Difference between revisions of "Node Provider Roadmap"
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Here, you will learn more about the Internet Computer and the rewards/obligations of being a Node Provider. | Here, you will learn more about the Internet Computer and the rewards/obligations of being a Node Provider. | ||
| − | ===Step 1: Learn about the Internet Computer | + | ===Step 1: Learn about the Internet Computer=== |
Before becoming a Node Provider, it is important to gain a base understanding of the Internet Computer. | Before becoming a Node Provider, it is important to gain a base understanding of the Internet Computer. | ||
For a comprehensive overview of the internet computer, read the [[Introduction to ICP]] wiki page as well as the official ICP website: [https://internetcomputer.org/ internetcomputer.org]. Here, you will learn about the Internet Computer, subnets, the NNS, proof of useful work, ICP tokens, Internet Identity, and other relevant concepts. | For a comprehensive overview of the internet computer, read the [[Introduction to ICP]] wiki page as well as the official ICP website: [https://internetcomputer.org/ internetcomputer.org]. Here, you will learn about the Internet Computer, subnets, the NNS, proof of useful work, ICP tokens, Internet Identity, and other relevant concepts. | ||
| − | ===Step 2: Learn what it means to be a Node Provider | + | ===Step 2: Learn what it means to be a Node Provider=== |
| − | ====What is a Node Provider? | + | ====What is a Node Provider?==== |
The Internet Computer is a decentralized network of nodes running the Internet Computer protocol. These nodes are owned by Node Providers who receive rewards for their nodes' useful work. Every Node Provider is allowed a limited amount of nodes. | The Internet Computer is a decentralized network of nodes running the Internet Computer protocol. These nodes are owned by Node Providers who receive rewards for their nodes' useful work. Every Node Provider is allowed a limited amount of nodes. | ||
| − | ====What does a Node Provider do? | + | ====What does a Node Provider do?==== |
It is the job of a Node Provider to: | It is the job of a Node Provider to: | ||
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* Provide maintenance to their own nodes when hardware or networking issues arise, as Node Providers are only rewarded for their nodes' useful work. This is detailed in milestone six. | * Provide maintenance to their own nodes when hardware or networking issues arise, as Node Providers are only rewarded for their nodes' useful work. This is detailed in milestone six. | ||
| − | ====What are the costs/rewards for being a Node Provider? | + | ====What are the costs/rewards for being a Node Provider?==== |
To understand the varying rewards and estimated costs of being a Node Provider, read the [[Node Provider Remuneration]] guide. | To understand the varying rewards and estimated costs of being a Node Provider, read the [[Node Provider Remuneration]] guide. | ||
| − | ====How do you apply to become a Node Provider? | + | ====How do you apply to become a Node Provider?==== |
Individuals or organizations can become Node Providers through submitting a proposal to the Network Nervous System (NNS). The NNS is a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) that governs the Internet Computer. The NNS is a collection of smart contracts running on the Internet Computer and includes a voting system where token-holders who have staked ICP may submit and vote on proposals. | Individuals or organizations can become Node Providers through submitting a proposal to the Network Nervous System (NNS). The NNS is a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) that governs the Internet Computer. The NNS is a collection of smart contracts running on the Internet Computer and includes a voting system where token-holders who have staked ICP may submit and vote on proposals. | ||
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Here, you will learn more about the specific skill, hardware, networking, and data center requirements, as well as some best practices regarding decentralization and security. | Here, you will learn more about the specific skill, hardware, networking, and data center requirements, as well as some best practices regarding decentralization and security. | ||
| − | ===Step 1: Understand requirements | + | ===Step 1: Understand requirements=== |
| − | ====Skill requirements | + | ====Skill requirements==== |
To function effectively as a Node Provider, certain technical skills are required. To see if you are ready, ask yourself, can you: | To function effectively as a Node Provider, certain technical skills are required. To see if you are ready, ask yourself, can you: | ||
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''Note: A Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification (or equivalent knowledge) is strongly recommended to successfully complete network configuration.'' | ''Note: A Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification (or equivalent knowledge) is strongly recommended to successfully complete network configuration.'' | ||
| − | ====Hardware requirements | + | ====Hardware requirements==== |
Read the [[Node Provider Machine Hardware Guide]]. | Read the [[Node Provider Machine Hardware Guide]]. | ||
| − | ====Networking requirements | + | ====Networking requirements==== |
Read the [[Node Provider Networking Guide]]. | Read the [[Node Provider Networking Guide]]. | ||
| − | ===Step 2: Understand best practices | + | ===Step 2: Understand best practices=== |
Read the [[Node Provider Decentralization and Security Guide]]. | Read the [[Node Provider Decentralization and Security Guide]]. | ||
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Before ordering your hardware and obtaining a data center contract, you should first gain approval by the NNS DAO to be a Node Provider. You will do this by submitting a proposal to the NNS to make you an approved Node Provider. If you're approved, you will be able to add nodes to the Internet Computer network. | Before ordering your hardware and obtaining a data center contract, you should first gain approval by the NNS DAO to be a Node Provider. You will do this by submitting a proposal to the NNS to make you an approved Node Provider. If you're approved, you will be able to add nodes to the Internet Computer network. | ||
| − | ===Step 1: Join Node Provider matrix channel | + | ===Step 1: Join Node Provider matrix channel=== |
Join the [[Node Provider Matrix channel]]. Here, you can submit questions or comments related to obtaining the Node Provider requirements or being a Node Provider. | Join the [[Node Provider Matrix channel]]. Here, you can submit questions or comments related to obtaining the Node Provider requirements or being a Node Provider. | ||
| − | ===Step 2: Node Provider self-declaration | + | ===Step 2: Node Provider self-declaration=== |
Node Providers should declare their identity and provide a statement of good intent so that the ICP DAO can make an informed decision. Failing to do so could reduce your chances of being approved by the NNS to become a Node Provider. See [[Node Provider Self-declaration]]. | Node Providers should declare their identity and provide a statement of good intent so that the ICP DAO can make an informed decision. Failing to do so could reduce your chances of being approved by the NNS to become a Node Provider. See [[Node Provider Self-declaration]]. | ||
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You will require a hardware wallet to complete the Node Provider Onboarding. Follow [https://medium.com/dfinity/integrating-ledger-nano-with-the-nns-front-end-dapp-user-manual-9c5600925e16 these instructions] to set up a Ledger Nano hardware wallet to manage your ICP tokens and NNS neurons. | You will require a hardware wallet to complete the Node Provider Onboarding. Follow [https://medium.com/dfinity/integrating-ledger-nano-with-the-nns-front-end-dapp-user-manual-9c5600925e16 these instructions] to set up a Ledger Nano hardware wallet to manage your ICP tokens and NNS neurons. | ||
| − | ===Step 4: Node Provider onboarding | + | ===Step 4: Node Provider onboarding=== |
Follow the [[Node Provider Onboarding]] for detailed instructions on how to create a Node Provider ID and submit a proposal to become a Node Provider. | Follow the [[Node Provider Onboarding]] for detailed instructions on how to create a Node Provider ID and submit a proposal to become a Node Provider. | ||
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Before you are ready to move on to onboard your nodes, it is important to verify that you have completed all necessary preparations. This milestone provides a mini-roadmap for you to follow to go about obtaining the requirements. | Before you are ready to move on to onboard your nodes, it is important to verify that you have completed all necessary preparations. This milestone provides a mini-roadmap for you to follow to go about obtaining the requirements. | ||
| − | ===Step 1: Obtain hardware | + | ===Step 1: Obtain hardware=== |
The [[Node Provider Machine Hardware Guide#Purchasing%20Hardware|Node Provider Purchasing Hardware Guide]] will assist you in purchasing your node hardware. | The [[Node Provider Machine Hardware Guide#Purchasing%20Hardware|Node Provider Purchasing Hardware Guide]] will assist you in purchasing your node hardware. | ||
The [[Node Provider Networking Guide]] will assist you in purchasing your networking hardware. | The [[Node Provider Networking Guide]] will assist you in purchasing your networking hardware. | ||
| − | ===Step 2: Obtain data center contract | + | ===Step 2: Obtain data center contract=== |
The [[Node Provider Data Center and ISP Guide]] will assist you in obtaining Data center and ISP contracts. | The [[Node Provider Data Center and ISP Guide]] will assist you in obtaining Data center and ISP contracts. | ||
| − | ===Step 3: Configuring networking requirements & rack and stack nodes | + | ===Step 3: Configuring networking requirements & rack and stack nodes=== |
The [[Node Provider Networking Guide]] will assist you in configuring the networking equipment and rack and stacking your nodes. | The [[Node Provider Networking Guide]] will assist you in configuring the networking equipment and rack and stacking your nodes. | ||
| − | ===Step 4: Reset BMC password | + | ===Step 4: Reset BMC password=== |
The [[BMC Password Reset Guide]] will assist you in resetting your BMC password. This is a crucial security measure you must take. | The [[BMC Password Reset Guide]] will assist you in resetting your BMC password. This is a crucial security measure you must take. | ||
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By this point, you should have been approved by the NNS as a Node Provider and have completed the Node Provider Onboarding preparation checklist. You are now ready to onboard your nodes to the Internet Computer! You do this by installing IC-OS on your node machines. | By this point, you should have been approved by the NNS as a Node Provider and have completed the Node Provider Onboarding preparation checklist. You are now ready to onboard your nodes to the Internet Computer! You do this by installing IC-OS on your node machines. | ||
| − | ===Step 1: IC-OS installation | + | ===Step 1: IC-OS installation=== |
If you encounter issues during the IC-OS installation, check the [[Node Provider Troubleshooting]] page. If that does not solve your problem, you are encouraged to ask for assistance in the [[Node Provider Matrix channel]]. | If you encounter issues during the IC-OS installation, check the [[Node Provider Troubleshooting]] page. If that does not solve your problem, you are encouraged to ask for assistance in the [[Node Provider Matrix channel]]. | ||
| Line 116: | Line 116: | ||
Here, you will find important guidance and resources on managing and troubleshooting your nodes. | Here, you will find important guidance and resources on managing and troubleshooting your nodes. | ||
| − | ===Step 1: Read the Node Provider Maintenance Guide | + | ===Step 1: Read the Node Provider Maintenance Guide=== |
The [[Node Provider Maintenance Guide]] is designed to guide you through many of the tasks, questions or issues you may encounter throughout your career as a Node Provider. Additionally, it includes important best practices, of which all Node Providers should be aware. | The [[Node Provider Maintenance Guide]] is designed to guide you through many of the tasks, questions or issues you may encounter throughout your career as a Node Provider. Additionally, it includes important best practices, of which all Node Providers should be aware. | ||
| − | ===Node Provider resources: | + | ===Node Provider resources:=== |
These guides provide additional assistance for certain Node Provider tasks: | These guides provide additional assistance for certain Node Provider tasks: | ||
Revision as of 17:36, 15 August 2023
Intro
This page serves as a guide designed to facilitate the process of becoming a Node Provider for the Internet Computer network. For those seeking to contribute to the network's decentralized infrastructure by hosting operational nodes, this guide offers a structured and informed approach.
The Node Provider roadmap outlines what is required of Node Providers, the reward model of the Internet Computer, guidance on hardware acquisition and data center contracts, in-depth best practices, node onboarding procedures, and much more.
Node Providers who have successfully completed this onboarding process are strongly encouraged to contribute their insights and wisdom to enhance this resource. Your valuable contributions can further enrich the guide. Collaboration is at the core of the Internet Computer community, and your participation can contribute to the success of new Node Providers!
Milestone One: Education
Here, you will learn more about the Internet Computer and the rewards/obligations of being a Node Provider.
Step 1: Learn about the Internet Computer
Before becoming a Node Provider, it is important to gain a base understanding of the Internet Computer.
For a comprehensive overview of the internet computer, read the Introduction to ICP wiki page as well as the official ICP website: internetcomputer.org. Here, you will learn about the Internet Computer, subnets, the NNS, proof of useful work, ICP tokens, Internet Identity, and other relevant concepts.
Step 2: Learn what it means to be a Node Provider
What is a Node Provider?
The Internet Computer is a decentralized network of nodes running the Internet Computer protocol. These nodes are owned by Node Providers who receive rewards for their nodes' useful work. Every Node Provider is allowed a limited amount of nodes.
What does a Node Provider do?
It is the job of a Node Provider to:
- Meet the skill, hardware, and networking requirements. These are detailed in milestones two and four.
- Independently onboard as a Node Provider. This is detailed in milestone three.
- Independently onboard their nodes. This is detailed in milestone five.
- Provide maintenance to their own nodes when hardware or networking issues arise, as Node Providers are only rewarded for their nodes' useful work. This is detailed in milestone six.
What are the costs/rewards for being a Node Provider?
To understand the varying rewards and estimated costs of being a Node Provider, read the Node Provider Remuneration guide.
How do you apply to become a Node Provider?
Individuals or organizations can become Node Providers through submitting a proposal to the Network Nervous System (NNS). The NNS is a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) that governs the Internet Computer. The NNS is a collection of smart contracts running on the Internet Computer and includes a voting system where token-holders who have staked ICP may submit and vote on proposals.
The approval of a Node Provider registration proposal takes place through a vote on the NNS. If the proposal passes, the applicant will automatically be registered on the Internet Computer as a Node Provider. Once registered as a Node Provider, you can then purchase hardware, create a contract with a data center, and set up your node machines.
Milestone Two: Requirements
Here, you will learn more about the specific skill, hardware, networking, and data center requirements, as well as some best practices regarding decentralization and security.
Step 1: Understand requirements
Skill requirements
To function effectively as a Node Provider, certain technical skills are required. To see if you are ready, ask yourself, can you:
- Purchase a node machine?
- Connect ethernet or SFP+ cables between routers and servers?
- Install USB based OS installers?
- Run commands from the command line?
- Troubleshoot network connectivity issues?
- Understand the differences between IPv6 and IPv4?
- Follow security best-practices?
Note: A Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification (or equivalent knowledge) is strongly recommended to successfully complete network configuration.
Hardware requirements
Read the Node Provider Machine Hardware Guide.
Networking requirements
Read the Node Provider Networking Guide.
Step 2: Understand best practices
Read the Node Provider Decentralization and Security Guide.
Read the Node Provider Legal Guide.
Milestone Three: Node Provider Onboarding
Before ordering your hardware and obtaining a data center contract, you should first gain approval by the NNS DAO to be a Node Provider. You will do this by submitting a proposal to the NNS to make you an approved Node Provider. If you're approved, you will be able to add nodes to the Internet Computer network.
Step 1: Join Node Provider matrix channel
Join the Node Provider Matrix channel. Here, you can submit questions or comments related to obtaining the Node Provider requirements or being a Node Provider.
Step 2: Node Provider self-declaration
Node Providers should declare their identity and provide a statement of good intent so that the ICP DAO can make an informed decision. Failing to do so could reduce your chances of being approved by the NNS to become a Node Provider. See Node Provider Self-declaration.
Step 3: Order and setup your hardware wallet
You will require a hardware wallet to complete the Node Provider Onboarding. Follow these instructions to set up a Ledger Nano hardware wallet to manage your ICP tokens and NNS neurons.
Step 4: Node Provider onboarding
Follow the Node Provider Onboarding for detailed instructions on how to create a Node Provider ID and submit a proposal to become a Node Provider.
Milestone Four: Node Onboarding Preparation Checklist
Before you are ready to move on to onboard your nodes, it is important to verify that you have completed all necessary preparations. This milestone provides a mini-roadmap for you to follow to go about obtaining the requirements.
Step 1: Obtain hardware
The Node Provider Purchasing Hardware Guide will assist you in purchasing your node hardware.
The Node Provider Networking Guide will assist you in purchasing your networking hardware.
Step 2: Obtain data center contract
The Node Provider Data Center and ISP Guide will assist you in obtaining Data center and ISP contracts.
Step 3: Configuring networking requirements & rack and stack nodes
The Node Provider Networking Guide will assist you in configuring the networking equipment and rack and stacking your nodes.
Step 4: Reset BMC password
The BMC Password Reset Guide will assist you in resetting your BMC password. This is a crucial security measure you must take.
Milestone Five: Node Machine Onboarding
By this point, you should have been approved by the NNS as a Node Provider and have completed the Node Provider Onboarding preparation checklist. You are now ready to onboard your nodes to the Internet Computer! You do this by installing IC-OS on your node machines.
Step 1: IC-OS installation
If you encounter issues during the IC-OS installation, check the Node Provider Troubleshooting page. If that does not solve your problem, you are encouraged to ask for assistance in the Node Provider Matrix channel.
To install IC-OS, follow the Node Deployment Guide for your corresponding machine:
- Legacy (Gen-1) Node Deployment Guide (with an HSM)
- Current (Gen-2) Node Deployment Guide (without an HSM)
❗️❗️❗️DFINITY does not offer live support for Node Providers attempting to onboard nodes.
Step 2: Submit reward configuration proposal
After onboarding all your nodes, you must submit a reward configuration proposal in order to start receiving node rewards. If you do not do this, you will not receive node rewards.
The Node Provider Reward Configuration Guide will assist you.
Milestone Six: Node Management
Here, you will find important guidance and resources on managing and troubleshooting your nodes.
Step 1: Read the Node Provider Maintenance Guide
The Node Provider Maintenance Guide is designed to guide you through many of the tasks, questions or issues you may encounter throughout your career as a Node Provider. Additionally, it includes important best practices, of which all Node Providers should be aware.
Node Provider resources:
These guides provide additional assistance for certain Node Provider tasks:
- Node Provider Troubleshooting
- Node Provider Decommissioning Guide
- Changing Your Node Provider Principal
- Changing Your Data Center Principal
- Node Provider FAQ
- Node Provider Documentation
If these guides do not solve your problem, you are encouraged to ask for assistance in the Node Provider Matrix channel.