LaserStream vs Dedicated Nodes: Choosing the Right gRPC Solution

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Overview

Both LaserStream and Dedicated Nodes provide gRPC streaming capabilities, but they serve different use cases. This guide helps you choose the right solution based on your specific requirements.

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Quick Recommendation

LaserStream is the recommended choice for virtually all streaming use cases due to its superior performance, enhanced reliability, managed infrastructure, and advanced features like historical replay and auto-reconnection. Dedicated nodes are only beneficial when you need isolated credits and rate limits.

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Detailed Comparison

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When to Choose LaserStream (Pro Plan)

LaserStream is the best choice for virtually all streaming applications:

• High-Performance Trading: Real-time data feeds with superior performance and reliability
• Production Applications: Mission-critical systems that need guaranteed uptime
• Portfolio Tracking: Account monitoring, balance updates, transaction history
• DeFi Analytics: Protocol monitoring, yield farming data, liquidity tracking
• NFT Applications: Collection monitoring, marketplace data, trait analysis
• Enterprise Solutions: Professional applications requiring managed infrastructure
• Development & Testing: Rapid prototyping and development without infrastructure setup

Key Advantages:

• Superior Performance: Optimized infrastructure delivers better streaming performance
• Maximum Reliability: Multi-node redundancy eliminates single points of failure
• Zero Downtime: No risk of node failure under high load
• Instant Multi-Region Access: Connect to the closest region worldwide for optimal performance
• Historical Replay: Never miss data even after disconnections
• Enhanced SDK: Professional-grade connection management and error handling

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When to Choose Dedicated Nodes

Dedicated Nodes have very limited use cases and are only suitable for:

• Credit Pool Isolation: When you need completely separate credit usage tracking
• Rate Limit Isolation: When you need your own isolated rate limit pools

Important Limitations:

• Performance Risk: Nodes can fail or become unresponsive under high load
• Single Point of Failure: No redundancy - if the node goes down, you will experience increased latency
• Cost Considerations: Higher base cost with different pricing model - evaluate total cost for your usage
• Limited Features: Requires separate shared plan for full platform functionality

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Cost Considerations

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LaserStream

• Professional Plan: $999/month base cost
• Data Usage: 3 credits per 0.1MB of data
• Transparent Pricing: Pay only for the data you actually consume

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Dedicated Nodes

• Node Cost: $2,300+/month depending on specifications
• Shared Plan Required: Additional cost for full platform functionality

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Technical Requirements

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LaserStream

// Simple integration with enhanced features
import { subscribe, LaserstreamConfig } from 'helius-laserstream';

const config: LaserstreamConfig = {
  apiKey: 'your-api-key',
  endpoint: 'https://laserstream-mainnet-ewr.helius-rpc.com'
};

// Automatic reconnection and historical replay
await subscribe(config, subscriptionRequest, handleData, handleError);

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Dedicated Nodes

// Manual connection management required
import { Client } from '@yellowstone-grpc/client';

const client = new Client(endpoint, undefined, {
  'grpc.keepalive_time_ms': 30000,
  // Custom connection settings...
});

// Manual reconnection logic needed
client.on('error', (error) => {
  // Implement your own reconnection strategy
});

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Migration Path

Moving from Dedicated Nodes: LaserStream is designed as a drop-in replacement. Simply change your endpoint and API key to migrate.

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Decision Framework

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Do you need the best streaming performance? → LaserStream
2. Do you want guaranteed uptime and reliability? → LaserStream
3. Do you want to focus on your application, not infrastructure management? → LaserStream
4. Do you need historical replay? → LaserStream
5. Do you specifically need isolated credit pools and rate limits? → Consider Dedicated Nodes (but weigh the significant downsides)

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Getting Started

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Start with LaserStream

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Consider Dedicated Nodes

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Need Help Deciding?

If you’re still unsure which option is best for your use case:

• Join our Discord: Get real-time help from our community and team
• Start with LaserStream: Most users find it meets their needs perfectly