How to Set Up an Avail Node

 

Step 1: Understand the Role of an Avail Node

An Avail node plays a crucial role in securing the network by participating in data availability sampling, validating blocks, and contributing to the decentralization of the blockchain.

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Prerequisites

1. System Requirements:

   • OS: Linux (Ubuntu 20.04 or later recommended), macOS, or Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
   • CPU: 4 cores (minimum), 8 cores recommended.
   • RAM: 8 GB (minimum), 16 GB recommended.
   • Storage: SSD with at least 100 GB of free space.
   • Network: Stable internet connection with a minimum of 10 Mbps upload/download speed.
   • Docker Installed: Avail nodes run as Docker containers.

2. Install Dependencies:

   • Docker: Install Docker
   • Docker Compose (optional): Install Docker Compose

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Step 2: Set Up the Environment

1. Update System Packages:

   
   sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
   

2. Install Docker:

   
   sudo apt install docker.io -y
   

3. Add Current User to Docker Group:

   
   sudo usermod -aG docker $USER
   

4. Verify Docker Installation:

   
   docker --version
   

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Step 3: Download the Avail Node Docker Image

1. Pull the Docker Image:

   
   docker pull availnetwork/avail-node:latest
   

2. Verify the Download:

   docker images
   

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Step 4: Run the Node

1. Create a Directory for Configuration:

   
   mkdir -p ~/avail-node && cd ~/avail-node
   

2. Start the Avail Node: Run the following command to start the node:

   
   docker run -d \
     --name avail-node \
     -p 30333:30333 \
     -v ~/avail-node:/root/.avail \
     availnetwork/avail-node:latest
   

3. Monitor Logs:

   docker logs -f avail-node
   

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Step 5: Configure the Node

1. Edit Configuration (Optional):

   • Stop the container:

     
     docker stop avail-node
     

   • Modify configuration files in ~/avail-node/.
   • Restart the container:

2. Set Up Node Identity: Generate a unique node key:

   
   docker exec avail-node avail key generate
   

   Add the key to your node's configuration.

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Step 6: Connect to the Avail Network

Ensure your node is connected to the correct chain by specifying the chain ID:

docker run -d \
  --name avail-node \
  -p 30333:30333 \
  -v ~/avail-node:/root/.avail \
  availnetwork/avail-node:latest --chain avail-mainnet

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Step 7: Validate Node Status

1. Check Sync Status:

   
   docker exec -it avail-node avail-cli query system sync
   

2. Check Peer Connections:

   
   docker exec -it avail-node avail-cli query system peers
   

3. Confirm Block Production: View block production logs to ensure your node is actively participating:

   docker logs avail-node | grep "produced block"
   

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Step 8: Keep the Node Running

1. Monitor Resource Usage: Use htop or Docker commands to ensure your node has sufficient resources.

2. Update Docker Image: Keep your node updated by pulling the latest image regularly:

   docker pull availnetwork/avail-node:latest
   docker stop avail-node
   docker rm avail-node
   docker run ...  # Repeat Step 4
   

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Step 9: Join the Avail Community

• Join the Avail Discord or forums for support and updates.
• Monitor network announcements for any required updates or migrations.