Learning path · 21 steps

Node Runner

Decentralised networks are decentralised because many independent people run them. This path covers what to run, what it costs and what risks each role carries.

Who it is for Operators who want to add capacity and independence to free networks.

01
Running Infrastructure for Freedom Guide
From a Snowflake proxy to Tor relays, Bitcoin nodes and mesh repeaters.
02
Run a private circumvention server for people you know Guide · Usable
Choose between a private gateway, a Tor bridge and a Snowflake proxy.
03
Pluggable transports and bridges Explainer · Usable
Understand the transports your bridge users may need.
04
OpenWrt Deep dive · Usable
Check router hardware support and plan firmware and package upgrades.
05
StartOS Deep dive · Usable
Consider a personal-server interface with documented service, backup and remote-access workflows.
06
YunoHost Deep dive · Usable
Compare another server administration approach and its application isolation limits.
07
Tor Deep dive · Battle-tested
The network most in need of diverse, independent relays.
08
I2P (Invisible Internet Project) Deep dive · Battle-tested
A network where every router carries traffic for others.
09
Nym Mixnet Deep dive · Usable
Incentivised mixnet node roles and how they are rewarded.
10
Building a Local Mesh Network Guide
Place solar repeaters that cover a neighbourhood.
11
Reticulum Deep dive · Usable
Transport nodes that bridge radio meshes with each other and the internet.
12
Publishing an Uncensorable Website Guide
Host and mirror content so that no single takedown works.
13
Choosing Decentralized Storage Comparison · Usable
Choose storage by who retains the data and what retrieval depends on.
14
BitTorrent for Archive Distribution Deep dive · Usable
Plan seeds and web seeds for distributing fixed archive copies.
15
Tahoe-LAFS Deep dive · Usable
Understand capability recovery, share placement and storage-grid operation.
16
Decentralized Compute Explainer
Renting out compute: what is real capacity and what is token theatre.
17
XMPP with OMEMO Deep dive · Usable
Understand what running a messaging server changes, and which metadata it still sees.
18
LibreMesh Deep dive · Usable
Understand the routing and configuration model of community mesh firmware.
19
Build a community Wi-Fi network Guide · Usable
Survey, pilot and test a maintainable local Wi-Fi network.
20
APRS Deep dive · Usable
Assess public amateur-radio reporting and its gateway and operating limits.
21
Compare decentralized compute platforms Comparison · Usable
Compare customer access, provider admission, billing and confidentiality evidence.