# Running a protocol node
The Protocol-nodes are the backbone of a KYVE pool. They are responsible for collecting data from a data source, bundling and uploading them to Arweave and verifying it. This enables KYVE to store any data stream decentralized and permanently.
# Requirements
Wallets
- A Keplr (opens new window) wallet with $KYVE. (You can claim some here (opens new window))
- An Arweave (opens new window) keyfile with some AR. (You can claim some here (opens new window))
Minimum hardware requirements
- 1vCPU
- 4GB RAM
- 1GB DISK
# Get some $KYVE
Before continuing, make sure that you have the Keplr (opens new window) wallet installed in your browser. Head over to the KYVE app (opens new window) and make sure to connect your wallet (this automatically adds and switches to the KYVE network).
Go to the faucet tab and claim some tokens via one of three faucets. The wheel is the easiest option.
IMPORTANT: Make sure that you are on the correct app URL https://app.kyve.network
# Choose a pool
Before you can run a protocol node you have to choose a pool you want to join. You can find an overview of all pools
in the KYVE app here (opens new window). Once you have chosen a pool you have to remember the pool id and the
pool runtime for later. You can find this information right below the pool name once you have clicked on a pool in the overview. In this example we have chosen the first pool with the pool id 0 and the runtime @kyve/evm.
# Verify that you can claim a validator slot
Due to a limited number of validator slots in each pool only the nodes with the highest stake can claim a validator slot. You can only claim a validator slot if you have more than the minimum staking amount.
To check the minimum staking amount you can click on the tab Validators once you have selected a pool. There you should see something like this:
In this case all validator slots are occupied, but since the minimum staking amount is 300 $KYVE you just need to have more than 300 to claim a slot. If the minimum staking amount is zero you just have to have more than zero $KYVE.
IMPORTANT: If you don't have more $KYVE than the minimum staking amount you can not continue!
# Get the prebuilt binaries (recommended)
For our case, the prebuilt binaries every operating system can be downloaded here (opens new window) for every operating system. For example on EVM it would be evm-linux, evm-macos, evm-windows.exe.
In general, you can get the binaries by clicking on the Become a validator button and following the steps until you're on the section Get node binaries.
Once you're there click the button KYVE node which should lead you to the github repository.
Once you're on releases you can download the latest binary for your operating system. In our case we download the evm-macos.zip and unzip it locally.
When you have downloaded and unzipped the binary correctly you can proceed to how to verify your binary
# Manually build the binaries
Since we want to run a protocol node on a @kyve/evm runtime pool we have to clone the correct repository. In our
case clone the EVM repository (opens new window) and make sure your are on branch main.
Now run the following commands to install dependencies and build the binaries
Once the binaries have been build you should see three binaries (one for every operating system) in the out directory.
# Verify that your binary has been built correctly
Execute the binary using the following command to see the available options (example is on a MacOS machine)
If everything is set up correctly you should see the following
# Start your node
To run your node, copy your Arweave keyfile into your working directory and fetch the mnemonic from Keplr.
Here it is important that you enter the correct --poolId, your --mnemonic and your desired --initialStake.
In our case, we initially stake 10,000 $KYVE to ensure that we get a validator slot.
Run the following command with the same binary as above
If your node has started correctly, it should print some logs like this:
# Verify node stake
When you look at your node logs you should then see that the node is starting to verify bundles.
After you have successfully staked you should see your address in the Pool validators table.
Also, you can now manage your stake through the app under Manage stake.
