StreamFirst

An infrastructure for delivering the fastest on-chain updates by combining software-level acceleration (Fast Yellowstone) with optimized network traffic and routing (via shred-stream).

StreamFirst is GetBlock's infrastructure solution for delivering faster (ultra-low latency) on-chain state updates from the Solana blockchain.

By combining software-level acceleration with network-level optimization, StreamFirst enables developers to receive blockchain data faster than traditional RPC methods. This reduces the consistent polling updates, which either lead to timeouts or rate-limiting issues.

Interested in building on Solana with StreamFirst? Reach us for more information.

Core Stack

StreamFirst consists of two core optimization layers:

1. Software-level acceleration: Accelerated Yellowstone gRPC implementation

2. Network-level acceleration: Optimized shred-stream delivery via direct validator connections.

StreamFirst optimizes the entire pipeline from validator broadcast to application delivery:

• The network layer ensures the earliest possible data reception

• Software layer ensures minimal processing latency

• Result: Fastest end-to-end delivery of on-chain state updates

How It Works

Accelerated Yellowstone gRPC

Yellowstone is a high-performance Geyser plugin that streams real-time blockchain data via gRPC interfaces. As a result of our partnership with the core Yellowstone team members, GetBlock's Accelerated Yellowstone implementation includes:

• Optimized data serialization: Optimized the original version of the low-level logic to improve the speed of state updates compared to the original Yellowstone implementation, and reduced overhead in encoding and transmitting blockchain state.

• Enhanced filtering mechanisms: More efficient subscription management for accounts, transactions, slots, and blocks

• Improved connection handling: Better resource management for sustained high-throughput streams

Shred-Stream Network Optimization

Solana validators propagate blocks by breaking them into small fragments called "shreds" and distributing them via the Turbine protocol. StreamFirst taps into this raw data stream:

• Direct shred reception: Receives block fragments (shreds) via UDP as validators broadcast them.

• Early state reconstruction: Rebuilds block data before it's fully confirmed and distributed via standard RPC

Frankfurt Data Center - Europe's Solana Hub

GetBlock operates as a top-tier Solana node provider in Frankfurt, a zone with the highest density of Solana validator stake. This strategic positioning provides:

• Proximity to major validators: Direct access to high-stake validators concentrated in the region

• Ultra-low network latency: 6ms latency within Europe

• Optimal shred reception: Positioned to receive validator broadcasts with minimal delay

The combination means you get blockchain state updates as validators are producing blocks, not after they've been fully processed and distributed.

Technical Architecture

Data Flow:

1. Block Production: Solana validators produce blocks and fragment them into "shreds."

2. State Reconstruction: Shreds are decoded and reassembled into transactions and account updates

3. Accelerated Processing: Optimized Yellowstone plugin processes data with reduced overhead

4. Client Delivery: Structured blockchain data streams to your application via standard gRPC

Why StreamFirst is Important for Developers

Speed Advantages

Traditional RPC methods introduce latency at multiple stages:

• Waiting for block confirmation

• HTTP request/response overhead

• JSON parsing and serialization

StreamFirst bypasses these bottlenecks by:

• Receiving data at the validator propagation speed

• Using binary gRPC protocol (faster than JSON)

• Streaming continuously without polling

Typical latency improvements: 25-30ms faster than standard Yellowstone gRPC

Use Cases

StreamFirst is ideal for applications where milliseconds matter:

• High-frequency trading bots: React to price changes before slower competitors

• MEV searchers: Identify arbitrage opportunities in real-time

• DeFi protocols: Monitor liquidation events and oracle updates instantly

• NFT sniping tools: Detect new listings and mints before they propagate widely

• Analytics platforms: Collect comprehensive on-chain data with minimal delay

• Wallet applications: Show users' balance and transaction updates in real-time

Data Types Available

StreamFirst supports all standard Yellowstone gRPC subscription types:

• Account updates: Monitor balance changes, data modifications, and ownership transfers

• Transaction streams: Receive all transactions or filter by program/account

• Slot updates: Track block production and commitment levels

• Block data: Full block information, including all transactions and metadata

• Program logs: Subscribe to specific program execution logs

Deployment and Availability

StreamFirst is available as an add-on for GetBlock's dedicated Solana nodes. It's configured as a plugin in the node configurator and requires:

• Dedicated node subscription

• Geographic proximity to GetBlock's validator network for optimal performance

• Additional fee based on data throughput requirements

Conclusion

StreamFirst gives developers a competitive edge by delivering Solana blockchain data at near-validator speed. The combination of accelerated Yellowstone software and optimized shard-stream networking, optimized shred-stream networking, and strategic Frankfurt positioning ensures low latency between your customer and dedicated node. This ensures your dApp has the earliest possible view of on-chain activity—critical for time-sensitive operations in DeFi, trading, and real-time analytics.

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For consultation on optimal deployment architecture for your specific use case, contact GetBlock support team