# Truebit Node Installation Guide

### System Requirements for a Truebit Node

Truebit Node is designed to run on cloud infrastructure (such as AWS or Google Cloud) or can alternatively be installed locally on your computer.

For **optimal uptime and reliability, cloud deployment is strongly recommended**. This approach ensures your verification node remains online 24/7 without the stability risks of running it on a personal machine. For cost-effective deployment, a cloud provider's free tier is an acceptable option.

#### **Creating a FREE Tier Cloud instance**

If you're new to cloud deployment, these official guides will help you create a compatible VM:

* AWS: [Launch an EC2 t3.small instance](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AWSEC2/latest/UserGuide/EC2_GetStarted.html)
* Google Cloud: [Create an e2-micro VM](https://cloud.google.com/compute/docs/create-linux-vm-instance)

**Note**: Select Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or later as your OS, then install Docker using the [official installation guide](https://docs.docker.com/engine/install/ubuntu/).

## Prerequisites

* **Wallet Address — Ethereum-Compatible (EVM)**

{% hint style="danger" %}
Create a **new** wallet address — **don’t use an existing one**. You’ll need to share its **private key** with the node, so it must be used **only** for this server.
{% endhint %}

***Why:** this keeps your personal funds safe and ensures you stay in control if the server is lost or replaced.*

**Steps:**

1. Create a new wallet with [MetaMask](https://metamask.io) or [MyCrypto](https://www.mycrypto.com).
2. Export and securely store the **private key**.
3. Use this wallet **only** for running the node.

* **AVAX balance:** The node operator pays for the Avalanche Gas used in registration and de-registration transactions.
* **$TRU stake:** Running a Truebit node requires **2,000 TRU tokens** to be staked. This stake is essential for the **slashing and reward mechanism** that ensures honest participation and secure verification.

{% hint style="success" %}
We run a limited-capacity **Stake Sponsorship Program** to support selected node operators.\
If you’d like to be considered for an invitation, please submit your request via <http://forms.truebit.io/>
{% endhint %}

## Setup The Truebit Node

### Create Docker-compose.yml File

Create a new file named **`docker-compose.yml`** and paste the configuration below.

{% hint style="success" %}
You can use any plain-text editor — for example: `nano docker-compose.yml` or `vim docker-compose.yml`
{% endhint %}

```yaml
name: truebit_runner_node
services:
  runner-node:
    image: truebitprotocol/runner-node:prod
    platform: linux/amd64
    container_name: runner-node
    pull_policy: always
    stop_signal: SIGINT
    stop_grace_period: 30s
    environment:
      - RABBITMQ_URL=amqps://runneruser:X4uj1hbWc79vZ6@tcp.truebit.network:30010/truebit-nextgen
      - FILESYSTEM_URL=https://prod-minio.truebit.network
      - FILESYSTEM_ACCESS_KEY=eHSCx431M1khHMc
      - FILESYSTEM_SECRET_KEY=6DnIQrM2wIyY09rT
      - PRIVATE_KEY= (to be added by the user)

```

Replace the `PRIVATE_KEY` field with your own private key that has already been staked with $TRU.

{% hint style="success" %}
If your private key starts with `0x`, **remove the `0x` prefix** before pasting it.
{% endhint %}

### Start Truebit Node

```bash
docker compose -f docker-compose.yml up -d 
```

### Node status

Use these checks right after you start the node.

#### Check the container is running

```bash
docker compose -f docker-compose.yml ps
```

You should see `runner-node` in a `running` state.

#### Watch the node logs

```bash
docker logs runner-node -f
```

Use this to confirm the node connects to the network and stays online.

#### Confirm the node is registered on-chain

On startup and shutdown, the node registers and de-registers via the [Node Registry smart contract](https://devs.truebit.io/architecture/audit-layer#node-registry-smart-contract).

For a quick UI check (registration + recent slashing history), use: [Node Status](https://devs.truebit.io/verifying-truebit-tasks/node-status).

{% hint style="info" %}
The node address is the EVM address derived from the `PRIVATE_KEY` you configured.
{% endhint %}

If you need to stop your Truebit Verification Node, run the following command:

```bash
docker compose -f docker-compose.yml down -v
```

If you want, you can check the logging command by executing this:

```bash
docker logs <CONTAINER_NAME> 
```

```bash
docker logs <CONTAINER_NAME> -f
```

{% hint style="info" %}
**IMPORTANT!** For reliable node operation, **you must use** `docker compose down` when performing a shutdown. Any other shutdown method may cause **registration inconsistencies**. If the Node fails to properly de-register, and the Hub subsequently assigns it a task, the Node will be **forcibly de-registered** after failing to respond.
{% endhint %}