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Version: v2.1.4

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my public IP address?​

For Linux or macOS​

(1) Open the terminal

(2) Copy, paste and execute the following command:

curl ifconfig.me

(3) Note your public IP address from the output

For VPS Users​

VPS users should be able to find their IP address from their provider. It will also be your VPS IP, so it should be easy to find.

How to use dynamic DNS?​

To run the HOPRd node, you need a static or public IP so other peers can reach you on the network. However, many ISPs only provide dynamic IPs. In this case, you can use Dynamic DNS (DDNS), which continually checks for IP changes and automatically updates the hostname with the latest IP. This allows you to use a hostname instead of an IP address. Here's how to set it up:"

Via Your Router​

Most router brands support dynamic DNS. You can use the router brand's credentials or third-party services like No-IP.

Brands supporting Dynamic DNS:

After setting up DDNS, you'll have a hostname (e.g., hostname.hopto.org) to use with a port on the HOPR package instead of an IP address.

Example: hostname.hopto.org:9091

Via Client Installation​

Use a Dynamic DNS service provider client to monitor IP changes and update your domain. We recommend No-IP. Install their client on your machine to monitor external IP changes and update the hostname.

(1) Download and install the client based on your OS: No-IP Download

(2) After setting up DDNS, create a hostname (e.g., hostname.hopto.org) to use with a port on the HOPR package.

Example: hostname.hopto.org:9091

For Dappnode​

If you're running the HOPRd node on Dappnode, it supports DynDNS. Here's what to do:

(1) Connect to the Dappnode dashboard.

(2) Click the colorful icon in the top right corner and find "DAppNode Identity". Look for a DynDNS URL like hiuhu234hiu.dyndns.dappnode.io.

(3) Go to HOPR package configuration (http://my.dappnode/packages/my/hopr.public.dappnode.eth/config). Under "Public host IP and port", replace the IP address with the DynDNS URL including the port number.

Example: hiuhu234hiu.dyndns.dappnode.io:9091

How do I create a secure password for the secret token and database password?​

There are no specific requirements for creating a database password or secret token, but both should be treated like passwords. We recommend using the Bitwarden Password Generator to create a strong token.

Note: To evaluate the strength of your password, you can use the Bitwarden Password Strength Testing Tool.

What is the minimum stake required to participate in the Dufour release?​

  • Without a Network Registry NFT: You will need a minimum of 30,000 wxHOPR and at least one xDAI.
  • With a Network Registry NFT: You will need a minimum of 10,000 wxHOPR and at least one xDAI.

You can find where to purchase the relevant tokens here.

What is the Network Registry NFT, and how will boost NFTs from previous releases be utilized in the future?​

Node runners from the previous Monte Rosa release were issued a special Network Registry NFT, which remains active for the Dufour release. This allows early access to the network with a reduced stake requirement of 10,000 wxHOPR.

Important: All other boost NFTs from previous releases have been discontinued.

What is Cover Traffic, and what is its purpose?​

Cover Traffic ("CT") is the new way to earn rewards. The Cover Traffic app has four components, which operate in the following sequence:

  • The Netwatcher’s task is to locate nodes on the network and create a list.
  • The Aggregator collects all node information from the Netwatcher and sends it to the database.
  • The EconomicHandler applies the economic model and pushes the data to the queue.
  • The Postman takes the queue and distributes a series of 1-hop messages to every node.

How often is Cover Traffic distributing the rewards?​

Cover Traffic rewards are distributed continuously across the network. The system calculates the distribution delay for each node based on the amount staked.

Does Cover Traffic have threshold rewards caps, and if so, why?​

Cover Traffic has a minimum staking threshold of 10,000 wxHOPR (with a Network Registry NFT). This means that if your total stake meets or exceeds 10,000 wxHOPR and you possess a Network Registry NFT, you will start receiving rewards, assuming your node remains active and performs as expected.

There is also a maximum threshold of 75,000 wxHOPR per node. Staking up to this amount will allow you to receive the maximum possible rewards. However, if you stake more than 75,000 wxHOPR, the rewards for any amount beyond this threshold will be significantly reduced.

Based on the Cover Traffic economic model rewards threshold, we have prepared some recommendations:

  • When a participant has <= 75.000 wxHOPR tokens: you don't need to run several nodes because rewards are based on your stake alone. For example, if you decide to have 2 nodes with stakes of 40.000 & 35.000 wxHOPR token, you will get the same rewards as you would from running 1 node with a 75.000 wxHOPR stake.

  • When a participant has >75.000 wxHOPR tokens: the optimal reward strategy is to split your stake across multiple nodes with <= 75.000 wxHOPR in each. Additional HOPR staked in nodes above 75.000 wxHOPR will earn rewards, but at a significantly reduced rate.

The Cover Traffic threshold was intentionally set to make the network more decentralized and to distribute rewards more fairly. This ensures that even node runners with a small stake have the opportunity to receive rewards. Currently, we are projecting a stable APY of 10-15%!

important

The Cover Traffic threshold rewards cap limitations mentioned above do not apply to rewards received from Cover Traffic. If you stake up to 75,000 wxHOPR per node and the rewards you receive increase your stake, you will still receive the full APR!

What is my expected APR?​

The expected average additional APR for a node runner is between 10-15%. In the future, you'll also have the opportunity to earn rewards for relaying data from services that utilize HOPR, such as RPCh.

This is the anticipated additional APR for the average node runner. For a detailed breakdown of the economic model, you can check it out here.

What is the lock-up period for my stake?​

There is no lock-up period, meaning you can withdraw your funds at any time. However, the less you stake, the fewer rewards you’ll earn. You won’t receive any rewards if your stake drops below 10,000 wxHOPR (with a Network Registry NFT) or 30,000 wxHOPR (without a Network Registry NFT).

Can I stake and earn rewards without operating a node?​

It is not possible to stake and earn rewards without running a node. As of the end of Staking Season 08 (2023-09-09), all staking must be linked to an active node and managed through a HOPR Safe. This ensures the network remains decentralized and operational, as staking is tied directly to the functioning of your node. Without an active node, your stake will not qualify for rewards, emphasizing the importance of actively participating in the network’s operations.

From a cost/efficiency perspective, which option should I choose: running a node on physical hardware or using a VPS?​

There are both pros and cons to using physical hardware versus a VPS, depending on your needs and priorities.

Pros and cons of using physical hardware​

Pros:

  • Increased stability and decentralization: Running a local Gnosis node allows you to operate your own RPC endpoint, improving node stability and contributing to decentralization, which can positively impact node performance.
  • Cost-effective in the long term: From an economic perspective, owning hardware can be more cost-effective over time, as there are no ongoing subscription costs like with VPS providers.

Cons:

  • Monitoring and maintenance: You will need to constantly monitor your setup for internet or power outages, which can disrupt performance and require manual intervention.

Pros and cons of using VPS​

Pros:

  • High uptime: Most VPS providers offer 99.9% uptime, meaning you don’t have to worry about power or internet disruptions, as these are managed by the provider.

Cons:

  • Higher costs for running local nodes: Running a local Gnosis node on a VPS can be expensive due to the required hardware resources and storage. Relying on third-party RPC providers may negatively impact node performance, as external endpoints can introduce latency, limitations, and instability.

Conclusion​

While physical hardware offers more advantages over VPS, such as better decentralization and cost efficiency, we recommend trying a low-cost cloud VPS provider to assess your expenses versus rewards. Economically, it’s important that your staking amount covers your expenses and generates positive returns.

Please choose cloud VPS plans based on our hardware requirements.

If I hold a Network Registry NFT but don’t meet the minimum threshold of 10,000 wxHOPR tokens, can I still run a node later on?​

If you hold a Network Registry NFT, you can join the network at any time in the future, as long as you meet the minimum threshold of 10,000 wxHOPR.

Can I obtain a Network Registry (NR) NFT from the NFT marketplace and then use it to run a node?​

Yes, absolutely. You can purchase a Network Registry NFT and stake 10,000 wxHOPR tokens to participate in the HOPR network.

Currently, you can try to get Network Registry NFT on nifftyfair

Can I run multiple nodes?​

Yes, you can run multiple nodes, but ensure that each node meets the minimum staking threshold, which depends on whether or not you hold a Network Registry NFT. For further details, please refer to this FAQ question here.

What is the waitlist, and how can I join it?​

To facilitate a controlled and smooth scaling of the HOPR network during the initial Dufour release, we have implemented a waitlist system.

To join the waitlist:

(1) Visit the HOPR Staking Hub, start the onboarding process, and create a HOPR Safe.

(2) During the onboarding process, you will be guided on how to start your HOPR Node.

(3) You will then need to register both your newly created Safe address and your active HOPRd node address on the waitlist form.

This allows your participation in the scaling process and ensures you're queued for network access as new slots become available.

How is the waitlist created, and how are new slots allocated?​

The waitlist is prioritized as follows:

  1. Priority Applicants: Applicants who own Network Registry NFTs are given priority, with their position on the waitlist determined by the time of registration.
  2. Other Applicants: Those without Network Registry NFTs are ranked by the size of their wxHOPR stake.

The list of applicants is manually collected every Friday at 8 AM CET, and the waitlist is updated later that day. If you submit your application after 8 AM CET, your entry will be processed during the next three-week cycle.

New slots are allocated every three weeks on Fridays, with announcements made in our Telegram and Discord channels.

To check your position on the waitlist, visit the waitlist sheet.

I’ve registered on the waitlist, but I can’t find my address. What should I do?​

The waitlist is updated manually. If you have submitted the waitlist form with accurate details, your address should appear soon.

Important: Addresses that have removed their staked wxHOPR will be periodically removed from the waitlist. Ensure your stake hasn't dropped below the minimum requirement, especially if you have recently withdrawn funds from your HOPR Safe.

Why has my position on the waitlist changed?​

Your position may fluctuate if you don't own a Network Registry NFT. New applicants with a higher wxHOPR stake might have joined, or other users may have been off-boarded or moved down the list due to withdrawing funds or not meeting the required minimum stake.

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