diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index daff1480..3b3b09c3 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -2,15 +2,66 @@
 
 Lumera Supernode is a companion application for Lumera validators who want to provide cascade, sense, and other services to earn rewards.
 
-## Quick Start
+## Hardware Requirements
 
-### 1. Install the Supernode
+### Minimum Hardware Requirements
 
-Download the latest relase from github
+- **CPU**: 8 cores, x86_64 architecture
+- **RAM**: 16 GB RAM
+- **Storage**: 1 TB NVMe SSD
+- **Network**: 1 Gbps
+- **Operating System**: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or higher
 
-### 2. Configure Your Supernode
+### Recommended Hardware Requirements
 
-Create a `config.yml` file in the same directory as your binary:
+- **CPU**: 16 cores, x86_64 architecture
+- **RAM**: 64 GB RAM
+- **Storage**: 4 TB NVMe SSD
+- **Network**: 5 Gbps
+- **Operating System**: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or higher
+
+## Prerequisites
+
+Before installing and running the Lumera Supernode, ensure you have the following prerequisites installed:
+
+### Install Build Essentials
+
+```bash
+# Ubuntu/Debian
+sudo apt update
+sudo apt install build-essential
+
+# CentOS/RHEL/Fedora
+sudo yum groupinstall "Development Tools"
+# or for newer versions
+sudo dnf groupinstall "Development Tools"
+```
+
+### Enable CGO
+
+CGO must be enabled for the supernode to compile and run properly. Set the environment variable:
+
+```bash
+export CGO_ENABLED=1
+```
+
+To make this permanent, add it to your shell profile:
+
+```bash
+echo 'export CGO_ENABLED=1' >> ~/.bashrc
+source ~/.bashrc
+```
+
+## Installation
+
+### 1. Download the Binary
+
+Download the latest release from GitHub:
+
+
+### 2. Create Configuration File
+
+Create a `config.yml` file in the same directory as your binary 
 
 ```yaml
 # Supernode Configuration
@@ -24,7 +75,6 @@ supernode:
 keyring:
   backend: "test"  # Options: test, file, os
   dir: "keys"
-  
 
 # P2P Network Configuration
 p2p:
@@ -38,67 +88,190 @@ p2p:
 lumera:
   grpc_addr: "localhost:9090"
   chain_id: "lumera"
-  timeout: 10
 
 # RaptorQ Configuration
 raptorq:
   files_dir: "raptorq_files"
 ```
 
-### 3. Create or Recover a Key
+## Key Management
+
+### Create a New Key
+
+Create a new key (use the same name you specified in your config):
 
-Create a new key (use the same name you will add in your config):
 ```bash
 supernode keys add mykey
 ```
 
-Or recover an existing key:
+This will output an address like:
+```
+lumera15t2e8gjgmuqtj4jzjqfkf3tf5l8vqw69hmrzmr
+```
+
+### Recover an Existing Key
+
+If you have an existing mnemonic phrase:
+
 ```bash
-supernode keys recover mykey
+supernode keys recover mykey <MNEMONIC>
 ```
 
-After running either command, you'll receive an address like `lumera15t2e8gjgmuqtj4jzjqfkf3tf5l8vqw69hmrzmr`.
+### List Keys
 
-⚠️ **IMPORTANT:** After generating or recovering a key, you MUST update your `config.yml` with the address:
+```bash
+supernode keys list
+```
+
+### Update Configuration with Your Address
+
+⚠️ **IMPORTANT:** After generating or recovering a key, you MUST update your `config.yml` with the generated address:
 
 ```yaml
 supernode:
   key_name: "mykey"
-  identity: "lumera15t2e8gjgmuqtj4jzjqfkf3tf5l8vqw69hmrzmr"  # Update with your generated address
-  # ... rest of config
+  identity: "lumera15t2e8gjgmuqtj4jzjqfkf3tf5l8vqw69hmrzmr"  # Your actual address
+  ip_address: "0.0.0.0"
+  port: 4444
+# ... rest of config
 ```
 
-### 4. Start Your Supernode
+## Running the Supernode
+
+### Start the Supernode
 
 ```bash
 supernode start
 ```
 
-## Key Management Commands
+### Using Custom Configuration
 
-List all keys:
 ```bash
-supernode keys list
+# Use specific config file
+supernode start -c /path/to/config.yml
+
+# Use custom base directory
+supernode start -d /path/to/basedir
+```
+
+## Configuration Parameters
+
+| Parameter | Description | Required | Default | Example | Notes |
+|-----------|-------------|----------|---------|---------|--------|
+| `supernode.key_name` | Name of the key for signing transactions | **Yes** | - | `"mykey"` | Must match the name used with `supernode keys add` |
+| `supernode.identity` | Lumera address for this supernode | **Yes** | - | `"lumera15t2e8gjgmuqtj4jzjqfkf3tf5l8vqw69hmrzmr"` | Obtained after creating/recovering a key |
+| `supernode.ip_address` | IP address to bind the supernode service | **Yes** | - | `"0.0.0.0"` | Use `"0.0.0.0"` to listen on all interfaces |
+| `supernode.port` | Port for the supernode service | **Yes** | - | `4444` | Choose an available port |
+| `keyring.backend` | Key storage backend type | **Yes** | - | `"test"` | `"test"` for development, `"file"` for encrypted storage, `"os"` for OS keyring |
+| `keyring.dir` | Directory to store keyring files | No | `"keys"` | `"keys"` | Relative paths are appended to basedir, absolute paths used as-is |
+| `p2p.listen_address` | IP address for P2P networking | **Yes** | - | `"0.0.0.0"` | Use `"0.0.0.0"` to listen on all interfaces |
+| `p2p.port` | P2P communication port | **Yes** | - | `4445` | **Do not change this default value** |
+| `p2p.data_dir` | Directory for P2P data storage | No | `"data/p2p"` | `"data/p2p"` | Relative paths are appended to basedir, absolute paths used as-is |
+| `p2p.bootstrap_nodes` | Initial peer nodes for network discovery | No | `""` | `""` | Comma-separated list of peer addresses, leave empty for auto-discovery |
+| `p2p.external_ip` | Your public IP address | No | `""` | `""` | Leave empty for auto-detection, or specify your public IP |
+| `lumera.grpc_addr` | gRPC endpoint of Lumera validator node | **Yes** | - | `"localhost:9090"` | Must be accessible from supernode |
+| `lumera.chain_id` | Lumera blockchain chain identifier | **Yes** | - | `"lumera"` | Must match the actual chain ID |
+| `raptorq.files_dir` | Directory to store RaptorQ files | No | `"raptorq_files"` | `"raptorq_files"` | Relative paths are appended to basedir, absolute paths used as-is |
+
+## Command Line Flags
+
+The supernode binary supports the following command-line flags:
+
+| Flag | Short | Description | Value Type | Example | Default |
+|------|-------|-------------|------------|---------|---------|
+| `--config` | `-c` | Path to configuration file | String | `-c /path/to/config.yml` | `config.yml` in current directory |
+| `--basedir` | `-d` | Base directory for data storage | String | `-d /custom/path` | `~/.supernode` |
+
+### Usage Examples
+
+```bash
+# Use default config.yml in current directory
+supernode start
+
+# Use custom config file
+supernode start -c /etc/supernode/config.yml
+supernode start --config /etc/supernode/config.yml
+
+# Use custom base directory
+supernode start -d /opt/supernode
+supernode start --basedir /opt/supernode
+
+# Combine flags
+supernode start -c /etc/supernode/config.yml -d /opt/supernode
+```
+
+## Important Notes
+
+⚠️ **CRITICAL: Consistent Flag Usage Across Commands**
+
+If you use custom flags (`--config` or `--basedir`) for key management operations, you **MUST** use the same flags for ALL subsequent commands, including the `start` command. Otherwise, your configuration will break and keys will not be found.
+
+### Examples of Correct Flag Usage:
+
+**Scenario 1: Using custom config file**
+```bash
+# Create key with custom config
+supernode keys add mykey -c /etc/supernode/config.yml
+
+# Start supernode with same config
+supernode start -c /etc/supernode/config.yml
 ```
 
-## Configuration Guide
+**Scenario 2: Using custom base directory**
+```bash
+# Create key with custom basedir
+supernode keys add mykey -d /opt/supernode
 
-- **key_name**: Must match the name you used when creating your key
-- **identity**: Must match the address generated for your key
-- **backend**: Use "test" for development, "file" or "os" for production
-- **p2p.port**: Default is 4445 - don't change this value
-- ⚠️ **IMPORTANT:** Make sure you have sufficient balance in the account to broadcast transactions to the Lumera chain
+# Recover key with same basedir
+supernode keys recover mykey "your mnemonic phrase here" -d /opt/supernode
 
-## Data Storage
+# Start supernode with same basedir
+supernode start -d /opt/supernode
+```
 
-All data is stored in `~/.supernode` by default.
+**Scenario 3: Using both custom config and basedir**
+```bash
+# Create key with both flags
+supernode keys add mykey -c /etc/supernode/config.yml -d /opt/supernode
 
-## Common Flags
+# Start supernode with both flags
+supernode start -c /etc/supernode/config.yml -d /opt/supernode
+```
 
+**❌ WRONG - This will cause configuration breakage:**
 ```bash
-# Custom config file
--c, --config FILE     Use specific config file
+# Create key with custom basedir
+supernode keys add mykey -d /opt/supernode
+
+# Start without the same basedir flag - keys won't be found!
+supernode start
+```
+
+### Additional Important Notes:
+
+- Make sure you have sufficient balance in your Lumera account to broadcast transactions
+- The P2P port (4445) should not be changed from the default
+- Your `key_name` in the config must match the name you used when creating the key
+- Your `identity` in the config must match the address generated for your key
+- Ensure your Lumera validator node is running and accessible at the configured gRPC address
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+### Key Not Found
+Make sure the `key_name` in your config matches the name you used with `supernode keys add`. Also ensure you're using the same `--config` and `--basedir` flags across all commands.
+
+### Address Mismatch
+Ensure the `identity` field in your config matches the address returned when you created your key.
+
+### Connection Issues
+Verify that your Lumera validator node is running and accessible at the configured `grpc_addr`.
+
+### Insufficient Balance
+Check that your account has sufficient LUMERA tokens to pay for transaction fees.
+
+### Configuration Break
+If your configuration seems broken, verify that you're using consistent command-line flags (`--config` and `--basedir`) across all supernode commands.
+
+## Support
 
-# Custom data directory
--d, --basedir DIR     Use custom base directory instead of ~/.supernode
-```
\ No newline at end of file
+For issues and support, please refer to the Lumera Protocol documentation or community channels.
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/supernode/cmd/root.go b/supernode/cmd/root.go
index 12baefa0..18f5d0f4 100644
--- a/supernode/cmd/root.go
+++ b/supernode/cmd/root.go
@@ -15,6 +15,11 @@ var (
 	appConfig *config.Config
 )
 
+const (
+	DefaultConfigFile = "config.yaml"
+	DefaultBaseDir    = ".supernode"
+)
+
 // fileExists checks if a file exists at the given path
 func fileExists(path string) bool {
 	_, err := os.Stat(path)
@@ -28,39 +33,36 @@ func findConfigFile() string {
 		return cfgFile
 	}
 
-	// Try current working directory first (for go run)
-	workingDir, err := os.Getwd()
-	if err == nil {
-		yamlPath := filepath.Join(workingDir, "config.yaml")
-		ymlPath := filepath.Join(workingDir, "config.yml")
+	searchPaths := []string{}
 
-		if fileExists(yamlPath) {
-			return yamlPath
-		}
-		if fileExists(ymlPath) {
-			return ymlPath
-		}
+	// Try current working directory first (for go run)
+	if workingDir, err := os.Getwd(); err == nil {
+		searchPaths = append(searchPaths,
+			filepath.Join(workingDir, DefaultConfigFile),
+			filepath.Join(workingDir, "config.yml"),
+		)
 	}
 
 	// Then try executable directory (for binary)
-	execPath, err := os.Executable()
-	if err == nil {
+	if execPath, err := os.Executable(); err == nil {
 		execDir := filepath.Dir(execPath)
-		yamlPath := filepath.Join(execDir, "config.yaml")
-		ymlPath := filepath.Join(execDir, "config.yml")
+		searchPaths = append(searchPaths,
+			filepath.Join(execDir, DefaultConfigFile),
+			filepath.Join(execDir, "config.yml"),
+		)
+	}
 
-		if fileExists(yamlPath) {
-			return yamlPath
-		}
-		if fileExists(ymlPath) {
-			return ymlPath
+	// Return first existing config file
+	for _, path := range searchPaths {
+		if fileExists(path) {
+			return path
 		}
 	}
 
 	return ""
 }
 
-// setupBaseDir configures the base directory if not specified
+// setupBaseDir configures the base directory, using default if not specified
 func setupBaseDir() (string, error) {
 	if baseDir != "" {
 		return baseDir, nil
@@ -71,20 +73,18 @@ func setupBaseDir() (string, error) {
 		return "", fmt.Errorf("failed to get home directory: %w", err)
 	}
 
-	return filepath.Join(homeDir, ".supernode"), nil
+	return filepath.Join(homeDir, DefaultBaseDir), nil
 }
 
 // logConfig logs information about config and base directory
 func logConfig(configPath, baseDirPath string) {
 	// For config file
-	absPath, err := filepath.Abs(configPath)
-	if err == nil {
+	if absPath, err := filepath.Abs(configPath); err == nil {
 		fmt.Printf("Using config file: %s\n", absPath)
 	} else {
 		fmt.Printf("Using config file: %s\n", configPath)
 	}
 
-	// For base directory
 	fmt.Printf("Using base directory: %s\n", baseDirPath)
 }
 
@@ -100,11 +100,11 @@ This application allows you to create and recover keys using mnemonics.`,
 		}
 
 		// Setup base directory
-		setupDir, err := setupBaseDir()
+		var err error
+		baseDir, err = setupBaseDir()
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
-		baseDir = setupDir
 
 		// Find config file
 		cfgFile = findConfigFile()
@@ -134,7 +134,9 @@ func Execute() {
 }
 
 func init() {
-	// Allow user to override config file location with --config flag
-	rootCmd.PersistentFlags().StringVarP(&cfgFile, "config", "c", "", "Config file path (default is ./config.yaml or ./config.yml)")
-	rootCmd.PersistentFlags().StringVarP(&baseDir, "basedir", "d", "", "Base directory for all data (default is ~/.supernode)")
+	// Use default values in flag descriptions
+	rootCmd.PersistentFlags().StringVarP(&cfgFile, "config", "c", "",
+		fmt.Sprintf("Config file path (default is ./%s or ./config.yml)", DefaultConfigFile))
+	rootCmd.PersistentFlags().StringVarP(&baseDir, "basedir", "d", "",
+		fmt.Sprintf("Base directory for all data (default is ~/%s)", DefaultBaseDir))
 }
diff --git a/supernode/config/config.go b/supernode/config/config.go
index 634f39a2..b651706e 100644
--- a/supernode/config/config.go
+++ b/supernode/config/config.go
@@ -10,6 +10,12 @@ import (
 	"gopkg.in/yaml.v3"
 )
 
+const (
+	DefaultKeyringDir = "keys"
+	DefaultP2PDataDir = "p2p"
+	DefaultRaptorQDir = "raptorq"
+)
+
 type SupernodeConfig struct {
 	KeyName   string `yaml:"key_name"`
 	Identity  string `yaml:"identity"`
@@ -52,6 +58,19 @@ type Config struct {
 	BaseDir string `yaml:"-"`
 }
 
+// applyDefaults sets default values for empty directory fields
+func (c *Config) applyDefaults() {
+	if c.KeyringConfig.Dir == "" {
+		c.KeyringConfig.Dir = DefaultKeyringDir
+	}
+	if c.P2PConfig.DataDir == "" {
+		c.P2PConfig.DataDir = DefaultP2PDataDir
+	}
+	if c.RaptorQConfig.FilesDir == "" {
+		c.RaptorQConfig.FilesDir = DefaultRaptorQDir
+	}
+}
+
 // GetFullPath returns the absolute path by combining base directory with relative path
 func (c *Config) GetFullPath(relativePath string) string {
 	if relativePath == "" {
@@ -128,6 +147,9 @@ func LoadConfig(filename string, baseDir string) (*Config, error) {
 	// Set the base directory
 	config.BaseDir = baseDir
 
+	// Apply default values for empty directory fields
+	config.applyDefaults()
+
 	// Create directories
 	if err := config.EnsureDirs(); err != nil {
 		return nil, err