Anyone (you) can help out the network by running a bootstrap node. It just requires a static IP address and adequate disk space. Typically such a node would be hosted on a VPS.
The neptune-core readme lists three nodes. It will be helpful if third parties can also spin up some dedicated bootstrap nodes, so there is more redundancy and it is easier for newcomers to get connected.
I am starting this thread for the purpose of listing known bootstrap nodes. If you decide to run one, please add a comment with the IP and port.
Official Bootstrap Nodes. (from neptune-core readme)
- 51.15.139.238:9798
- 139.162.193.206:9798
- [2001:bc8:17c0:41e:46a8:42ff:fe22:e8e9]:9798
Unofficial Bootstrap Nodes
- none yet
What is a Bootstrap Node?
A bootstrap node is a neptune-core instance that has a public IP and tries its best to always accept new connections. Such nodes are typically very well connected to the neptune network.
From neptune-core --help:
Bootstrapper nodes ensure that the maximum number of peers is never reached by disconnecting from existing peers when the maximum is about to be reached. As a result, they will respond with high likelihood to incoming connection requests – in contrast to regular nodes, which refuse incoming connections when the max is reached.
How to run a Bootstrap Node
I suggest that if you are going to run a bootstrap node and advertise the address here that you dedicate the installation for that purpose and do NOT keep any funds in the neptune-core wallet. This will make the node more performant and there is nothing on it to steal.
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install neptune-core on a server with public static IP. I would suggest at least 256Gb disk (SSD) and 4 Gb RAM. More RAM is better.
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run (at startup):
neptune-core --peer <peer1> --peer <peerN> --bootstrap --max-num-peers 100
You may want to adjust your --max-num-peers.
I would also recommend a script to check if neptune-core is responding to requests, and if not alert you, or restart neptune-core.