(add): z2 node joining documentation

zq2/docs/nodes.md

@@ -7,12 +7,73 @@ title: Nodes and Validators
 
 The current proto-testnet version of Zilliqa 2.0 allows users to setup a node and join the network.
 
+Both API nodes and validator nodes use the same software, though API nodes do not participate in the consensus process. This guide provides instructions for setting up both types of nodes. Further details on securing validator nodes will be added as we approach the mainnet launch.
+
+## Zilliqa 2.0 (proto-testnet) Prerequisites
+
+### Hardware requirements
+
+* CPU:
+    * 1 Core / 2 threads or more
+* RAM:
+    * 8 GB or more
+* Disk:
+    * 100 GB or more
+
+### Virtual machines on Cloud Platforms
+
+We are running our Zilliqa 2.0 validators on Google Cloud Platform, GCP, GCE VM `e2-standard-2` instance with 256 GB SSD (`pd-ssd`).
+
+If you running on other cloud provider, please do select an instance with similar specs.
+
+### Software requirements
+
+1. Operating System: We build and run on Ubuntu 20.04LTS
+2. Docker: 27.0.3+
+
+### Port-forwarding
+
+The following TCP ports need to be open to the internet for both inbound and outbound
+
+*NOTE: We don't recommend to run validators behind a NAT, if you're doing so and you are facing any traversal issue you might have to debug on your own.*
+
+#### Required
+
+3333/TCP - P2P protocol port: has to be opened on inbound and outbound to public internet.
+
+#### Optional
+
+4201/TCP - JSONRPC over HTTP:  API port, only necessary if you want your API to be accessible via the internet.
+
 ### Running a Node
 
-``` py
-[INSERT GUIDE HERE]
-```
+To run a Zilliqa 2.0 node and join the proto-testnet, we provide the `z2` utility as part of the [zq2](https://github.com/Zilliqa/zq2/blob/main/) code base.
+
+The `z2 join` command creates the validator node startup script and configuration file that you can copy and paste on your Ubuntu VM, configured as per above specs, and run.
+
+###$ Step by step guide
 
+1. Cargo and Rust: You need to have Cargo and Rust installed on your system. You can install them using [rustup](https://rustup.sh).
+2. Pick a directory. You'll need quite a lot of space. Let's call it `/my/dir`.
+3. Clone `git@github.com:zilliqa/zq2` into that directory to get `/my/dir/zq2`.
+4. Source the setenv file `source /my/dir/zq2/scripts/setenv`. This will give you access to the `z2` tool (in `zq2/z2`).
+5. Generate the startup script and the configuration file for your node by running 
+    ```bash
+    z2 join --chain prototestnet
+    ```
+6. Generate the node private key (save it because you need to use it in case you need to restart your node)
+    ```bash
+    export PRIVATE_KEY=$(openssl rand -hex 32)
+    ```
+7. Start the validator
+    ```bash
+    chmod +x start_validator.sh && \
+    ./start_validator.sh $PRIVATE_KEY
+    ```
+
+For additional details on `z2` and the `join` capability refer to:
+- https://github.com/Zilliqa/zq2/blob/main/z2/docs/README.md
+- https://github.com/Zilliqa/zq2/blob/main/z2/docs/join.md
 
 ### Becoming a Validator
 Under the consensus mechanism introduced in Zilliqa 2.0, validators stake ZIL to secure the network, in return for which they receive a share of block rewards.
@@ -22,6 +83,8 @@ While becoming a validator on the Zilliqa 2.0 mainnet will be permissionless, on
 To register as a validator on the Jasper proto-testnet, please complete and submit this form.
 
 
+Once you have sufficient $ZILs you can register your node as validator.
+
 Below is a guide on how to register a validator node for Zilliqa 2.0:
 
 ``` py