # JSON-RPC request handlers
├── config/          # Default configurations and migrations
├── event_handlers/  # Logic for reacting to blockchain events
├── metrics/         # Prometheus telemetry implementation
├── store/           # Persistence layer (SQL and Memory)
├── main.go          # Entry point
└── runtime.go       # System initialization logic

Testing

# Run all tests (requires GOCACHE redirection if in restricted environment)
export GOCACHE=/tmp/gocache && go test -v ./...

Documentation

• Nitrolite Protocol Overview
• Communication Flows
• API Reference

License

Part of the Nitrolite project. Licensed under the MIT License.