RPC

What Is RPC?

RPC, or Remote Procedure Call, is a mechanism that allows your wallet or application to remotely "call" blockchain nodes and receive results. Think of it as calling a helpdesk: you state what needs to be done, the system executes the request in the background, and returns the outcome to you.

Within blockchain ecosystems, RPC is used for two main purposes: reading data (such as account balances or smart contract states) and submitting transactions (broadcasting locally signed transactions to the network). Common RPC requests are transmitted via HTTP or WebSocket, with messages formatted in JSON-RPC—a structured text specifying the action, required parameters, and expected response.

What Role Does RPC Play in Blockchain?

RPC enables DApps and wallets to access on-chain data and submit transactions without running a full blockchain node themselves. It acts as the gateway between applications and the blockchain.

For example:

• A wallet displays your Ethereum balance by sending an "get balance" RPC request, and the RPC node returns the latest result.
• A DEX frontend reads price and inventory data from a smart contract by calling read-only methods via RPC.
• When you click "Send", your wallet signs the transaction locally using your private key, then broadcasts the signed transaction through RPC.

For exchanges or aggregator services, the backend relies on RPC to reconcile deposit statuses, confirm block heights, and monitor events. Reliable RPC directly impacts page load times and transaction performance.

How Does RPC Work?

RPC functions like a "request-response" conversation: an application sends a request containing the method name and necessary parameters; the node receives it, executes the task, and returns either data or an error message.

Requests to read data usually do not alter blockchain state—examples include querying balances or block information. Requests to submit transactions include locally signed transaction data; the node only relays this to the network and does not sign on your behalf or access your private key.

A typical workflow involves: a frontend calling a backend API, which then forwards the request to an RPC node; or the frontend directly connecting to an RPC service. For subscribing to new blocks or events, WebSocket connections maintain a persistent link to receive timely push notifications.

Types of RPC and Common Protocols

RPC types are categorized by provisioning method and transport protocol. By provisioning, there are public RPCs, private/paid RPCs, and RPCs exposed from self-hosted nodes. Public RPCs are easy to use but often rate-limited; paid or dedicated RPCs offer more stability; self-hosted nodes require maintenance but provide greater control.

By transport protocol: HTTP suits one-off requests; WebSocket is ideal for ongoing subscriptions. For example, subscribing to new blocks or listening to contract events is best achieved with WebSocket for real-time push notifications.

JSON-RPC is the most common message format, specifying method names, parameters, and request IDs in requests, with results or error codes in responses. As of 2025, mainstream Ethereum ecosystems still use JSON-RPC 2.0 as the standard, while event subscriptions increasingly utilize WebSocket.

How to Configure RPC in Your Wallet

Most wallets allow you to add or modify a network's RPC address to connect to your chosen service endpoint.

Step 1: Open your wallet's network settings and select the chain you want to add or edit (e.g., Ethereum mainnet or testnet).

Step 2: Enter the RPC URL (service address) and ChainID (chain identifier). ChainID helps prevent transactions from being sent to the wrong network.

Step 3: Fill in the network name and block explorer URL for easy verification of transactions and balances.

Step 4: After saving, perform a small test—check if balances display correctly and whether transactions can be broadcast and confirmed. On Gate's Web3 wallet, the process is similar; ensure that your RPC URL and ChainID match the target network documentation.

How to Choose a Reliable RPC Service

Prioritize RPC services that offer stability, low latency, and accurate data. Key metrics include availability, rate limits, supported networks and methods, geographic latency, and privacy policy.

Developers should pay attention to service-level agreements (SLAs), error rates, peak rate limits, WebSocket subscription quality, and log observability; always prepare backup RPC endpoints for failover. For regular users, default wallet-recommended RPCs are generally reliable; alternatively, choose services with clear documentation and status pages.

In high-frequency trading scenarios, consider dedicated or self-hosted RPCs combined with load balancing and local access points; split read and write operations to reduce congestion impact.

What Is the Difference Between RPC and Nodes?

A node runs blockchain software and participates in consensus and data synchronization—think of it as a "server". The RPC interface is a "service window" exposed externally for sending and receiving requests.

In other words: the node is the "backend system", while RPC is the "frontend interface". You can access the network using third-party RPC services without running your own node; alternatively, you can operate your own node with an open RPC interface for maximum control and privacy.

How to Troubleshoot Common RPC Errors

Typical issues stem from incorrect request parameters, network settings, or mismatched on-chain state. Troubleshoot by following these steps:

1. Check that ChainID and RPC URL match your target chain to avoid sending transactions to the wrong network.
2. Verify your account balance and gas fees; errors like "insufficient balance" often indicate inadequate gas or funds.
3. Resolve nonce mismatches: review your recent transactions to ensure sequential order; use a block explorer if needed.
4. Watch for rate limits and timeouts: if public RPCs are slow or returning errors, reduce request frequency or switch to backup endpoints.
5. Review error codes and logs: JSON-RPC returns error codes and messages—logging both requests and responses helps pinpoint parameter issues.

What Risks Should You Be Aware of When Using RPC?

Key risks include data reliability, service availability, and privacy concerns. Malicious or unreliable RPC providers might return incorrect data, leading to poor decisions; service outages could prevent access to on-chain data or halt transaction broadcasts.

Privacy-wise, requests contain your address and behavioral patterns that providers may analyze; never share your private key with any RPC service—always sign transactions locally. If results seem abnormal, cross-verify using a block explorer or switch between different RPC endpoints.

For financial operations, start with small test transactions to ensure they are properly processed before increasing amounts; always prepare backup RPCs and offline contingency plans for critical scenarios.

Key Takeaways About RPC

RPC is the communication channel between blockchain applications and nodes—handling both data retrieval and transaction broadcasting. Understanding its request-response flow, choosing suitable transport protocols and providers directly impacts user experience and security. Correctly configuring RPC URLs and ChainIDs in your wallet—and running small test transactions—are effective ways to mitigate risk. To address errors or outages, keep backup RPCs ready, verify results on block explorers, and always sign transactions locally for enhanced reliability and asset safety.

FAQ

Why are my wallet transactions slow even after connecting to an RPC?

Slow transaction speeds via RPC typically result from one of three factors: high load on the provider's nodes, poor personal network connectivity, or an unstable choice of endpoint address. Switch to high-performance RPC services recommended by major platforms like Gate, or configure multiple backup addresses for automatic failover during network fluctuations.

What’s the real difference between free and paid RPC services?

Free RPCs are maintained by community operators and may be subject to rate limiting, downtime, or slow responses—best suited for light use. Paid RPCs offer enterprise-grade SLAs with stable speeds, higher priority access, and robust technical support—ideal for frequent trading or commercial applications. Beginners can start with free options; upgrade to paid plans as transaction volume increases.

Is it cheaper to run my own node or use an RPC service?

Running a full node requires high-end hardware plus ongoing electricity and bandwidth costs—with upfront investment typically exceeding $700 USD. In contrast, using an RPC service involves paying per request, usually ranging from a few dollars up to hundreds per month. For most individuals, using an external RPC is more economical—unless you need specific private deployments or enhanced data privacy.

How do I resolve “Request rejected” errors from an RPC?

This usually means the service has hit its rate limit or your request format is incorrect. Solutions include: verifying your API key; lowering request frequency; waiting several minutes before retrying; or switching endpoints. In production environments, consider upgrading to paid plans and reaching out to technical support from your provider.

Can I connect multiple RPC addresses simultaneously for higher reliability?

Absolutely—this is known as redundant RPC configuration. Most wallets and DApps support backup endpoints so when your primary RPC fails, traffic automatically switches to alternatives ensuring uninterrupted service. Platforms like Gate offer multiple combinable nodes for improved transaction availability and speed stability.