Deploy Your Own Nostr Relay on Flux’s Decentralized Cloud
Nostr is an open-source protocol enabling Web3 social media apps free from corporate control, censorship, and algorithmic interference. By deploying a Nostr Relay on Flux, a decentralized cloud platform, you can support a censorship-resistant social network while earning incentives for providing computational resources. Here’s how you can deploy your own Nostr Relay step by step.
Step 1: Log in to the Flux Platform
To begin, log in at https://home.runonflux.io using your ZelID, available through the Zelcore app. If you don’t already have Zelcore, download and install it first. Additionally, make sure to enable d2FA (two-factor authentication) for better security. Once ready, authenticate with your fingerprint or by manually signing the message in your Zelcore wallet.
Step 2: Find Nostr in the Flux Marketplace
Next, go to the Flux Marketplace by visiting https://home.runonflux.io/apps/marketplace. Then, search for the Nostr application, which is located under the Hosting category.
Step 3: Configure Your Nostr Relay Parameters
Once you’ve found Nostr, configure your relay by adding parameters using the Environmental (ENV) section. These fields include NAME, DESCRIPTION, RELAY_URL, CONTACT, and PUB_KEY. While these parameters are optional, it’s helpful to customize them for better control. If you prefer not to enter anything, you can simply click “Start Launching Marketplace App” to proceed.
Step 4: Launch Your Nostr Relay
Now that you’ve set your parameters, it’s time to launch. Click “Start Launching Marketplace App.” If you’re manually signing the message via the ZelID app, copy the Registration Message and paste it into ZelID. Then, sign the request using the fingerprint button or manually enter the signed message from the previous step.
Step 5: Complete the Payment
After that, you will see the monthly cost for your application. Click “Register Flux App” to view payment details. Payments are made in FLUX tokens on the FLUX blockchain. To finalize, choose “Pay with Zelcore” and complete the payment for your Nostr Relay.
Step 6: Wait for Deployment
Once the payment is completed, your Nostr Relay will take around 10-30 minutes to be deployed on an available node. You can manage and monitor your Nostr Relay deployment through the “My Apps” tab in the “Global Apps” menu.
Step 7: Monthly Renewal
Your Nostr Relay will be active for approximately one month, based on 22,000 Flux blocks. To keep it running, you’ll need to renew your payment monthly. Log back into https://home.runonflux.io, head to “Apps,” then “Global Apps,” and find “My Apps.” From there, click “Manage App,” update the specifications, and sign the message with ZelID. Once done, proceed with the payment using Zelcore.
Additionally, you have the option to extend your relay for up to a year by adjusting the duration in the dashboard.
Conclusion
In summary, deploying a Nostr Relay on the Flux decentralized cloud provides many benefits compared to traditional Web2 hosting services. Thanks to Flux’s decentralized infrastructure, you get redundant applications, automatic failovers, and more competitive pricing. Remember to renew your payment monthly to keep your relay active and continue supporting decentralized infrastructure for the Nostr protocol. By using Flux, you’re contributing to a more open and censorship-resistant future for social media.
