Getting Started
Published: 9/17/2017 
​Updated: 5/10/2018
Today I will be going over how to easily setup a Tierion Network Node from beginning to end using Amazon Web Services. You do not need to use Amazon to run a Tierion node, however I prefer to use them over others for the simplicity of this setup.

​ If you do not want to use Amazon for whatever reason, do not follow this guide. I will also not be getting into the economics of running a node in this guide, but if you are interested, I wrote up a profitability assessment here.

So if you would like to start a node quickly and as painlessly as possible, this setup will get you there in these 8 simple steps:
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  1. ​Setting up your node's Ethereum Wallet
  2. Setting up an Amazon Lightsail Account
  3. Renting an Ubuntu Virtual Server
  4. Pairing a Static IP Address to your Ubuntu Virtual Server
  5. Setting up Your Ubuntu Virtual Server
  6. Installing Tierion Node Software Stack
  7. Verifying your Tierion Node 
  8. Monitoring your Tierion Node

In this guide you will see some dark boxes representing command interfaces, the only thing we are putting in there are the commands, and some supporting detail in (parentheses). You should be able to make it through this without understanding a single thing you are seeing in the Linux command interface.

Setting Up Your Node's Wallet

​​In order to manage your node, we recommend first creating a new ERC-20 compatible wallet on https://www.myetherwallet.com. 

Once you have created you wallet, ensure it has:

  • Ethereum (ETH) for gas fees (We use 0.01 ETH as a base) 
  • At least 5000 TNT for node eligibility.

Creating an Amazon Lightsail Account

Go to https://amazonlightsail.com/ and sign up. You don't need customer support so when prompted don’t buy into the upsell offer as the service is free by itself. 

Purchasing an Ubuntu Virtual Server

Now that you have a Amazon Lightsail account, you want to create your first instance. The instructions are as follows:
  1. Select Create Instance
  2. Select the Region and Zone you want for your node
  3. Select OS Only
  4. Select Ubuntu
  5. Choose the $10 plan 
  6. Name Your Ubuntu server
Note: We use the $20 plan for future proofing in case we want to use the nodes to verify our own data, or in case minimum specifications exceed the plan. Tierion has explicitly stated they want more powerful nodes, not less as time progresses.

​Pairing a Static IP Address for Your Ubuntu Server

Now that you have your Ubuntu machine purchased, you will need to create a static IP for your node. 
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  1. Select "Create static IP"
  2. Select the Location and Zone that your Ubuntu Server is in.
  3. Attach the Static IP to your Ubuntu Server
  4. Name your Static IP

Setting up Your Ubuntu Server

Time to actual begin setting up your machine. Whether you have used linux or command line interfaces or not, we are going to make this as easy to perform as possible for you.  Each line is either a command or commentary, for commands you need to press the enter key to send. The commands below will update Ubuntu on your machine.
Step 1: Updating and Upgrading Ubuntu Packages

    










	

    

        
Optional: Setup additional security measures for users and remote access. Learn more

    







			

		
				

			


	





	

		

				

					
			

				
​Installing Software for Tierion Node Operations 



Next you will be installing the core software needed for the operations of a Tierion Node and editing the directory file for your specific credentials.  To install this software, the Tierion team created a simple command script to enter that installs all of these automatically.




	

    

        
Step 2: Installing Tierion Core Software

    

    

        

    









Tierion software should now be installed, so now you want to edit the node files with your credentials.




	

    

        
Step 3: Modifying the Directory for Your Credentials

    

    

        

    







			

		
				

			


	





	

		

				

					
			

				
Starting Up and ​Verifying your Tierion Node 



Time for the moment you have been waiting for, node startup. To startup your node and perform the basic system checks you will do the following:
  1. Enter the node directory
  2. Startup the node
  3. Analyze the node for confirmation
  4. Verify successful startup




	

    

        
Step 4: Initializing Your Tierion Node

    

    

        

    










	

    

        
Tip: For those unaware, you do not need to leave the logs open for the software to run. They are just for your use as an administrator to know what's going on with your node. To learn some basic Linux commands go here.

    







			

		
				

			


	





	

		

				

					
			

				
​Monitoring your Tierion Node



Congratulations, you node is now setup. It will take around 2 hours (4 calendar verifications) for your node to become eligible for rewards.

​How do you know if your node is working properly and eligible? First, go through the below checklist:
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  1. Did you receive the registration with core message in the logs upon startup? 
  2. Do you currently have 5000 TNT in your node's wallet? 
  3. Are you validating calendar blocks in your logs? 
  4. Is your calendar up to date? 

 If the above check out, you can then login to your node's interface using your browser like so:

  1. Visit the web interface for your node: http://YourNode'sStaticIP
  2. Enter your node's password: yourwalletaddress

Once you are logged in, click the three bar menu tab and go to the about section. This is the place where you will find all of the needed information about your node and it's health in the network.It should look something like my node below:






​​If you want to run another node, simply repeat this guide in it's entirety for each new node. 




	

    

        
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