> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.phylax.systems/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# System Requirements

> Hardware and infrastructure requirements for running the Credible Layer sidecar in production and development environments.

The Credible Layer operates as a [sidecar](/credible/glossary#sidecar) alongside the network block builder or sequencer. This page outlines high-level requirements for running the sidecar.

## Production Guidance

Sizing depends on network throughput and assertion complexity. Use these guidelines as a starting point and scale based on load testing:

| Component   | Guidance                                              |
| ----------- | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| **CPU**     | High-core, modern server CPU                          |
| **RAM**     | Sufficient memory for state caches and execution      |
| **Storage** | Fast local SSD with headroom for growth               |
| **Network** | Low-latency, high-bandwidth link to the block builder |

### CPU

The sidecar requires significant compute for assertion execution. Use 32 physical cores with AMD Zen 3 performance equivalent or higher.

### Memory

Allocate enough RAM for state caches and execution overhead. Exact requirements vary by chain size and assertion complexity.

### Storage

Use fast local (not networked) SSDs to keep I/O latency low. Budget for sustained IOPS and headroom for state growth.

### Networking

Keep round-trip time (RTT) to the block builder low by colocating in the same availability zone or cluster. Co-scheduling on the same Kubernetes node or pod is ideal.

**Key requirements:**

* Low-latency, high-bandwidth link between block builder and sidecar
* Prefer private networking; avoid routing over the public internet
* Stable egress to chain RPC and assertion data endpoints

## Local Development

For local testing, unless you are benchmarking performance, the sidecar is lightweight and has no hard hardware requirements.