How to Set Up an Ethereum Mining Pool Relay

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Ethereum (ETH) remains one of the most influential blockchain platforms, supporting not only decentralized transactions but also smart contract execution. While the network transitioned to a proof-of-stake model in 2022, many users still explore Ethereum mining through alternative methods—particularly in legacy networks or test environments. One effective way to maximize mining efficiency is by setting up a mining pool relay, which aggregates computational power from multiple miners to increase block discovery rates and reward distribution.

This guide walks you through the essential steps of building a secure and efficient Ethereum mining pool relay, covering server setup, software configuration, wallet integration, and best practices for stability and performance.

Understanding Ethereum Mining Pool Relays

A mining pool relay acts as an intermediary between individual miners and a larger mining pool. Instead of connecting directly to a public pool, miners route their hash power through your relay server, which then forwards it upstream. This setup allows for better control over connection stability, latency optimization, and customized configurations—ideal for small mining collectives or private operations.

While Ethereum no longer supports proof-of-work mining on its mainnet, this knowledge remains valuable for:

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Core Components of a Mining Pool Relay

To successfully deploy a mining pool relay, you’ll need the following components:

1. Dedicated Server Requirements

Choose a reliable server with:

Cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, or DigitalOcean offer suitable virtual machines for testing and small-scale deployment.

2. Open-Source Mining Proxy Software

Several lightweight proxy tools enable relay functionality:

These tools forward mining shares from connected devices to a primary mining pool while managing authentication and data formatting.

3. Ethereum Wallet Address

You’ll need a valid Ethereum wallet to receive mining rewards. Options include:

Ensure your wallet supports the ERC-20 standard and can interact with mining pools.

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Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Step 1: Install and Configure the Mining Proxy

After provisioning your server, log in via SSH and update the system:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Install required dependencies:

sudo apt install git build-essential libssl-dev -y

Clone and compile EthereumStratumProxy:

git clone https://github.com/holiman/EthereumStratumProxy.git
cd EthereumStratumProxy
make

Create a configuration file (config.json) with the following structure:

{
  "upstream": [
    {
      "name": "primary_pool",
      "host": "stratum+tcp://your-mining-pool.com",
      "port": 3333,
      "worker": "your_wallet_address.worker_name",
      "pass": "x"
    }
  ],
  "listen": [
    {
      "port": 8008,
      "diff": 2000000000,
      "varDiff": {
        "minDiff": 1000000000,
        "maxDiff": 5000000000,
        "targetTime": 15,
        "retargetTime": 60
      }
    }
  ]
}

Start the proxy:

./stratumProxy config.json

Your relay is now accepting connections on port 8008.

Step 2: Connect Miners to Your Relay

Miners can now point their mining software (e.g., Claymore, PhoenixMiner) to your server:

Pool: YOUR_SERVER_IP:8008
Wallet: YOUR_ETH_WALLET_ADDRESS.miner1
Password: x

The relay will forward all work to the upstream pool and return shares accordingly.

Step 3: Monitor Performance and Stability

Use built-in logs or integrate monitoring tools like htop, netstat, or Prometheus to track:

Regular maintenance ensures high uptime and minimizes disruptions.

Best Practices for Security and Efficiency

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I still mine Ethereum after the Merge?

No, Ethereum mainnet no longer uses proof-of-work mining. However, you can mine on testnets or community-maintained PoW forks like EthereumFair or EthereumPoW.

Q: Is running a mining relay profitable?

Profitability depends on electricity costs, network difficulty, and pool fees. Relays themselves don’t generate income but help optimize group mining efficiency.

Q: Do I need a powerful GPU to run a relay?

No—relays are low-resource networking tools. They don’t perform hashing; they only forward data between miners and pools.

Q: How do I secure my wallet?

Always use hardware wallets or encrypted local keystores. Never expose private keys on the relay server.

Q: Can I run multiple relays?

Yes. Deploying relays in different regions reduces latency and improves global miner connectivity.

Q: What happens if my server goes down?

Miners will lose connection until the relay is restored. Use uptime monitoring and auto-restart scripts (systemd) to minimize downtime.

Final Thoughts

Setting up an Ethereum mining pool relay enhances coordination among distributed miners, offering improved latency management and operational control. While Ethereum’s shift to proof-of-stake has changed the mining landscape, understanding relay architecture provides valuable insight into decentralized network operations.

Whether you're managing a small mining group or exploring blockchain infrastructure, mastering relay deployment strengthens your technical foundation in the evolving world of cryptocurrency.

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