# 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           |

{% hint style="warning" %}
**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.
{% endhint %}

### 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

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**: GRPC access typically requires a paid subscription. Please check with providers for current pricing.
{% endhint %}

## Software Requirements

### Node.js v22+

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

Check your version:

```bash
node -v
```

### Git

Required for cloning repositories and version control:

```bash
git --version
```

### Build Tools

Some dependencies may require compilation:

```bash
# 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

{% hint style="danger" %}
**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
  {% endhint %}

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](https://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:

```bash
# 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](https://cosmic-hiker.gitbook.io/arb-assist/getting-started/installation).