/ docs / run-node / index.md
index.md
 1  ---
 2  title: Run a Waku Node
 3  hide_table_of_contents: true
 4  displayed_sidebar: runNode
 5  ---
 6  
 7  Nwaku is a lightweight and robust Nim client for running a Waku node, equipped with tools to monitor and maintain a running node. Nwaku is highly configurable, enabling operators to select the [protocols](/learn/concepts/protocols) they want to support based on their needs, motivations, and available resources.
 8  
 9  ## Video Tutorial
10  
11  <div class="video-container">
12    <iframe class="yt-video" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fs0ynLk4z0I" title="How to run a Waku node using Nwaku Compose" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
13  </div>
14  
15  ## Quick Start with Docker Compose (Recommended)
16  
17  The easiest way to run a Waku node is using [Docker Compose](/run-node/run-docker-compose). This setup automatically configures:
18  
19  - A `nwaku` node with [Relay](/learn/concepts/protocols#relay), [Store](/learn/concepts/protocols#store), and [RLN](/learn/concepts/protocols#rln-relay) protocols
20  - A simple web interface to send and receive messages
21  - Grafana dashboard for monitoring your node
22  
23  ### Prerequisites
24  
25  - **Git**
26  - [Docker](https://docs.docker.com/engine/install/) and [Docker Compose](https://docs.docker.com/compose/install/)
27  - **Linea Sepolia RPC endpoint**: You can get a free endpoint from [Infura](https://www.infura.io/) or any other Linea Sepolia RPC provider.
28  
29  :::info System Requirements
30  We recommend at least 2GB of RAM, especially if WSS is enabled. For a Relay-only node, 0.5GB of RAM is sufficient.
31  :::
32  
33  ### Get Started
34  
35  ```shell
36  # Clone the repository
37  git clone https://github.com/waku-org/nwaku-compose
38  cd nwaku-compose
39  
40  # Configure your node
41  cp .env.example .env
42  # Edit .env with your settings
43  
44  # Start your node
45  docker-compose up -d
46  ```
47  
48  For detailed setup instructions, see [Run Nwaku with Docker Compose](/run-node/run-docker-compose).
49  
50  ## Alternative Installation Methods
51  
52  While Docker Compose is recommended, you can also:
53  
54  - **[Run in Docker Container](/run-node/run-docker)** - For custom Docker deployments
55  - **[Build from Source](/run-node/build-source)** - Compile the latest nwaku code
56  - **[Download Binary](https://github.com/waku-org/nwaku/tags)** - Use precompiled releases
57  
58  ## Node Configuration
59  
60  Once your node is running, you can:
61  
62  - **[Configure Discovery](/run-node/configure-discovery)** - Set up peer discovery mechanisms
63  - **[Configure Your Node](/run-node/configure-nwaku)** - Customize protocols and settings
64  - **[Find Node Addresses](/run-node/find-node-address)** - Locate your node's network addresses
65  
66  ## Monitoring and Maintenance
67  
68  - Access the Grafana dashboard at `http://localhost:3000` (if using Docker Compose)
69  - Use the [REST API](https://waku-org.github.io/waku-rest-api/) to interact with your node
70  - Check node health at `http://localhost:8645/health`
71  
72  :::tip
73  Download the [Waku Node Operator Cheatsheet](/Waku-NodeOperator.pdf) for quick reference on operating your node.
74  :::
75  
76  ## Get Help
77  
78  If you encounter issues or need assistance:
79  
80  - Visit the #help-desk channel on [Discord](https://discord.waku.org/)
81  - Check the [FAQ](/run-node/faq) for common questions
82  - Review the [upgrade instructions](/run-node/upgrade-instructions) when updating your node