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What is RPC URL?

To understand what RPC URL is, one must first understand RPC Node. An RPC (Remote Procedure Call) node acts like a gateway between the application and the underlying blockchain network. Communication with blockchains necessitates the use of RPC nodes, much in the same way that a mobile device requires cell towers for connectivity to the internet.

The RPC URL, or Remote Procedure Call Uniform Resource Locator, is simply the specific network address of that gateway (the RPC node). Just like Google has a unique URL (https://www.google.com) to locate it on the internet, the RPC URL is the unique address that applications use to connect with a particular RPC node. It is the destination address required to read on-chain data and send transactions.

Key Functions

  • 📡 Data Query & Retrieval: Read on-chain data, such as account balances, full transaction histories, and specific contract states.

  • 📤 Transaction Broadcasting: Relay signed transactions from an application directly to the blockchain network for validation and inclusion.

Why Customize Your Node?

Optimizing your connection to the blockchain offers significant advantages over relying solely on public infrastructure:

  1. Superior Performance (Faster Speeds)
    Using a private or strategically located RPC node (e.g., a Singapore node for users in Asia) drastically reduces latency. This means faster data loading, quicker responses, and a smoother application experience.

  2. Enhanced Privacy & Security
    Public RPC nodes are often operated by third parties and may log IP addresses or request data. Customizing to a private node ensures your blockchain activity and network requests remain confidential.

  3. Guaranteed Reliability
    Public nodes are prone to being overloaded or suffering service interruptions during peak network activity. A dedicated or customized node provides a stable and consistent connection, guaranteeing uninterrupted service.

How to Customize Your Solana RPC Nodes

To enhance your performance and reliability, you can easily switch from the default setting to a custom RPC URL.

  1. Default Setup
    We start by using the official Solana RPC URL (https://api.mainnet-beta.solana.com). This is a free, default option that is immediately configurable within the application.

  2. Choose and Register a Custom Node
    If you want better performance or privacy, you can use a custom Solana RPC from a third-party provider, such as Helius, QuickNode, or Alchemy. After you sign up (either for a free plan or a paid private node), the provider will give you a unique RPC URL, which typically includes your API key (e.g., https://solana-mainnet.g.alchemy.com/v2/your-api-key).

  3. Implement the Custom URL
    Simply go to the homepage and replace the default RPC URL with your new, custom RPC URL.

For more Solana RPC info, please refer (https://solana.com/rpc).