If you would like to become a Node Operator, here are some quick tips on how to start an RSS3 Node. Learn to register, run, get proof of ownership, deposit, and withdraw from your node step by step.
How to Register a Node
1. Get some $RSS3 on Ethereum mainnet
You can register a Node at no cost, but you must deposit at least 10,000 RSS3 to make it operational and acknowledged. So, make sure you have enough $RSS3 before you start.
If you don’t have any $RSS3 yet, the easiest way is to go on to OKX or BitHumb and purchase some!
“If you just started your crypto journey, you might need to get some USDT first to start, you can download/sign up on OKX or BitHumb, and get some USDT directly, and then continue to the exchange portal to buy $RSS3 on OKX or BitHumb.
2. Bridge $RSS3 from Ethereum mainnet to RSS3 VSL
Go to https://explorer.rss3.io/bridge.
Under “Deposit”, input the amount of $RSS3 you want to bridge, for example, 20,000 RSS3 as in the case below.
Next, click the “REVIEW DEPOSIT” button and approve the token allowance in your wallet.
After approval, click “INITIATE DEPOSIT” and confirm the deposit in your wallet.
Then, you will see your pending deposit on the transaction history page. Wait until it’s finalized.
3. Register a Node
Go to https://explorer.rss3.io/nodes and click on “REGISTER A NODE.”
Fill out the registration information to create your Node.
“Notes:
- In the "Operation Mode," you can only select the "Alpha Mode" until the production Mainnet is released. Learn more about the Mainnet roadmap here.
- As mentioned at the beginning, you must deposit at least 10,000 RSS3 to make the Node operational and be acknowledged.
Now that your Node is registered, you need to follow the guide below to run it and make it acknowledged (i.e., indexed and shown on the node list).
How to Run a Node
If you’ve registered a Node, you must run it to make it acknowledged (i.e., indexed and shown on the Node list).
1. Choose a Deployment Platform
Some recommendations (if you don’t have much experience, you can follow the guides in each link to get started):
2. Follow the Deployment Guide
Follow the deployment guide to deploy your Node on any cloud platform mentioned above.
3. Check Node Status
When it’s running, you can see the “Status” is “Online” on the Node detail page.
How to Get the Proof of Node Ownership
If you are a Node Operator, you can prove your ownership by signing a challenge.
On your Node detail page, click the “SIGNATURE.”
Next, click “SIGN” and confirm the operation in your wallet. After signing successfully, you can “COPY SIGNATURE” as your proof.
“What can the signature proof be used for?
Currently, you can use the proof to prove your ownership of the Node and to run it. Specifically, you will need to put the proof in the
NODE_DISCOVERY_MAINTAINER_SIGNATUREfield when running your Node. See the above “How to Run a Node” section for more information.
How to Deposit $RSS3 to a Node
If you are a Node Operator, you can deposit more $RSS3 into the Operation Pool of your Node.
On your Node detail page, click “DEPOSIT”.
Enter the amount of $RSS3 you want to deposit, click “DEPOSIT,” and then confirm in your wallet. 
After a successful deposit, you will see your staking history on this page, while the Operation Pool of your Node will gain the amount of $RSS3 you deposited.
How to Withdraw $RSS3 to a Node
If you are a Node Operator, you can withdraw $RSS3 from the Operation Pool of your Node.
“Withdrawal is not supported at this stage. It will be supported when the Production Mainnet is released.
