In this guide, you’ll learn how you can run the Shardeum 𝗦𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗻𝘅 1.1 Validator Node using a VPS. But first, let’s clarify what is Shardeum and why we are running this node.

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What is Shardeum?

Shardeum is an EVM-based, linearly scalable smart contract platform that provides low gas fees forever while maintaining true decentralization and solid security through dynamic state sharding.

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Why are we running this node?

According to the roadmap, Shardeum has reserved 5% of the total $SHM supply for testnet users and node runners. So by running a node on Shardeum 𝗦𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗻𝘅 1.1, we will qualify for their airdrop. And that’s why we are running the node.

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So let’s start the process. To run a node, we need to complete 3 main steps:

1. Buy a VPS (Virtual private server)

2. Run a node

3. Stake $SHM token

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Buy a VPS (Virtual private server):

You can buy a VPS server from any service provider. But in this tutorial, we are using, PQ Hosting.

• First, create an account: Here

• Once registered, go to “Products/Services” > “Virtual private servers”

• Now click on “Orders” 👇🏻

• Now select any country.

• Due to higher demand, some countries may take several hours to days to activate. If you face this issue, contact the support team, and they will help you out. I choose “France” as the support team told me it’s currently available.

• Select “Palladium, vCore x4, 8 GB RAM ECC, 80 GB SSD NVME” 👇🏻

• Select “Ubuntu 22.04” as the operating system and click on “Add to cart” 👇🏻

• Now enter promo code “SHARDEUM” to get 10% OFF and click on “Pay” 👇🏻

• Finally, make the payment. You can pay using different options which include crypto as well 👇🏻

• Once you made the payment, go to the “Products/Services” > “Virtual private servers” section.

• There you’ll first see “Activation in progress” 👇🏻

• After 5-10 minutes, it will change to “Active” 👇🏻

• If it’s more than an hour or so, and the status is still showing “Activation in progress”, contact support. They will help you out.

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• Once activated, open the server details by double-clicking on the server name 👇🏻

• Now copy the IP Address and Password and save it securely.

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Run a node:

Now it’s time to run the node.

For this, we will use the “PuTTY” software. You can download it here:

• Once downloaded, install and open the software.

• Paste the IP Address of your VPS 👇🏻

• Then go to “Connections” >

• In the field beside Seconds between keepalives, enter 5 >

• Check Enable TCP Keepalives (SO_KEEPALIVE option) and click on “Open” 👇🏻

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• Now a new window will open 👇🏻

• Here, login as “root”

• And paste the password (which you saved from your VPS details)

• Keep in mind, to paste any text within the PuTTY terminal, you just need to right-click and press “Enter” on your keyboard.

• Once you enter the password correctly, you will see a window like this 👇🏻

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From here, you need to copy and paste 12 lines of code one by one to successfully run the node. All you need to do is copy the line, right-click on PuTTY, and hit “Enter”.

1/ sudo apt update && apt upgrade -y

• Copy the line and right-click on PuTTY and hit “Enter” 👇🏻

• Once it’s done, you’ll see a window like this 👇🏻

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Similarly, just copy > Right-click > Hit “Enter” all the other lines

2/ sudo apt-get install curl

3/ sudo apt update

4/ sudo apt install docker.io

5/ docker --version

6/ sudo curl -L "https://github.com/docker/compose/releases/download/1.29.2/docker-compose-$(uname -s)-$(uname -m)" -o /usr/local/bin/docker-compose

7/ sudo chmod +x /usr/local/bin/docker-compose

8/ docker-compose --version

9/ curl -O https://gitlab.com/shardeum/validator/dashboard/-/raw/main/installer.sh && chmod +x installer.sh && ./installer.sh

10/ cd .shardeum

11/ ./shell.sh

12/ operator-cli gui start

You can find all these codes on Shardeum's official guide page.

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While doing this process:

• You’ll see a part where you need to choose different options like 1-2-3-4 etc. There, you just type 1 and hit “Enter”

• You will get to choose y/n in some parts, there you just type y and hit “Enter”

• Also, after the 9th line, you will need to enter a password which you have to use while accessing the “Shardeum” dashboard. So set a password carefully. (Keep in mind, you’ll not see the password while typing. So just type carefully in one go)

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Once all these are done, you are ready to do the final step, i.e stake $SHM. For this, you need to access the Shardeum dashboard.

• Dashboard Link - https://localhost:8080/

• Replace “localhost” line with your IP address.

• Eg, if your IP Address is 94.155.5.111, then your dashboard link will be https://94.155.5.111:8080/

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• So open your dashboard.

• Enter the password that you set after the 9th line.

• After login, you’ll see a page like this

• Go to the “Maintenance” tab 👇🏻

• Click on “START NODE”

• Then connect your Metamask wallet with the “Shardeum 𝗦𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗻𝘅 1.1” chain. You can add the chain here.

• And claim faucets on their Discord server.

• Go to the “faucet-1.1” channel and type /faucet and enter your wallet address.

• You will get 15 $SHM within a few minutes.

• Now stake your $SHM. The minimum is 10 $SHM.

• Once you staked the $SHM token, you’re all set.

You have successfully run a node on Shardeum 𝗦𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗻𝘅 1.1 🎉

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