Reality

Running a Validator Node

In this guide, we will walk you through the process of setting up and running a validator node on the Reality Network using our command-line tool, realityctl. By following these steps, you'll be able to participate in the network and help secure the Reality blockchain.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure that you have:

  • A Debian-based system (preferably Ubuntu, as it's the tested environment)
  • Sufficient storage space for blockchain data
  • A stable internet connection

Installing realityctl

To get started, you need to download and install the realityctl binary:

  1. Visit the GitHub releases page and download the latest version of realityctl for your system.

  2. Make the binary executable:

    chmod +x realityctl

  3. Move the binary to a directory in your PATH, for example:

    sudo mv realityctl /usr/local/bin/

  4. Verify the installation by checking the version:

    realityctl version

Initializing Your Validator Node

To set up your validator node, follow these steps:

  1. Initialize the validator node:

    realityctl init:validator

    If you want to include IPFS support, use the --ipfs flag:

    realityctl init:validator --ipfs

  2. This command will generate the necessary configuration files and set up your node's data directory.

Managing Your Node

Once your node is initialized, you can use the following commands to manage it:

Starting the Node

To start your validator node:

realityctl start

Checking Node Status

To check the current status of your node:

realityctl status

This will provide information about your node's synchronization status, connected peers, and other relevant details.

Stopping the Node

To stop your validator node:

realityctl stop

Destroying the Node

If you need to remove your node and all associated data:

realityctl destroy

Caution: This action is irreversible and will delete all node data.

Advanced Configuration

Adding or Removing IPFS Support

If you didn't include IPFS support during initialization, you can add it later:

realityctl add --ipfs

To remove IPFS support:

realityctl remove --ipfs

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues while running your validator node, check the following:

  1. Ensure your system meets the minimum requirements.
  2. Verify that you're using the latest version of realityctl.
  3. Check your node's logs for any error messages.

Security Considerations

Running a validator node comes with responsibilities. Ensure you follow these security best practices:

  1. Keep your system updated with the latest security patches.
  2. Use strong, unique passwords for your node and system accounts.
  3. Consider using a firewall to restrict access to your node.
  4. Regularly back up your node's data and configuration files.

By following this guide, you should now have a functioning validator node on the Reality Network. Remember to keep your node updated and monitor its performance regularly to ensure optimal participation in the network.

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