# MainNet & IntegrationNet Quick Start Guide

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This guide assumes expert level knowledge with little to no details.
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For a more descriptive build guide, please start here:

{% content-ref url="/pages/g2sw1EO34xv3WRmGYo1S" %}
[Build Your Node](/run-a-node/validator-node-guides/build-your-node.md)
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### Choose your node's hosting medium

Are you going to run this node via a Cloud Provider using a VPS, A dedicated cloud based server, or bare metal system.

Choose your hardware to match our [specs ](/run-a-node/validator-node-guides/build-your-node/node-specifications.md)or Cloud Provider that offers systems that meet out [specs](/run-a-node/validator-node-guides/build-your-node/node-specifications.md).

We will assume you are using a VPS for the remainder of this guide.
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### Choose a Debian based distribution

**Ubuntu** is recommended, **Debian 12** will work well.
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### Setup the Firewall

Ensure the necessary ports are open to allow your node to communicate with the Hypergraph or metagraph.  

See firewall permissions table [here](/run-a-node/references/firewall-settings-table.md).
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### Remote access your VPS

SSH into your node to prepare it to become a Constellation Network node.
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### Update and Upgrade the OS

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### Reboot 

Apply kernel level updates and make sure all service level updates are properly engaged.
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### Install nodectl

Refer to the[ nodectl Github Repository](https://github.com/StardustCollective/nodectl/releases) for nodectl and download the latest release.
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### Start the Installation

```
sudo nodectl install --quick-install
```

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### Select Cluster to Configure/Join[​](https://docs-v1.constellationnetwork.io/validate/quick-start/mainnet-quickstart#-select-cluster-to-configurejoin) <a href="#select-cluster-to-configurejoin" id="select-cluster-to-configurejoin"></a>

* Choose <kbd>1</kbd> (`mainnet [HyperGraph]`)
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### Decline P12 Migration Request[​](https://docs-v1.constellationnetwork.io/validate/quick-start/mainnet-quickstart#-decline-p12-migration-request) <a href="#decline-p12-migration-request" id="decline-p12-migration-request"></a>

Choose <kbd>n</kbd> to decline the migration
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### Node Administration Account Password <a href="#node-administration-account-password" id="node-administration-account-password"></a>

Input and confirm the `nodeadmin`'s new strong password that will be used to administer your node.
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### P12 Keystore Passphrase

Input and confirm a complex passphrase that will be used to unlock your node's ability to access the network and to administer your node's wallet.
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### Wait for Installation to Complete <a href="#wait-for-installation-to-complete" id="wait-for-installation-to-complete"></a>

No action required, you can wait for the installation to complete.
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### Test Access <a href="#test-access" id="test-access"></a>

1. Leave your `root` , `admin` or `ubuntu` user connected to your node's terminal.  <mark style="color:red;">**Do not exit the VPS terminal session.**</mark>
2. Open a new local terminal and attempt a second SSH remote connection to your node using your `nodeadmin` user and passphrase as created in the SSH into Your VPS.
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### Submit your Node Details <a href="#submit-your-node-details" id="submit-your-node-details"></a>

1. Connect to the **Constellation Network Official** Discord Support Server.
2. Reach out to an Administrator.
3. Supply and request to have your `node ID` appended to the MainNet Hypergraph access seed list.
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### Back up your Node's P12

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### Collateralize your Node

Refer to the[ collateralize your node guide](/run-a-node/validator-node-guides/collateralize-your-node.md).
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### Wait for the next cluster restart to join

Once an Administrator has confirmed your nodeid will be added to the seed list, on the next cluster restart, you should be able to authenticate and join the cluster.
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---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.constellationnetwork.io/run-a-node/mainnet/mainnet-and-integrationnet-quick-start-guide.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.