# IntegrationNet Quick Start Guide

## **Before We Begin:** 

### **IntegrationNet vs. MainNet Node Setup**

When building your Validator node, it’s important to understand the key distinction between **IntegrationNet** and **MainNet** from a **node operator perspective**. 

While both environments serve critical roles in the Constellation ecosystem, the primary difference during setup is related to **collateral staking**.

{% hint style="danger" %}
Note:  

This statement is primarily to understand the distinctions between a Node Operator operating a node on **IntegrationNet** verses **MainNet**.  

<mark style="color:red;">**NOT DISTRINCTIONS BETWEEN THE PURPOSE OF THESE TWO HYPERGRAPH CLUSTERS**</mark>
{% endhint %}

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### 🔄 IntegrationNet Overview

* **IntegrationNet** is a **non-production** environment used for development.
* It operates on a separate, non-economic **Hypergraph** cluster.
* **$DAG** tokens used in IntegrationNet have **no monetary value** and cannot be transferred to **MainNet**.

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### 💼 Hot Wallet Behavior

* The **hot wallet** on an IntegrationNet node **does not hold real $DAG tokens**.
* As such, **collateral staking is not required or validated** directory from the node, in this environment.
* This allows new Constellation specific metagraphs, Enterprise metagraphs, and Eco-system develped metagraphs test metagraph functionality and behaviors, before moving into production.&#x20;

***

### 🧩 Required: Lattice Integration

To operate a node on **IntegrationNet**:

1. **Create an account** on the [Lattice platform](https://lattice.exchange/).
2. **Connect a DAG wallet address** through the **IntegrationNet Node Operator Program**.
3. This wallet is used for tracking your **staking collateral**.

{% embed url="<https://lattice.is/dashboard>" %}

4. Build your IntegrationNet node, using the guide options presented below.

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### 🛠️ Summary

<table><thead><tr><th width="219" align="center">Feature</th><th align="center">IntegrationNet</th><th align="center">MainNet</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td align="center">Environment Type</td><td align="center"> Non-Production Development</td><td align="center">Live Production</td></tr><tr><td align="center">$DAG Token Value</td><td align="center">No real-world value</td><td align="center">Real, staked assets required</td></tr><tr><td align="center">Collateral Required</td><td align="center"><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="2705">✅</span> Required - External through Lattice</td><td align="center">✅ Required</td></tr><tr><td align="center">Lattice Account</td><td align="center">✅ Required</td><td align="center"><span data-gb-custom-inline data-tag="emoji" data-code="274c">❌</span> Not Required</td></tr><tr><td align="center">Wallet Usage</td><td align="center">Node identity only</td><td align="center">Node identity + Staking</td></tr></tbody></table>

Understanding this distinction will help you correctly prepare your node for the appropriate environment and avoid unnecessary confusion during setup.

## Quick Start Guide Options

To build your IntegrationNet node, you may either use two options:

1. Detailed **Build your Node** guide (recommended)**.**

{% content-ref url="../validator-node-guides/build-your-node" %}
[build-your-node](https://docs.constellationnetwork.io/run-a-node/validator-node-guides/build-your-node)
{% endcontent-ref %}

2. Expert minimalistic guide

{% content-ref url="../mainnet/mainnet-and-integrationnet-quick-start-guide" %}
[mainnet-and-integrationnet-quick-start-guide](https://docs.constellationnetwork.io/run-a-node/mainnet/mainnet-and-integrationnet-quick-start-guide)
{% endcontent-ref %}