The ultimate advice on how to run the Pi Network node without issues.
Running a Pi Network node needs some mandatory requirements like having ports open on your internet service provider connection or by using a virtual provider VPN. If your internet provider can't give you this service you must buy a VPN service, there is no way around this requirement if you are trying to run a computer node.
You would want to run a computer node because you want to help with the decentralization of the Pi Network in the future or because you want to get some of those early rewards the network is giving right now.
You need a computer that supports virtualization and enables that on your computer BIOS, without it, it won't work at all so it is another mandatory requirement. Docker daemon won't even start if your computer doesn't support virtualization.
You will need a modern computer that supports virtualization and an internet connection that supports port forwarding between ports 31400 and 31409. If ISP can't open those ports you will need a VPN. I recommend TorGuard with a referral code so that you get a 50% discount so your monthly cost will come to $5 on a month-to-month basis, it is what I am personally using, the other option is Ivacy and their 5 years plan that will cost you less than $200 but you need to have that money upfront, unlike TorGuard where you only need $5 a month an amount of money much easier to get in a monthly basis.
Once your ports are open either from your ISP or VPN provider, you must make sure your Windows 11 or 10 firewall has no limitations on opening those same ports as well as making sure Docker and PiNetwork software have full access through your firewall, you must also check that if you have other firewalls software installed in your computer. Windows has a sneaky feature where Windows will block incoming connections even if you fully allow them, so check your preferred firewall software for those sneaky features too.
Another thing you will need Docker 4.20.1 because it seems the newer version of Docker fails when you are trying to use the latest PiNetwork software. I don't know if once you have a fully running node on version 4.20.1 that could somehow also be used to upgrade the Docker version to the last version and I don't want to risk it. If you are running PiNodes for the first time just stick to the version that we all know works until we get some official release marking the contrary.
Once PiNetwork software can detect your ports are open you may find that blocks are not being downloaded that is because Docker can't download the required container so if after hours of running you can't pass the 1 block mark you will need to change some things in your local files so that Docker can download the containers and you can start running your node with up to date blocks. Use the following YouTube video to do that.
Once your node is up and running and the troubleshooting page looks like the one in the following image you just need to wait some 48 hours of continuous uptime to get your first bonus.
If you are not yet subscribed to Pi Network I will leave you my invitation link. Note that I am fully KYC so you will receive all the bonuses once MainNet launches, and if you are trying to run your computer node if you subscribe using my referral link I will be willing to help you set up your node.
