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+---
+sidebar_label: 'Start a Testnet'
+sidebar_position: 10
+description: 'Recipe for starting a testnet'
+---
+
+# Testnet Setup
+
+TL;DR: the `libra` cli tool has a helper to create all genesis files for a testnet from pre-determined test personas (Alice, Bob, Carol, and Dave).
+
+Each host needs to present the same genesis information (just network address), and pick one persona.
+
+A host can be bare metal, or a docker container.
+
+Requirements: building the `libra` binary, or pulling the docker reference image at `https://github.com/0LNetworkCommunity/libra-framework/pkgs/container/libra-framework%2Flibra-node`
+
+## On each host
+
+Each node should run on their host the setup instructions.
+WARNING: the usual `$HOME/.libra/` data director WILL BE DESTROYED in this process.
+
+Here's an example of setting up a testnet with three hosts separated by the vast ocean of the internet.
+
+In this case the first user will be "alice"
+```
+ libra ops genesis testnet --me alice \
+ --host-list my.domain.com:6180 \
+ --host-list 1.2.4.5:6180 \
+ --host-list localhost:6182 \
+ --framework-mrb-path <LIBRA_SOURCE>/framework/releases/head.mrb
+```
+
+Next, each other hosts must pick Bob, Carol, (and optionally) Dave.
+
+NOTE: you need three (up to Carol) or optionally four (Dave) to start a testnet. Trying for example five hosts will fail since there are only four predetermined personas. Other nodes can join testnet after genesis.
+
+## Network addresses
+
+The `--host-list` argument can be a domain, IPv4, or IPv6 address. You need to add a PORT. In production for validator networking this is `6180`. If you are doing docker voodoo keep this in mind and check the `validator.yaml` on each host to see if they are using expected ports.
+
+## Framework MRB
+This fils is the binary of the Move code for the system smart contracts. This is needed to produce the genesis transaction.
+
+### Using mainnet's current deployed framework
+You can start a testnet with any of the historical `.mrb` files. We archive these in the libra-framework source.
+For example, mainnet is here: `https://github.com/0LNetworkCommunity/libra-framework/blob/main/framework/releases/mainnet.mrb`
+
+
+### Using bleeding edge framework
+You will want to use a `head.mrb` file build from recent source
+```
+cd <LIBRA SOURCE>/framework
+libra move framework release
+// will produce a file at framework/releases/head.mrb
+```
+
+## After all hosts are configured
+
+Just start the node:
+
+```
+libra node
+
+```
+
+# Troubleshooting
+-  Can your nodes connect to each other on the internet?
+- Do the ports in the `validator.yaml` file match on all nodes?
+- Are the ports open on each host?
+- (Docker) are you extra sure the ports are doing what you think?