Introduction to SSV Network
SSV Network is a decentralized validator technology (DVT) network for Ethereum validators. Operators run SSV nodes that help distributed validator clusters perform validator duties without a single operator holding the full validator key.
Key Features
- Distributed Validators: Validator duties are split across multiple operators
- Ethereum Mainnet Support: Operators connect to Ethereum execution and consensus clients
- Fault Tolerance: Validator clusters can keep running when some operators are offline
- Non-Custodial Design: Operators run encrypted key shares instead of full validator keys
- Operator Marketplace: Operators register on-chain and provide infrastructure for validator clusters
Architecture Overview
SSV operator infrastructure normally includes:
- SSV Node: Runs the operator client and participates in validator clusters
- Execution Endpoint: Ethereum execution client WebSocket endpoint, such as Geth or Nethermind
- Consensus Endpoint: Ethereum beacon API endpoint, such as Lighthouse, Prysm, Teku, or Nimbus
- Operator Key: Encrypted SSV operator private key and password file
- P2P Ports: TCP
13001and UDP12001for SSV peer connectivity - SSV API: Local API on port
16000for health checks and node status
Network Information
| Component | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Network | mainnet | SSV production network |
| Node Stack | ssvlabs/ssv-stack | Docker Compose based SSV node stack |
| SSV Node | v2.4.2 | Latest official SSV node release checked on 2026-05-11 |
| Docker Image | docker.io/ssvlabs/ssv-node:latest | Image used by the official stack |
| P2P TCP | 13001 | Open on firewall |
| P2P UDP | 12001 | Open on firewall |
| SSV API | 16000 | Health and node API |
| Metrics | 15000 | Local metrics endpoint |
info
This guide follows the official SSV node setup documentation and uses the SSV Node stack deployment method.