> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://xeqmlabs.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://xeqmlabs.gitbook.io/docs/documentation/sn-operator-guide/introduction.md).

# Introduction

### What you'll do

1. Install Docker (container runtime)
2. Create a working folder and pull the XEQM Docker image
3. Start your service node daemon
4. Create a mainnet wallet and get funded
5. Prepare and submit your registration transaction
6. Watch the rewards roll in

### Before you start — what you'll need

* A VPS or always-on machine with a public static IP (home connections with dynamic IPs will drop your node)
* Open inbound ports 9230/TCP and 9232/TCP on the machine's firewall and router
* 200,000 XEQM if registering as a solo operator, or at least 100,000 XEQM (50%) if running an open node with contributors
* 10–20 GB of free disk space (chain data grows over time)
* 2 GB RAM minimum, 4 GB recommended
* Stable internet — nodes that go offline risk decommissioning

### Mainnet parameters at a glance

| Parameter                     | Value                                                        |
| ----------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Full staking requirement      | 200,000 XEQM                                                 |
| Minimum operator contribution | 100,000 XEQM (50%)                                           |
| Max contributors per node     | 11 (operator + 10)                                           |
| Block time                    | 60 seconds                                                   |
| SN block reward               | 8.25 XEQM                                                    |
| P2P port                      | 9230                                                         |
| Quorumnet port                | 9232                                                         |
| Admin RPC port                | 9231 (local-only, never expose)                              |
| Node lifetime                 | Runs indefinitely until the operator or contributor unstakes |

Heads-up: This is a step-by-step guide designed to be simple. Just follow along and copy-paste the commands as instructed.

<br>