> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.arpanetwork.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.arpanetwork.io/becoming-a-node-and-get-rewarded/native-staking.md).

# Native Staking

### Staking

A minimum of **500,000 ARPA** is **required** to become a node. After staking the minimum amount, a node can join the ARPA Network and earn rewards by correctly performing the BLS tasks.

Note: This is similar to the ETH PoS model where 32 ether must be staked to run a validator.

### Hardware Requirements 

Using AWS EC2 as an example, to ensure a steady performance, each node should be hosted on a virtual instance that meets the following specs:

#### t2.small (\~$23/month)

* **1** vCPU
* **2G** Memory
* **30G** Storage

**IMPORTANT:** During the initial months following the release of ARPA Network on Ethereum mainnet, nodes are [invite-only](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeuldK0Tz1L3t1fhgQ-r0V-SkD-E25vo1YnaX3rTGrkEIPQnw/viewform). This early-access period is designed to facilitate the identification of potential problems and expedite the implementation of any fixes. In this way, we can enhance the security, stability, and performance of the network before transitioning to a fully permissionless system.

After the initial period concludes, anyone with a computer that meets the above hardware requirements can host their own node permissionlessly. 

A [preview of the detailed instruction](https://github.com/ARPA-Network/BLS-TSS-Network/blob/main/docker/mainnet/README.md) for running a node.

You will need the following to get a node running if you do not wish to use our deployment scripts (AWS CDK):

* [Rust](https://www.rust-lang.org/learn/get-started)
* [Docker](https://www.docker.com/get-started/)
* [Foundry](https://getfoundry.sh/)
* Externally accessible IP and ports
* Stable internet connection

### Early Access

In the meantime, if you are interested in becoming a node operator during the initial release and providing valuable feedback to help us improve, please [join our waitlist](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeuldK0Tz1L3t1fhgQ-r0V-SkD-E25vo1YnaX3rTGrkEIPQnw/viewform), and our team will reach out to you.