Prerequisites
Last updated
Last updated
As a Stake Pool Operator (SPO) for Cardano, you need:
Operational knowledge of how to set up, run and maintain a Cardano node continuously
A commitment to maintain your node 24/7/365
System operation skills including general knowledge of using Bash scripts, JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) format, systemd services and cron jobs
Server administration skills (operational and maintenance)
Fundamental understanding of networking
Experience of development and operations (DevOps)
Experience in how to harden and secure a server.
In the Cardano Developer Portal, successfully complete the section Operate a Stake Pool including the Stake Pool Course
Before continuing this guide, you must satisfy the above requirements.
Two separate servers: 1 block producer node, 1 registered relay node
One air-gapped offline machine (cold environment)
Operating system: 64-bit Linux (i.e. Ubuntu 22.04 LTS)
Processor: An Intel or AMD x86 processor with two or more cores, at 2GHz or faster
Memory: 24GB RAM (including swap space)
Storage: 200GB free storage
Internet: Static IP address and a broadband connection supporting speeds at least 10 Mbps
Data Plan: at least 1GB per hour. 720GB per month.
Power: Reliable electrical power
ADA balance: at least 505 ADA for pool deposit and transaction fees
Four separate servers: 1 block producer node, 3 relay nodes (2 registered relays and 1 unregistered relay)
One air-gapped offline machine (cold environment)
Operating system: 64-bit Linux (i.e. Ubuntu 22.04 LTS)
Processor: 4 core or higher CPU
Memory: 24GB+ RAM
Storage: 250GB+ free storage
Internet: Static IP addresses and broadband connections supporting speeds of at least 100 Mbps
Data Plan: Unlimited
Power: Reliable electrical power with UPS
ADA balance: more pledge is better, to be determined by a0, the pledge influence factor
If you need ideas on how to harden your stake pool's nodes, refer to this guide.
Refer to the respective guide to Install Ubuntu Server or Install Ubuntu Desktop.
If you are rebuilding or reusing an existing cardano-node installation, refer to the section Resetting an Installation.