Getting Started

Introduction

The following is how to get started running a subnet node within the DSN (decentralized subnet):

If you have any troubles, see troubleshooting.

Install Subnet:

1. Run git clone https://github.com/hypertensor-blockchain/dsn.git

   1. If you already have the repository cloned:

      1. cd into the directory and run git pull

2. Run cd dsn

3. Run python -m venv .venv (to create your virtual environment if not already created, optional)

4. Run source .venv/bin/activate (to activate your virtual environment, optional)

5. Create an .env file in the root directory and add your mnemonic phrase to the PHRASE variable. If you don't have an account, create an account, or use one of the one hundred test wallets generated mentioned below.

   • The example is shown in .env.example in the root directory.

   • Or fill in all example variables below.

     • PHRASE="<phrase>" # add hotkey mnemonic phrase here
       LOCAL_RPC="ws://127.0.0.1:9944"
       DEV_RPC="wss://rpc.hypertensor.org:443"
       LIVE_RPC="wss://rpc.hypertensor.org:443"

     • Note: You can use PHRASE="//{n}"instead of making a wallet. 100 test accounts with plenty of balance have been generated for those wanting to operate subnet validator nodes. Some of these test account phrases may be taken, choose a random number between 0-100 and attempt to register, if it's taken, choose another one until you can register with it.

       • Example:

         • PHRASE="//1"

         • PHRASE="//2"

         • PHRASE="//98"

         • PHRASE="//99"

6. Ensure INITIAL_PEERS (bootstrap nodes) within the src/subnet/constants.py file are currently active peers if needed.

   1. If the bootstrap nodes are not allowing you to connect, ask the subnet owners, developers, or other subnet nodes for the bootstrap nodes.

7. Update src/subnet/health/config.py MODEL to the model you're hosting if needed.

8. Install the repository with python -m pip install . (including the .)

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Start Your Subnet Validator Node:

First, create an account.

Once you have everything downloaded, there are only 4 steps to get the subnet validator node started.

1. Generate key pair

   1. Generate your Ed25519 private key to get your deterministic Peer ID.

   2. This will be used within the subnet's PoS mechanism.

2. Register & stake subnet node*

   1. Register your subnet node on-chain with your Peer ID and stake balance.

3. Start Validator Node

   1. Start your subnet validator node.

4. Activate subnet node*

   1. Run your subnet node within the subnet.

      1. This requires a proof-of-stake that the registration handles.

   2. Activate your subnet node on-chain once your node has performed all of its required computations, such as loading the model.

5. Start Bootstrap Node (Optional)

   1. From a separate server of the subnet validator node, start your bootstrap node.

*The Register and Activate logic can be combined into one call using the Add command. The above flow is the suggested method.

Having issues? Review the Wiki or contact us in Telegram or Discord with your Peer ID and Account ID

Safeguard

A subnet node can temporarily "deactivate" itself in case of server or subnet failures to avoid penalties or slashings.

Exiting

To exit a subnet on-chain:

1. Remove the node on-chain

2. Stop your subnet server