# Set up validator node

## Full Consensus Node

Instructions relating to running a validator node on the Mainnet are mostly identical or highly similar than those for the [Testnet](/taraxa-network/node-setup/testnet_node_setup.md).  Here's how you can install a node on Linux. 

```bash
mkdir -p mainnet/config
cd mainnet
wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Taraxa-project/taraxa-ops/master/taraxa_compose_mainnet/docker-compose.yml
docker-compose up -d
docker-compose logs
```

Because the Taraxa network state has gotten very large, it takes quite a long time to sync. An alternative is to sync from a snapshot, which will drastically cut down on the amount of syncing time and can get  your node up & running much more quickly. 

\>> [Latest snapshots](/taraxa-network/node-setup/syncing-from-snapshot.md) <<&#x20;

## Lite Consensus Node (beta)

You could also choose to run a lite-version of the consensus nodes, with \~90% SSD savings. It operates exactly the same as a full node, but prunes most of the historical states, keeping just a few recent Periods.&#x20;

Please follow the [instructions on light consensus nodes](https://taraxa.gitbook.io/taraxa-network/become-a-validator/pages/dZh7FmLkTIx6EVGFoNAb#1.-lite-consensus-node-on-the-taraxa-mainnet).&#x20;

> Lite node requires pruning, and you need to restart your lite node for pruning to start. It's recommended to set up a script to periodically restart the lite node to keep disk space usage to a mininum.&#x20;

Because the Taraxa network state has gotten very large, it takes quite a long time to sync. An alternative is to sync from a snapshot, which will drastically cut down on the amount of syncing time and can get  your node up & running much more quickly.&#x20;

\>> [Latest snapshots](/taraxa-network/node-setup/syncing-from-snapshot.md) <<&#x20;


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