Navigating the Avail Universe: Setting Up Your Light Client

Embarking on a journey of exploration within the Avail project, we've encountered various milestones, from setting up validator nodes to deploying Dymension RollApps. Today, we take another step forward by delving into the realm of Avail Light Clients. As we navigate this final phase of our adventure, let's reflect on the progress we've made thus far and prepare to embrace the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
Reviewing Our Progress:
Our engagement with Avail commenced with the aspiration to actively contribute as validators. While we narrowly missed the opportunity to become active validators, setting up full nodes provided invaluable insights into the Avail network's architecture and functionality.
Subsequently, we ventured into deploying AppChains using Madara, gaining firsthand experience in leveraging Avail as a data availability layer. The deployment of our first Dymension RollApp marked a pivotal moment, allowing us to test and develop blockchain projects within our personalized sandbox environment.
Exciting Developments:
An exciting update from the Avail team reveals plans to reward users operating Light Clients. This initiative not only adds value to our exploration but also hints at future benefits within the Avail ecosystem.
Setting Up Your Light Client:
Step 1: Order and Configure Your VPS:
Initiate the process by renting a Virtual Private Server (VPS) to host your Avail Light Client. Contabo emerges as a preferred choice, offering a balance of affordability, reliability, and performance. Ensure your chosen VPS meets the minimum hardware requirements and select the appropriate configuration based on your needs.
Step 2: Connect to Your VPS via SSH:
Establish a secure connection to your VPS using Secure Shell (SSH) protocol, enabling seamless communication and management of your server.
Step 3: Preparations:
Update packages and install necessary dependencies to prepare your VPS for Light Client installation.
Step 4: Install Rust:
Install the Rust programming language using the rustup installer, ensuring compatibility and access to essential tools for building the Avail Light Client.
Step 5: Download and Build Light Client Binaries:
Retrieve the Avail Light Client source code from the repository and compile it using Cargo, targeting a release build for optimal performance.
Step 6: Create Avail Light Client Service:
Configure and install the Avail Light Client Service on your VPS, ensuring seamless execution and management of the client application.
Step 7: Register and Start Avail Light Client Service:
Enable automatic startup of the Avail Light Client Service and ensure its proper functioning by restarting the service as needed.
Step 8 (Optional): Change Your Avail Wallet:
Customize your Avail Light Client configuration to utilize an existing wallet, maintaining continuity and accessibility across your Avail activities.
Step 9: Check Your Service Logs:
Monitor the status and performance of your Avail Light Client by reviewing service logs and managing the client application effectively.
Step 10: Fill Out The Light Client Interest Form:
Express your interest in participating in the Avail community as a Light Client operator by completing the interest form, unlocking opportunities to engage further with the project.
Conclusion:
Congratulations on successfully setting up your Avail Light Client! As you embark on this new phase of your journey, stay informed about Avail's latest developments and updates. Utilize official documentation and community resources for troubleshooting and support, and don't hesitate to reach out for assistance when needed. Embrace the possibilities that await within the Avail universe, and let's continue to explore the fascinating world of crypto and blockchain together.