Skip to Content
New: a threat-model-first guide to choosing your network defence, plus the nym-smoldvpn dVPN package and nym-swizzle sender hygiene.
OperatorsNodes & Validators GuidesNym NodeNode Family

Nym Node Families

ℹ️

Our documentation often refers to syntax annotated in <> brackets. We use this expression for variables that are unique to each user (like path, local moniker, versions et cetera). Any syntax in <> brackets needs to be substituted with your correct name or version, without the <> brackets. If you are unsure, please check our table of essential parameters and variables .

This page is a how to guide showing steps to create a node family, invite nodes to a family, accept invitation, leave a family and to edit a family, where operators can change name, description or completely dissolve a family.

NymVPN protects user privacy by routing traffic through decentralised Nym nodes. This only works securely if those nodes are genuinely independent: if the Entry and Exit gateways in one route are run by the different operator and located in different network subnets. Otherwise an adversary could observe connection metadata end-to-end, or to trace users through co-located infrastructure.

To address this, Nym is adopting the concept of node families — a mechanism already used by the Tor network  — whereby operators who run multiple nodes cryptographically declare them as belonging to the same family.

The routing policy then disallows connections where Entry and Exit gateways share a family, ensuring meaningful separation between them. This significantly raises the bar for a traffic correlation attack, whether from a malicious operator silently running multiple nodes or from an adversary performing infrastructure seizure within a single jurisdiction.

On May 21st 2026, we introduced the concept logic and roadmap of Nym Node Family in a live stream .

Family Management

Nym node families are based on Nyx accounts, so a family can be created by an account without any nodes, inviting them afterwards.

Therefore, the management of Nym node families is done via Nym Wallet, alternatively nym-cli. In this how to guide we use Nym Wallet UI, in case you prefer the CLI, build it following these steps and then see the commands in this section or follow <COMMAND> --help convention.

Node families can be well previewed on SpectreDAO Explorer .

For any operation regarding node family, open your wallet and navigate to the section Family - Manage node families

Create Node Family

To create node family, open your wallet and follow the steps below.

Ensure balance bigger than 101 NYM

  • Make sure you have at least 101 NYM to use 100 NYM as refundable deposit and have a bit left for the network fees

  • This refundable fee follows the same logic like bonding, using a little cost as spam prevention

Navigate to the section Family - Manage node families
Describe your family
  • In the default tab My Family enter your Family Name and Description

ℹ️

Make sure to describe your in a concise but clear way, refraning from offensive or inside joke type of descriptions.

Confirm
  • Click on Create family - 100 NYM and then confirm

Your family is now created, congratulation. You can preview it from your wallet or visit SpectreDAO Explorer .

Invite New Node to a Family

To invite other nodes, open your wallet and follow the steps below.

Navigate to the section Family - Manage node families
Fill Invite a Node field

  • Add a NODE-ID of the node you want to add to the family (the digit, not node identity key)

  • Make sure that you only invite nodes you control and that are already bonded and operational

Send and confirm
  • Click on Send invite and confirm

Your invite was sent, you can preview it in your wallet.

Accept invitation to a Family

To accept an invitation, open your wallet and follow the steps below.

Navigate to the section Family - Manage node families
  • You will see a notification, click on the button

Review the family
⚠️

Remember that anyone could have invited your node to their family, review carefully the invitation account authenticity.

Accept & confirm
  • Click on Accept and on Accept invite to confirm

Congratulation, your node had join a family. You can preview the node status in the wallet

Leave a Family

In case you want to leave a family with your node, open your wallet and follow the steps below.

Navigate to the section Family - Manage node families
Click on Leave <FAMILY_NAME> & confirm

Edit or Dissolve a Family

You can edit your family name and description as well as dissolving it entirely. Open your wallet and follow the steps below.

Last updated on
BondingNyx Validator Setup