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Connect to Testnet

Step-by-step guide to configure your development environment for Circle Layer testnet.

Network Configuration​

Required Network Details​

Use these settings to connect to Circle Layer testnet:

Connection Methods​

  1. Open MetaMask and click on the network dropdown
  2. Select "Add Network" or "Custom RPC"
  3. Enter Network Details: 
    Network Name: Circle Layer Testnet
    RPC URL: https://testnet-rpc.circlelayer.com
    Chain ID: 28525
    Currency Symbol: CLAYER
    Block Explorer: https://explorer-testnet.circlelayer.com
  4. Save and Switch to the new network

Method 2: Programmatic Setup​

Add Circle Layer testnet programmatically to MetaMask:

async function addCircleLayerNetwork() {
  try {
    await window.ethereum.request({
      method: 'wallet_addEthereumChain',
      params: [{
        chainId: '0x6F75', // 28525 in hex
        chainName: 'Circle Layer Testnet',
        nativeCurrency: {
          name: 'CLAYER',
          symbol: 'CLAYER',
          decimals: 18
        },
        rpcUrls: ['https://testnet-rpc.circlelayer.com'],
        blockExplorerUrls: ['https://explorer-testnet.circlelayer.com/']
      }]
    });
    console.log('Circle Layer testnet added successfully');
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Error adding network:', error);
  }
}

Method 3: Development Environment​

Configure your development tools for Circle Layer:

Hardhat Configuration:

// hardhat.config.js
module.exports = {
  networks: {
    circleLayerTestnet: {
      url: "https://testnet-rpc.circlelayer.com",
      chainId: 28525,
      accounts: [process.env.PRIVATE_KEY]
    }
  }
};

Truffle Configuration:

// truffle-config.js
module.exports = {
  networks: {
    circleLayerTestnet: {
      provider: () => new HDWalletProvider(mnemonic, "https://testnet-rpc.circlelayer.com"),
      network_id: 28525,
      gas: 8000000,
      gasPrice: 21000000000 // 0.000021 CLAYER
    }
  }
};

Verification Steps​

1. Test Connection​

Verify your connection is working:

// Using Web3.js
const Web3 = require('web3');
const web3 = new Web3('https://testnet-rpc.circlelayer.com');

async function testConnection() {
  try {
    const blockNumber = await web3.eth.getBlockNumber();
    console.log('Latest block:', blockNumber);
    console.log('✅ Connection successful');
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('❌ Connection failed:', error);
  }
}

2. Check Network Status​

Monitor network performance:

  • Block Time: ~3 seconds
  • Transaction Finality: 1-3 seconds
  • Network Uptime: 99.95% target

3. Get Test Tokens​

Visit the Circle Layer Faucet:

Troubleshooting​

Common Connection Issues​

RPC Endpoint Not Responding:

  • Verify URL: https://testnet-rpc.circlelayer.com
  • Check network connectivity
  • Try switching networks and back

Chain ID Mismatch:

  • Ensure Chain ID is set to 28525
  • Clear browser cache if needed
  • Verify MetaMask network configuration

Gas Price Issues:

  • Minimum gas price: 0.000021 CLAYER
  • Use gas estimation for dynamic pricing
  • Check account CLAYER balance

WebSocket Connection​

For real-time data, use WebSocket endpoint:

const WebSocket = require('ws');
const ws = new WebSocket('wss://testnet-rpc.circlelayer.com');

ws.on('open', function open() {
  console.log('WebSocket connected');
  
  // Subscribe to new blocks
  ws.send(JSON.stringify({
    id: 1,
    method: 'eth_subscribe',
    params: ['newHeads']
  }));
});

ws.on('message', function incoming(data) {
  const response = JSON.parse(data);
  console.log('New block:', response);
});

Next Steps​

After successful connection:

  1. Set Up Wallet - Configure your wallet for development
  2. Use Faucet - Get test tokens for development
  3. Deploy Contracts - Start building on Circle Layer
  4. Explore APIs - Learn about available endpoints

Network Monitoring​

Real-time Status​

Performance Expectations​

  • Block Interval: Consistent 3-second timing
  • Transaction Processing: 1-3 second finality
  • Gas Efficiency: Predictable CLAYER-based pricing
  • Uptime: 99.95% availability target