> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.spacecoin.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.spacecoin.org/spacerouter-proxy/proxy-provider-guide/prerequisites.md).

# Prerequisites

### System

<table><thead><tr><th width="198.37890625">Requirement</th><th>Detail</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Operating system</td><td>Windows 10/11 (x64), macOS 12+ (Apple Silicon or Intel), or Linux x64</td></tr><tr><td>RAM</td><td>2 GB free</td></tr><tr><td>Disk</td><td>500 MB free</td></tr><tr><td>Always-on connection</td><td>Wired or Wi-Fi; the longer your node is online the more it earns</td></tr><tr><td>Bandwidth</td><td>No fixed minimum, but unmetered or generous quota strongly recommended</td></tr></tbody></table>

### Network

The gateway connects to your node on port **9090** (TCP, encrypted with TLS). You have three options:

1. **UPnP (recommended for home routers)** — the app opens the port automatically. No router config needed.
2. **Manual port forwarding** — open port 9090 (or any port you choose) in your router and point it at the machine running the node.
3. **Tunnel (CGNAT, double NAT, restrictive ISP)** — use a reverse-tunnel service like [bore](https://github.com/ekzhang/bore) or [ngrok](https://ngrok.com/). Many ISPs (especially mobile/4G/5G) put you behind CGNAT — UPnP can't help there.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Not sure if you're behind CGNAT?**

Check the WAN/Internet IP shown on your router's admin page. If it begins with `100.64.` through `100.127.`, you're behind CGNAT and need a tunnel. If it begins with `10.`, `192.168.`, or `172.16-31.`, you may be behind double NAT.
{% endhint %}

### Staking

To *earn*, your node must be backed by staked SPACE. To *install and run*, no stake is required (your node will sit in **unstaked** state).

* Minimum stake: **1 SPACE**.
* Stake from any Creditcoin-compatible wallet via the [staking dApp](https://penguinbase.com/dapp/spacestaking).
* Detailed walk-through: Staking Guide.

### Wallets you'll use

A Provider has up to three Ethereum-style addresses. Many providers reuse the same address for all three; only separate them if you have a specific custody reason.

<table><thead><tr><th width="116.4296875">Wallet</th><th>What it does</th><th>What it needs</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Staking</strong></td><td>Holds your staked SPACE. Picked when you staked.</td><td>Your stake (≥ 1 SPACE).</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Collection</strong></td><td>Where your earned SPACE lands when you claim. Defaults to the staking wallet.</td><td>Nothing — it just receives.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Identity</strong></td><td>Generated automatically by the app on first launch. Signs API requests <em>and</em> broadcasts your claim transactions.</td><td><strong>~1 CTC</strong> for gas. Top this up before your first claim.</td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="warning" %}
**The CTC trap**

Most "claim failed" support tickets trace back to the Identity wallet running out of CTC. The Earnings screen shows the Identity address with a copy button — fund it once, top up occasionally, and you're set.
{% endhint %}

### Pre-flight checklist

* ☐ Supported OS confirmed
* ☐ Port 9090 reachable (or a tunnel ready)
* ☐ Stake of ≥ 1 SPACE in your staking wallet
* ☐ A small amount of CTC (\~1) ready to send to the Identity wallet after install
* ☐ Time set correctly on your machine (NTP enabled — required for receipt signing)

Ready? On to Install.