> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.constellationnetwork.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.constellationnetwork.io/run-a-node/validator-node-guides/build-your-node/turn-your-vps-into-a-node/node-prerequisites.md).
# Node Prerequisites
This document suggests what steps you should have in place before you begin to turn a VPS into a Constellation Network Validator Node.
## Prerequisite Steps Before Node Creation
### Discord Account
You will need a Discord account.
{% content-ref url="/pages/7jAQ2UGqyuQmoaoc62Nw" %}
[Create Discord Account](/run-a-node/validator-node-guides/build-your-node/create-discord-account.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
{% content-ref url="/pages/g2sw1EO34xv3WRmGYo1S" %}
[Build Your Node](/run-a-node/validator-node-guides/build-your-node.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
{% content-ref url="/pages/nE4UdCeZNSft9K787QoV" %}
[First Time Connection Guide](/run-a-node/validator-node-guides/build-your-node/first-time-connection-guide.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
{% content-ref url="/pages/iyN9F9FN3uZzDTmrPWgs" %}
[The nodectl utility](/run-a-node/legacy/the-nodectl-utility.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
***
## Password and Passphrase Requirements
{% hint style="success" %}
Your password or passphrase will require:
* At least 10 characters
* At least one number
* At least on upper case character
* At least one lower case character
* At least on special character ( ! @ # % ^ & \* ( ) \_ + - = )
* Do **NOT** use " (double quotes)
* Do **NOT** use ' (single quotes)
* Do **NOT** use $ (dollar sign)
* Do **NOT** use ยง (sectional sign)
{% endhint %}
## Pre-Installation Execution
You should be:
* Connected to your VPS remotely
* VPS is updated, upgraded, and rebooted
* **nodectl** is installed.
---
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