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Multi-Node & Scaling

BitBonsai supports multi-node distributed encoding. Steps:1. Set Up Main Node (Database Owner)
docker run -d \
  -e NODE_MODE=MAIN \
  -e DATABASE_URL=postgresql://user:pass@localhost:5432/bitbonsai \
  -p 3100:3100 \
  ghcr.io/bitbonsai/backend:latest
2. Set Up Child Nodes (Workers)
docker run -d \
  -e NODE_MODE=LINKED \
  -e DATABASE_URL=postgresql://user:pass@192.168.1.100:5432/bitbonsai \
  -e MAIN_NODE_URL=http://192.168.1.100:3100 \
  -p 3100:3100 \
  -v /mnt/videos:/media \
  ghcr.io/bitbonsai/backend:latest
3. Configure Shared Storage (NFS)
  • All nodes must access the same media files via NFS
  • Recommended: 1 Gbps+ network, NFS v4
  • Mount paths must be identical across nodes
4. Verify Registration
  • Child nodes auto-register with main node on startup
  • Check Settings → Nodes to see all active workers
Architecture:
  • Main node: Owns PostgreSQL, API, job queue
  • Child nodes: Workers only, proxy API calls to main
  • Job distribution: Automatic load balancing via queue system
See Multi-Node Setup for detailed configuration.
Yes. Multi-node support requires a paid license:
TierMax NodesMax Concurrent JobsPrice
FREE1 node1 jobFree
SUPPORTER3 nodes5 jobs$5/month
PROUnlimitedUnlimited$15/month
Features Locked Behind License:
  • Multi-node worker registration
  • Concurrent job execution (>1 job at once)
  • Priority support
How to Purchase:
  1. Visit bitbonsai.app/pricing
  2. Subscribe via Stripe or Patreon
  3. Receive license key via email
  4. Enter key in Settings → License
Trial Period:
  • 14-day free trial for SUPPORTER/PRO tiers
  • No credit card required for FREE tier
  • Downgrade anytime (keeps data)
Why Paid?
  • Server costs (license validation, updates)
  • Development funding (full-time maintainer)
  • Community support (Discord, GitHub)
See Pricing Page for current rates.