> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://richecoin.gitbook.io/richecoin-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://richecoin.gitbook.io/richecoin-docs/riche-chain-mainnet-documentation/4.-validators-and-node-operators.md).

# 4. Validators & Node Operators

Riche Chain runs on the **Hyperledger Besu** client. Below are the specifications and guidelines for setting up a node.

### Hardware Requirements

* **vCPU:** 4 Cores
* **RAM:** 8 GB
* **Storage:** 100GB+ SSD (NVMe recommended for high throughput)
* **OS:** Linux (Ubuntu 20.04/22.04 LTS recommended)

### Prerequisites

* **Docker & Docker Compose** (Recommended method)
* **Java:** OpenJDK 21 (Required if building/running from binary)
* **Besu Version:** 24.12.0

### Option A: Running with Docker (Recommended)

The easiest way to run a node is using the official Docker setup.

1. **Clone the Repository:**

```common-lisp
git clone https://github.com/richechain/mainnet.git
cd mainnet
```

2. **Start the Node:**

```common-lisp
docker-compose up -d
```

3. **Check Logs:**

```common-lisp
docker logs -f riche-chain-node
```

### Option B: Running with Besu Binary

Ensure you have Hyperledger Besu **v24.12.0** installed and are using **OpenJDK 21**.

1. **Run the node pointing to the config file:**

```common-lisp
besu --config-file=config.toml
```

### Repository Structure

* `genesis.json`: Defines chain parameters and initial allocations.
* `config.toml`: Configuration file for the Besu node.
* `static-nodes.json`: List of stable bootnodes for peer discovery.
* `docker-compose.yml`: Container orchestration for quick deployment.


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