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Join the DAL as a baker in 5 steps

The Tezos data availability layer (DAL) is a peer-to-peer network that Tezos Smart Rollups can use to fetch data securely. The DAL is a key component for the scalability and bandwidth of Tezos and it's important for bakers to run DAL nodes along with their layer 1 nodes.

Why are DAL bakers needed?​

When users and dApps submit data to the DAL, bakers use DAL nodes to verify that the data is available. Then the bakers attest that the data is available. Smart Rollup nodes can retrieve the data from DAL nodes only when enough bakers have attested that the data is available. Therefore, the DAL needs bakers who run layer 1 nodes, attesters, and DAL nodes.

In the current implementation of the DAL, bakers do not receive extra incentives for attesting DAL data, but they might in the future. For now, bakers can join the DAL without risking any reward loss, ensuring a smooth transition.

Do you already run a baker?​

For current bakers, it's a straightforward process to add a DAL node. If you are familiar with running a node and baker, you can add a DAL node to your existing setup by following the instructions in Running a DAL attester node.

Running a baker and DAL node from start to finish​

This guide covers the process of running a node, baker, and DAL node from start to finish, accessible for Tezos users with no prior experience in baking or running nodes. This guide walks you through how to join Ghostnet as a baker and attest the publication of data on the DAL network on Ghostnet. The steps for participating on any other network, including Tezos Mainnet, are similar.

Attestation rights delay

Bakers need attestation rights to attest that data is available on the DAL. Depending on the network, it takes time for bakers to get attestation rights. The delay on Ghostnet is about 3.5 days, so in this tutorial you do setup work, wait 3.5 days for attestation rights, and verify that your DAL node and baker are working properly.

If you don't want to wait that long, you can use Weeklynet, where the delay is about an hour. However, to use Weeklynet, you must use a specific version of the Octez suite. You must also be aware that the network completely resets and moves to a new version of the Octez suite every Wednesday. For information about using Weeklynet, see Testing on sandboxes and testnets.

Diagram​

In this guide, you set up the Octez client and several Octez daemons, including a layer 1 node, a baker, and a DAL node. The following diagram shows these daemons with a blue background:

A diagram of the DAL architecture, with the daemons that you create in this guide highlighted

Prerequisites​

To run the Octez daemons persistently, you need a cloud-based computer or a computer that stays running constantly.

References​

Getting started​

To get started, go to Step 1: Run an Octez node.

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