> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.astranode.cloud/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.astranode.cloud/introduction.md).

# Introduction

Welcome to **AstraNode**, the next-generation RPC gateway for the **Base blockchain**. It provides high-speed access to Base with free-tier usage, automatic 402 payment support, and developer-friendly endpoints.

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### 🔗 Quick Access

{% code title="RPC Endpoint" %}

```
RPC Endpoint: https://rpc.astranode.cloud
Network: Base Mainnet
Chain ID: 8453
```

{% endcode %}

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### ⚡ Key Features

| Feature            | Description                            |
| ------------------ | -------------------------------------- |
| Fast Base RPC      | Optimized, low-latency JSON-RPC access |
| Free Tier          | 50 free calls/day per IP or wallet     |
| Pay-Per-Call       | x402-compatible 402 Payment Required   |
| Secure             | IP + wallet-based isolation            |
| Developer Friendly | Simple cURL or SDK integration         |

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### 👩‍💻 Ideal For

* Web3 dApp developers
* Analytics & automation bots
* Trading & DeFi tools
* On-chain explorers & dashboards

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{% hint style="info" %}
For detailed usage, SDK examples, and payment setup see the related docs below.
{% endhint %}

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### 🧭 Related Links

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th>Title</th><th data-card-target data-type="content-ref">Target</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Getting Started</td><td><a href="/getting-started.md">Getting Started</a></td></tr><tr><td>API Reference</td><td><a href="/api-reference.md">API Reference</a></td></tr><tr><td>x402 Payments</td><td><a href="/payments.md">Payments</a></td></tr><tr><td>FAQ</td><td><a href="/faq.md">FAQ</a></td></tr></tbody></table>