Setting up a Local Area Network (LAN) with a single Bitcoind client for Blockchain download and RPC calls
Since you have one small server computer at home, setting up a local area network is relatively easy. In this article, we will walk you through installing Bitcoind on your computer to download blockchain data and accept RPC calls from other clients.
Why use Remote Procedure Call (RPC)?
RPC allows multiple clients to access the same Bitcoind instance, providing the following features:
- Decentralized mining pools
- Decentralized exchange (DEX)
- Smart contract management
Qualifications:
- Installing Bitcoind: Bitcoind must be installed on your computer. Follow the official installation guide to install it.
- Software requirements: Make sure your operating system is compatible with Bitcoind. Currently, only Windows and Linux support RPC.
Local LAN Setup:
- Choose an IP Address
: Choose a static or dynamic IP address for your server computer. A static IP address is easier to manage, but dynamic IP addresses may be more convenient.
- Configure your router (if necessary): If you are using a router, make sure it is configured to allow incoming traffic on the port used by Bitcoind RPC (usually 8333). You can do this in your router settings or from the command line.
Install Bitcoind with RPC support:
- Open a command prompt: Click the Start menu and type “cmd” in the search bar. Press Enter to open a command prompt.
- Go to your Bitcoind installation directory: Type
cd C:\Program Files\Bitcoind(or the path to your installation) and press Enter.
- Install RPC support: Run the following command: “bitcoind install rpc”. This adds RPC support to Bitcoind.
Start Bitcoind with RPC enabled:
- Reopen the command prompt: type cd C:\Program Files\Bitcoind (or the path to your installation) and press Enter.
- Start Bitcoind: Run the following command:
bitcoind -rpcaddress=127.0.0.1 -rpcport=8333 -rpcuser=my RPCuser -rpccommname=my RPCpass.
Replace “my” with your desired username and “myRPCpass” with your password.
Test settings:
- Test the Bitcoind RPC console: Open a web browser and navigate to ” You should see the RPC console where you can view events, block headers, and other information.
- Accept RPC calls from other clients: If your server computer is connected to the same LAN with other clients, they can send RPC calls to your Bitcoind instance using the address “ .
Tips and Notes:
- Make sure you are using the latest version of Bitcoind and RPC support.
- If you encounter any problems, please check the official Bitcoind documentation or forums for help.
- Be aware of the security risks associated with RPC and consider using a secure RPC connection (e.g. HTTPS).
With these steps, you have successfully set up a local LAN where one Bitcoind client downloads blockchain data and accepts RPC calls from other clients. Enjoy exploring the features of your new Bitcoind instance!
