Prerequisites

Before installing arb-assist, ensure your system meets all the requirements below.

System Requirements

Hardware Requirements

Component	Minimum	Recommended
CPU	8-core dedicated Ryzen	16-core dedicated Ryzen
RAM	16 GB	32 GB
Storage	1 GB	1 GB
Network	Default/Basic	Default/Basic

Important: arb-assist uses heavy GRPC streams that require significant CPU resources. Many users report CPU usage warnings above 70% on 8-core systems. Running on weaker hardware may result in missed opportunities or data processing delays.

Operating System

• Linux (Ubuntu 22.04+ recommended)

• Windows via WSL2 (with performance limitations)

• macOS (not officially supported but may work)

Network Requirements

RPC Endpoint

You need a reliable Solana RPC endpoint with:

• GetTransaction support

• GetBlock support

• Reasonable rate limits (10+ requests/second)

Recommended providers:

• Helius (cheaper option, fine for starting out)

• NFT-gated shared nodes (better performance: Deez, Shark, Platinum, Corvus, Thor, Vision, etc.)

GRPC Endpoint

You must have access to one of the following GRPC services:

Yellowstone GRPC

• Protocol: gRPC

• Requires subscription

• Lower latency

• More reliable

ThorStreamer

• Protocol: HTTP/2

• Requires API token

• Good coverage

• Alternative option

Note: GRPC access typically requires a paid subscription. Please check with providers for current pricing.

Software Requirements

Node.js v22+

arb-assist requires Node.js version 22 or higher for certain features.

Check your version:

node -v

Git

Required for cloning repositories and version control:

git --version

Build Tools

Some dependencies may require compilation:

# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt-get install build-essential

# CentOS/RHEL
sudo yum groupinstall "Development Tools"

Bot Requirements

For SMB-Onchain

1. SMB-Onchain Binary

   • Version 0.11.5 or higher

   • Valid SMB license

2. Directory Structure

   • arb-assist must be in the same directory as smb-onchain

   • License file must be in the same directory

For NotArb

1. NotArb Release

   • Latest version from GitHub

   • Java 11+ installed

2. Directory Structure

   • arb-assist must be in the onchain-bot subdirectory

   • Proper NotArb global configuration

License Requirements

arb-assist License

Critical: arb-assist requires a valid license file that is:

• Locked to your server's IP address

• Named in format: license_username_serverIP_expiration.json

• Placed in the same directory as the arb-assist binary

• MUST NOT be renamed or modified - keep it exactly as provided by the arb-assist team

To obtain a license:

1. Contact the arb-assist team

2. Provide your server's IP address

3. Receive your personalized license file

4. Do not share the license file

5. Do not rename or modify the license file - use it exactly as provided

Bot Licenses

Each bot requires its own license:

• SMB-Onchain: Separate license from SolanaMevBot team

• NotArb: May require license depending on version

Account Requirements

Solana Wallet

• Funded wallet with:

  • At least 1 SOL for gas fees

  • 0.01 WSOL wrapped for ATA (Associated Token Account) creation

  • Additional arbitrage capital (or flash loan setup)

• Private key in standard Solana format

API Keys (Optional but Recommended)

Helius API Key

For enhanced priority fee estimation:

• Sign up at helius.dev

• Free tier available

• Improves fee accuracy

Jito Authentication

For Jito bundle submission:

• Jito tip account

• Bundle authentication (if required)

Network Configuration

Firewall Rules

Open the following ports:

• Outbound: All (for RPC/GRPC connections)

• Inbound: 8080 (if using file server mode)

DNS Resolution

Ensure your server can resolve:

• RPC endpoint domains

• GRPC endpoint domains

• npm registry (for dependencies)

Performance Optimization

System Limits

Increase file descriptor limits:

# Check current limit
ulimit -n

# Increase limit (temporary)
ulimit -n 65536

# Increase limit (permanent)
echo "* soft nofile 65536" | sudo tee -a /etc/security/limits.conf
echo "* hard nofile 65536" | sudo tee -a /etc/security/limits.conf

Verification Checklist

Before proceeding to installation, verify:

• Server meets hardware requirements

• Linux OS installed and updated

• RPC endpoint URL and credentials ready

• GRPC endpoint URL and authentication ready

• Node.js v22+ installed

• Git installed

• arb-assist license file obtained

• Bot software and licenses ready

• Funded Solana wallet

• Network connectivity confirmed

Next Steps

Once all prerequisites are met, proceed to Installation.