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How to create a network

In this tutorial, we will walk through the steps of creating and configuring a Fabric channel using the ChainLaunch platform. This process is essential for establishing a blockchain network where different organizations can interact securely and efficiently. By following these steps, you will learn how to create a channel, name it, add nodes, and configure anchor peers.

Prerequisites​

  • Familiarity with blockchain concepts, particularly Hyperledger Fabric.
  • Access to the ChainLaunch platform.
  • Basic understanding of network configurations.

Overview​

By the end of this tutorial, you will be able to:

  1. Create a new Fabric channel.
  2. Configure channel settings such as name and anchor peers.
  3. Add necessary nodes to your channel.

Step 1: Click on 'Create Channel'​

To begin, you need to create a new channel.

Step 1

  • Action: Click on the Create Channel button.
  • UI Elements:
    • The button is labeled Create Channel and is located next to the Fabric network section.
    • This step is crucial for initiating the creation of a channel in your blockchain network.

Tips​

  • Ensure that you are in the correct section of the platform before clicking the button.

Step 2: Click on 'Channel Name'​

Next, you will need to enter a name for your channel.

Step 2

  • Action: Click inside the Channel Name input field.
  • UI Elements:
    • You will see a text box labeled Channel Name where you can input your desired name.
    • There is also a placeholder text indicating "the name of the channel to be created."

Best Practices​

  • Choose a descriptive name for your channel that reflects its purpose.

Step 3: Type 'chainlaunch' in Channel Name​

Now, you will input the name for your new channel.

Step 3

  • Action: Type chainlaunch into the Channel Name field.
  • UI Elements:
    • The text box now displays chainlaunch as the entered name.

Warnings​

  • Make sure there are no typos in the channel name, as this could lead to configuration issues later on.

Step 4: Click on 'Create Channel'​

With the channel name set, it's time to create the channel itself.

Step 4

  • Action: Click on the Create Channel button located at the bottom of the screen.
  • UI Elements:
    • This button will initiate the process of creating your channel with the name you've provided.

Tips​

  • After clicking this button, wait for confirmation that the channel has been created successfully.

Step 5: Click on 'Join All Nodes'​

Once your channel has been created, you’ll want to ensure that all nodes are joined to it.

Step 5

  • Action: Click on the Join All Nodes button.
  • UI Elements:
    • This option allows all relevant nodes in your network to join the newly created channel automatically.

Best Practices​

  • It’s advisable to join all necessary nodes at once to ensure they are all properly connected from the start.

Step 6: Click on 'Configure Anchor Peers'​

Next, you'll need to configure anchor peers for your organization.

Step 6

  • Action: Click on Configure Anchor Peers.
  • UI Elements:
    • This option leads you to a section where you can set up anchor peers for each organization involved in your network.

Warnings​

  • Ensure that your organization has suitable anchor peers configured; otherwise, communication may be affected across nodes.

Step 7: Click on 'Configure Anchor Peers' (Again)​

You may need to confirm or revisit this step for proper setup.

Step 7

  • Action: Once again click on Configure Anchor Peers if prompted.

Tips​

  • Confirm that all settings are correct before proceeding further.

Step 8: Click on 'Add Anchor Peer'​

Now, it's time to add an anchor peer for your organization.

Step 8

  • Action: Click on Add Anchor Peer.
  • UI Elements:
    • This option opens a dialog allowing you to select specific peers from your organization to be added as anchor peers.

Best Practices​

  • Select peers that are stable and well-connected within your network for optimal performance.

Step 9: Click on 'peer0-org1msplocalhost:7004'​

You'll begin by selecting one of your available peers as an anchor peer.

Step 9

  • Action: Select peer0-org1msp from the list of available peers.

Tips​

  • Make sure that this peer is operational and correctly configured before adding it as an anchor peer.

Step 10: Click on 'peer1-org1msplocalhost:7100'​

Next, select another peer for addition as an anchor peer.

Step 10

  • Action: Select peer1-org1msp from the list.

Warnings​

  • Ensure that both selected peers are from the same organization and operationally ready before proceeding.

Step 11: Click on 'Add Peers'​

With both peers selected, it's time to finalize their addition as anchor peers.

Step 11

  • Action: Click Add Peers to complete this process.

Best Practices​

  • Review all selections carefully before clicking this button to avoid errors in configuration.

Step 12: Capture Completed​

Congratulations! You have completed configuring your Fabric channel successfully!

Step 12

Summary​

In this tutorial, we have walked through each step required to create and configure a Fabric channel using ChainLaunch. This included setting up channels, naming them appropriately, adding nodes, and configuring anchor peers.

Next Steps​

You may want to explore further options such as deploying chaincode or configuring additional network settings after completing this process.

Troubleshooting Tips​

If you encounter issues during any step:

  1. Double-check that all inputs are correct and free from typos.
  2. Ensure that all nodes are operational and correctly configured within your network settings.
  3. Consult documentation related to ChainLaunch or Hyperledger Fabric for additional support.

By following these guidelines and steps, you should now have a solid foundation in creating and configuring a Fabric channel. Happy networking!