diff --git a/pkg/cli/prod_commands.go b/pkg/cli/prod_commands.go
index cf9315d..fce681f 100644
--- a/pkg/cli/prod_commands.go
+++ b/pkg/cli/prod_commands.go
@@ -2,11 +2,11 @@ package cli
 
 import (
 	"bufio"
+	"encoding/hex"
 	"errors"
 	"flag"
 	"fmt"
 	"net"
-	"net/http"
 	"os"
 	"os/exec"
 	"path/filepath"
@@ -17,10 +17,27 @@ import (
 	"github.com/DeBrosOfficial/network/pkg/config"
 	"github.com/DeBrosOfficial/network/pkg/environments/production"
 	"github.com/DeBrosOfficial/network/pkg/installer"
-	"github.com/DeBrosOfficial/network/pkg/tlsutil"
 	"github.com/multiformats/go-multiaddr"
 )
 
+// IPFSPeerInfo holds IPFS peer information for configuring Peering.Peers
+type IPFSPeerInfo struct {
+	PeerID string
+	Addrs  []string
+}
+
+// validateSwarmKey validates that a swarm key is 64 hex characters
+func validateSwarmKey(key string) error {
+	key = strings.TrimSpace(key)
+	if len(key) != 64 {
+		return fmt.Errorf("swarm key must be 64 hex characters (32 bytes), got %d", len(key))
+	}
+	if _, err := hex.DecodeString(key); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("swarm key must be valid hexadecimal: %w", err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
 // runInteractiveInstaller launches the TUI installer
 func runInteractiveInstaller() {
 	config, err := installer.Run()
@@ -46,9 +63,19 @@ func runInteractiveInstaller() {
 		if config.ClusterSecret != "" {
 			args = append(args, "--cluster-secret", config.ClusterSecret)
 		}
+		if config.SwarmKeyHex != "" {
+			args = append(args, "--swarm-key", config.SwarmKeyHex)
+		}
 		if len(config.Peers) > 0 {
 			args = append(args, "--peers", strings.Join(config.Peers, ","))
 		}
+		// Pass IPFS peer info for Peering.Peers configuration
+		if config.IPFSPeerID != "" {
+			args = append(args, "--ipfs-peer", config.IPFSPeerID)
+		}
+		if len(config.IPFSSwarmAddrs) > 0 {
+			args = append(args, "--ipfs-addrs", strings.Join(config.IPFSSwarmAddrs, ","))
+		}
 	}
 
 	// Re-run with collected args
@@ -285,6 +312,9 @@ func showProdHelp() {
 	fmt.Printf("      --peers ADDRS         - Comma-separated peer multiaddrs (for joining cluster)\n")
 	fmt.Printf("      --join ADDR           - RQLite join address IP:port (for joining cluster)\n")
 	fmt.Printf("      --cluster-secret HEX  - 64-hex cluster secret (required when joining)\n")
+	fmt.Printf("      --swarm-key HEX       - 64-hex IPFS swarm key (required when joining)\n")
+	fmt.Printf("      --ipfs-peer ID        - IPFS peer ID to connect to (auto-discovered)\n")
+	fmt.Printf("      --ipfs-addrs ADDRS    - IPFS swarm addresses (auto-discovered)\n")
 	fmt.Printf("      --branch BRANCH       - Git branch to use (main or nightly, default: main)\n")
 	fmt.Printf("      --no-pull             - Skip git clone/pull, use existing /home/debros/src\n")
 	fmt.Printf("      --ignore-resource-checks - Skip disk/RAM/CPU prerequisite validation\n")
@@ -312,7 +342,7 @@ func showProdHelp() {
 	fmt.Printf("  # Join existing cluster\n")
 	fmt.Printf("  sudo orama install --vps-ip 203.0.113.2 --domain node-2.orama.network \\\n")
 	fmt.Printf("    --peers /ip4/203.0.113.1/tcp/4001/p2p/12D3KooW... \\\n")
-	fmt.Printf("    --cluster-secret <64-hex-secret>\n\n")
+	fmt.Printf("    --cluster-secret <64-hex-secret> --swarm-key <64-hex-swarm-key>\n\n")
 	fmt.Printf("  # Upgrade\n")
 	fmt.Printf("  sudo orama upgrade --restart\n\n")
 	fmt.Printf("  # Service management\n")
@@ -336,6 +366,9 @@ func handleProdInstall(args []string) {
 	joinAddress := fs.String("join", "", "RQLite join address (IP:port) to join existing cluster")
 	branch := fs.String("branch", "main", "Git branch to use (main or nightly)")
 	clusterSecret := fs.String("cluster-secret", "", "Hex-encoded 32-byte cluster secret (for joining existing cluster)")
+	swarmKey := fs.String("swarm-key", "", "64-hex IPFS swarm key (for joining existing private network)")
+	ipfsPeerID := fs.String("ipfs-peer", "", "IPFS peer ID to connect to (auto-discovered from peer domain)")
+	ipfsAddrs := fs.String("ipfs-addrs", "", "Comma-separated IPFS swarm addresses (auto-discovered from peer domain)")
 	interactive := fs.Bool("interactive", false, "Run interactive TUI installer")
 	dryRun := fs.Bool("dry-run", false, "Show what would be done without making changes")
 	noPull := fs.Bool("no-pull", false, "Skip git clone/pull, use existing /home/debros/src")
@@ -398,6 +431,17 @@ func handleProdInstall(args []string) {
 			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "❌ Invalid --cluster-secret: %v\n", err)
 			os.Exit(1)
 		}
+		// Swarm key is required when joining
+		if *swarmKey == "" {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "❌ --swarm-key is required when joining an existing cluster\n")
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "   Provide the 64-hex swarm key from an existing node:\n")
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "   cat ~/.orama/secrets/swarm.key | tail -1\n")
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
+		if err := validateSwarmKey(*swarmKey); err != nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "❌ Invalid --swarm-key: %v\n", err)
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
 	}
 
 	oramaHome := "/home/debros"
@@ -418,6 +462,32 @@ func handleProdInstall(args []string) {
 		fmt.Printf("  ✓ Cluster secret saved\n")
 	}
 
+	// If swarm key was provided, save it to secrets directory in full format
+	if *swarmKey != "" {
+		secretsDir := filepath.Join(oramaDir, "secrets")
+		if err := os.MkdirAll(secretsDir, 0755); err != nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "❌ Failed to create secrets directory: %v\n", err)
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
+		// Convert 64-hex key to full swarm.key format
+		swarmKeyContent := fmt.Sprintf("/key/swarm/psk/1.0.0/\n/base16/\n%s\n", strings.ToUpper(*swarmKey))
+		swarmKeyPath := filepath.Join(secretsDir, "swarm.key")
+		if err := os.WriteFile(swarmKeyPath, []byte(swarmKeyContent), 0600); err != nil {
+			fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "❌ Failed to save swarm key: %v\n", err)
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
+		fmt.Printf("  ✓ Swarm key saved\n")
+	}
+
+	// Store IPFS peer info for later use in IPFS configuration
+	var ipfsPeerInfo *IPFSPeerInfo
+	if *ipfsPeerID != "" && *ipfsAddrs != "" {
+		ipfsPeerInfo = &IPFSPeerInfo{
+			PeerID: *ipfsPeerID,
+			Addrs:  strings.Split(*ipfsAddrs, ","),
+		}
+	}
+
 	setup := production.NewProductionSetup(oramaHome, os.Stdout, *force, *branch, *noPull, *skipResourceChecks)
 
 	// Inform user if skipping git pull
@@ -480,7 +550,14 @@ func handleProdInstall(args []string) {
 
 	// Phase 2c: Initialize services (after secrets are in place)
 	fmt.Printf("\nPhase 2c: Initializing services...\n")
-	if err := setup.Phase2cInitializeServices(peers, *vpsIP); err != nil {
+	var prodIPFSPeer *production.IPFSPeerInfo
+	if ipfsPeerInfo != nil {
+		prodIPFSPeer = &production.IPFSPeerInfo{
+			PeerID: ipfsPeerInfo.PeerID,
+			Addrs:  ipfsPeerInfo.Addrs,
+		}
+	}
+	if err := setup.Phase2cInitializeServices(peers, *vpsIP, prodIPFSPeer); err != nil {
 		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "❌ Service initialization failed: %v\n", err)
 		os.Exit(1)
 	}
@@ -508,17 +585,37 @@ func handleProdInstall(args []string) {
 		os.Exit(1)
 	}
 
-	// Verify all services are running correctly with exponential backoff retries
-	fmt.Printf("\n⏳ Verifying services are healthy...\n")
-	if err := verifyProductionRuntimeWithRetry("prod install", 5, 3*time.Second); err != nil {
-		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "❌ %v\n", err)
-		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "   Installation completed but services are not healthy. Check logs with: orama logs <service>\n")
-		os.Exit(1)
-	}
-
 	// Log completion with actual peer ID
 	setup.LogSetupComplete(setup.NodePeerID)
-	fmt.Printf("✅ Production installation complete and healthy!\n\n")
+	fmt.Printf("✅ Production installation complete!\n\n")
+
+	// For first node, print important secrets and identifiers
+	if isFirstNode {
+		fmt.Printf("📋 Save these for joining future nodes:\n\n")
+
+		// Print cluster secret
+		clusterSecretPath := filepath.Join(oramaDir, "secrets", "cluster-secret")
+		if clusterSecretData, err := os.ReadFile(clusterSecretPath); err == nil {
+			fmt.Printf("  Cluster Secret (--cluster-secret):\n")
+			fmt.Printf("    %s\n\n", string(clusterSecretData))
+		}
+
+		// Print swarm key
+		swarmKeyPath := filepath.Join(oramaDir, "secrets", "swarm.key")
+		if swarmKeyData, err := os.ReadFile(swarmKeyPath); err == nil {
+			swarmKeyContent := strings.TrimSpace(string(swarmKeyData))
+			lines := strings.Split(swarmKeyContent, "\n")
+			if len(lines) >= 3 {
+				// Extract just the hex part (last line)
+				fmt.Printf("  IPFS Swarm Key (--swarm-key, last line only):\n")
+				fmt.Printf("    %s\n\n", lines[len(lines)-1])
+			}
+		}
+
+		// Print peer ID
+		fmt.Printf("  Node Peer ID:\n")
+		fmt.Printf("    %s\n\n", setup.NodePeerID)
+	}
 }
 
 func handleProdUpgrade(args []string) {
@@ -781,8 +878,9 @@ func handleProdUpgrade(args []string) {
 
 	// Phase 2c: Ensure services are properly initialized (fixes existing repos)
 	// Now that we have peers and VPS IP, we can properly configure IPFS Cluster
+	// Note: IPFS peer info is nil for upgrades - peering is only configured during initial install
 	fmt.Printf("\nPhase 2c: Ensuring services are properly initialized...\n")
-	if err := setup.Phase2cInitializeServices(peers, vpsIP); err != nil {
+	if err := setup.Phase2cInitializeServices(peers, vpsIP, nil); err != nil {
 		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "❌ Service initialization failed: %v\n", err)
 		os.Exit(1)
 	}
@@ -818,14 +916,6 @@ func handleProdUpgrade(args []string) {
 				}
 			}
 			fmt.Printf("   ✓ All services restarted\n")
-			// Verify services are healthy after restart with exponential backoff
-			fmt.Printf("   ⏳ Verifying services are healthy...\n")
-			if err := verifyProductionRuntimeWithRetry("prod upgrade --restart", 5, 3*time.Second); err != nil {
-				fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "❌ %v\n", err)
-				fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "   Upgrade completed but services are not healthy. Check logs with: orama logs <service>\n")
-				os.Exit(1)
-			}
-			fmt.Printf("   ✅ All services verified healthy\n")
 		}
 	} else {
 		fmt.Printf("   To apply changes, restart services:\n")
@@ -1109,109 +1199,12 @@ func ensurePortsAvailable(action string, ports []portSpec) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
-func checkHTTP(client *http.Client, method, url, label string) error {
-	req, err := http.NewRequest(method, url, nil)
-	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("%s check failed: %w", label, err)
-	}
-	resp, err := client.Do(req)
-	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("%s check failed: %w", label, err)
-	}
-	defer resp.Body.Close()
-	if resp.StatusCode < 200 || resp.StatusCode >= 300 {
-		return fmt.Errorf("%s returned HTTP %d", label, resp.StatusCode)
-	}
-	return nil
-}
-
-func serviceExists(name string) bool {
-	unitPath := filepath.Join("/etc/systemd/system", name+".service")
-	_, err := os.Stat(unitPath)
-	return err == nil
-}
-
-// verifyProductionRuntimeWithRetry verifies services with exponential backoff retries
-func verifyProductionRuntimeWithRetry(action string, maxAttempts int, initialWait time.Duration) error {
-	wait := initialWait
-	var lastErr error
-
-	for attempt := 1; attempt <= maxAttempts; attempt++ {
-		lastErr = verifyProductionRuntime(action)
-		if lastErr == nil {
-			return nil
-		}
-
-		if attempt < maxAttempts {
-			fmt.Printf("  ⏳ Services not ready (attempt %d/%d), waiting %v...\n", attempt, maxAttempts, wait)
-			time.Sleep(wait)
-			// Exponential backoff with cap at 30 seconds
-			wait = wait * 2
-			if wait > 30*time.Second {
-				wait = 30 * time.Second
-			}
-		}
-	}
-
-	return lastErr
-}
-
-func verifyProductionRuntime(action string) error {
-	services := getProductionServices()
-	issues := make([]string, 0)
-
-	for _, svc := range services {
-		active, err := isServiceActive(svc)
-		if err != nil {
-			issues = append(issues, fmt.Sprintf("%s status unknown (%v)", svc, err))
-			continue
-		}
-		if !active {
-			issues = append(issues, fmt.Sprintf("%s is inactive", svc))
-		}
-	}
-
-	client := tlsutil.NewHTTPClient(3 * time.Second)
-
-	if err := checkHTTP(client, "GET", "http://127.0.0.1:5001/status", "RQLite status"); err == nil {
-	} else if serviceExists("debros-node") {
-		issues = append(issues, err.Error())
-	}
-
-	if err := checkHTTP(client, "POST", "http://127.0.0.1:4501/api/v0/version", "IPFS API"); err == nil {
-	} else if serviceExists("debros-ipfs") {
-		issues = append(issues, err.Error())
-	}
-
-	if err := checkHTTP(client, "GET", "http://127.0.0.1:9094/health", "IPFS Cluster"); err == nil {
-	} else if serviceExists("debros-ipfs-cluster") {
-		issues = append(issues, err.Error())
-	}
-
-	if err := checkHTTP(client, "GET", "http://127.0.0.1:6001/health", "Gateway health"); err == nil {
-	} else if serviceExists("debros-node") {
-		// Gateway is now embedded in node, check debros-node instead
-		issues = append(issues, err.Error())
-	}
-
-	if err := checkHTTP(client, "GET", "http://127.0.0.1:3320/ping", "Olric ping"); err == nil {
-	} else if serviceExists("debros-olric") {
-		issues = append(issues, err.Error())
-	}
-
-	if len(issues) > 0 {
-		return fmt.Errorf("%s verification failed:\n  - %s", action, strings.Join(issues, "\n  - "))
-	}
-	return nil
-}
-
 // getProductionServices returns a list of all DeBros production service names that exist
 func getProductionServices() []string {
 	// Unified service names (no bootstrap/node distinction)
 	allServices := []string{
 		"debros-gateway",
 		"debros-node",
-		"debros-rqlite",
 		"debros-olric",
 		"debros-ipfs-cluster",
 		"debros-ipfs",
@@ -1340,17 +1333,7 @@ func handleProdStart() {
 	fmt.Printf("  ⏳ Waiting for services to initialize...\n")
 	time.Sleep(5 * time.Second)
 
-	// Verify all services are healthy with exponential backoff retries
-	fmt.Printf("  ⏳ Verifying services are healthy...\n")
-	if err := verifyProductionRuntimeWithRetry("prod start", 6, 2*time.Second); err != nil {
-		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "❌ %v\n", err)
-		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "\n   Services may still be starting. Check status with:\n")
-		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "   systemctl status debros-*\n")
-		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "   orama logs <service>\n")
-		os.Exit(1)
-	}
-
-	fmt.Printf("\n✅ All services started and healthy\n")
+	fmt.Printf("\n✅ All services started\n")
 }
 
 func handleProdStop() {
@@ -1508,14 +1491,7 @@ func handleProdRestart() {
 		}
 	}
 
-	// Verify all services are healthy with exponential backoff retries
-	fmt.Printf("  ⏳ Verifying services are healthy...\n")
-	if err := verifyProductionRuntimeWithRetry("prod restart", 5, 3*time.Second); err != nil {
-		fmt.Fprintf(os.Stderr, "❌ %v\n", err)
-		os.Exit(1)
-	}
-
-	fmt.Printf("\n✅ All services restarted and healthy\n")
+	fmt.Printf("\n✅ All services restarted\n")
 }
 
 func handleProdUninstall() {
@@ -1540,7 +1516,6 @@ func handleProdUninstall() {
 	services := []string{
 		"debros-gateway",
 		"debros-node",
-		"debros-rqlite",
 		"debros-olric",
 		"debros-ipfs-cluster",
 		"debros-ipfs",
diff --git a/pkg/client/implementations.go b/pkg/client/implementations.go
index 43f9564..1eccec5 100644
--- a/pkg/client/implementations.go
+++ b/pkg/client/implementations.go
@@ -2,7 +2,9 @@ package client
 
 import (
 	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
 	"fmt"
+	"net/http"
 	"strings"
 	"sync"
 	"time"
@@ -504,15 +506,58 @@ func (n *NetworkInfoImpl) GetStatus(ctx context.Context) (*NetworkStatus, error)
 		}
 	}
 
+	// Try to get IPFS peer info (optional - don't fail if unavailable)
+	ipfsInfo := queryIPFSPeerInfo()
+
 	return &NetworkStatus{
 		NodeID:       host.ID().String(),
+		PeerID:       host.ID().String(),
 		Connected:    true,
 		PeerCount:    len(connectedPeers),
 		DatabaseSize: dbSize,
 		Uptime:       time.Since(n.client.startTime),
+		IPFS:         ipfsInfo,
 	}, nil
 }
 
+// queryIPFSPeerInfo queries the local IPFS API for peer information
+// Returns nil if IPFS is not running or unavailable
+func queryIPFSPeerInfo() *IPFSPeerInfo {
+	// IPFS API typically runs on port 4501 in our setup
+	client := &http.Client{Timeout: 2 * time.Second}
+	resp, err := client.Post("http://localhost:4501/api/v0/id", "", nil)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil // IPFS not available
+	}
+	defer resp.Body.Close()
+
+	if resp.StatusCode != http.StatusOK {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	var result struct {
+		ID        string   `json:"ID"`
+		Addresses []string `json:"Addresses"`
+	}
+	if err := json.NewDecoder(resp.Body).Decode(&result); err != nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	// Filter addresses to only include public/routable ones
+	var swarmAddrs []string
+	for _, addr := range result.Addresses {
+		// Skip loopback and private addresses for external discovery
+		if !strings.Contains(addr, "127.0.0.1") && !strings.Contains(addr, "/ip6/::1") {
+			swarmAddrs = append(swarmAddrs, addr)
+		}
+	}
+
+	return &IPFSPeerInfo{
+		PeerID:         result.ID,
+		SwarmAddresses: swarmAddrs,
+	}
+}
+
 // ConnectToPeer connects to a specific peer
 func (n *NetworkInfoImpl) ConnectToPeer(ctx context.Context, peerAddr string) error {
 	if !n.client.isConnected() {
diff --git a/pkg/client/interface.go b/pkg/client/interface.go
index bae966e..b4de258 100644
--- a/pkg/client/interface.go
+++ b/pkg/client/interface.go
@@ -115,10 +115,18 @@ type PeerInfo struct {
 // NetworkStatus contains overall network status
 type NetworkStatus struct {
 	NodeID       string        `json:"node_id"`
+	PeerID       string        `json:"peer_id"`
 	Connected    bool          `json:"connected"`
 	PeerCount    int           `json:"peer_count"`
 	DatabaseSize int64         `json:"database_size"`
 	Uptime       time.Duration `json:"uptime"`
+	IPFS         *IPFSPeerInfo `json:"ipfs,omitempty"`
+}
+
+// IPFSPeerInfo contains IPFS peer information for discovery
+type IPFSPeerInfo struct {
+	PeerID         string   `json:"peer_id"`
+	SwarmAddresses []string `json:"swarm_addresses"`
 }
 
 // HealthStatus contains health check information
diff --git a/pkg/config/config.go b/pkg/config/config.go
index ab5b6c9..2750b0d 100644
--- a/pkg/config/config.go
+++ b/pkg/config/config.go
@@ -38,6 +38,13 @@ type DatabaseConfig struct {
 	RQLiteRaftPort    int    `yaml:"rqlite_raft_port"`    // RQLite Raft consensus port
 	RQLiteJoinAddress string `yaml:"rqlite_join_address"` // Address to join RQLite cluster
 
+	// RQLite node-to-node TLS encryption (for inter-node Raft communication)
+	// See: https://rqlite.io/docs/guides/security/#encrypting-node-to-node-communication
+	NodeCert     string `yaml:"node_cert"`      // Path to X.509 certificate for node-to-node communication
+	NodeKey      string `yaml:"node_key"`       // Path to X.509 private key for node-to-node communication
+	NodeCACert   string `yaml:"node_ca_cert"`   // Path to CA certificate (optional, uses system CA if not set)
+	NodeNoVerify bool   `yaml:"node_no_verify"` // Skip certificate verification (for testing/self-signed certs)
+
 	// Dynamic discovery configuration (always enabled)
 	ClusterSyncInterval time.Duration `yaml:"cluster_sync_interval"` // default: 30s
 	PeerInactivityLimit time.Duration `yaml:"peer_inactivity_limit"` // default: 24h
diff --git a/pkg/environments/development/config.go b/pkg/environments/development/config.go
index e83ec8b..66b4904 100644
--- a/pkg/environments/development/config.go
+++ b/pkg/environments/development/config.go
@@ -178,9 +178,11 @@ func (ce *ConfigEnsurer) ensureOlric() error {
 
 	topology := DefaultTopology()
 	data := templates.OlricConfigData{
-		BindAddr:       "127.0.0.1",
-		HTTPPort:       topology.OlricHTTPPort,
-		MemberlistPort: topology.OlricMemberPort,
+		ServerBindAddr:        "127.0.0.1",
+		HTTPPort:              topology.OlricHTTPPort,
+		MemberlistBindAddr:    "127.0.0.1", // localhost for development
+		MemberlistPort:        topology.OlricMemberPort,
+		MemberlistEnvironment: "local", // development environment
 	}
 
 	config, err := templates.RenderOlricConfig(data)
diff --git a/pkg/environments/production/config.go b/pkg/environments/production/config.go
index cdcc23b..c5167eb 100644
--- a/pkg/environments/production/config.go
+++ b/pkg/environments/production/config.go
@@ -175,6 +175,18 @@ func (cg *ConfigGenerator) GenerateNodeConfig(peerAddresses []string, vpsIP stri
 		HTTPPort:               httpPort,
 		HTTPSPort:              httpsPort,
 	}
+
+	// When HTTPS/SNI is enabled, configure RQLite node-to-node TLS encryption
+	// This allows Raft traffic to be routed through the SNI gateway
+	// Uses the same certificates as the SNI gateway (Let's Encrypt or self-signed)
+	if enableHTTPS && domain != "" {
+		data.NodeCert = filepath.Join(tlsCacheDir, domain+".crt")
+		data.NodeKey = filepath.Join(tlsCacheDir, domain+".key")
+		// Skip verification since nodes may have different domain certificates
+		// and we're routing through the SNI gateway which terminates TLS
+		data.NodeNoVerify = true
+	}
+
 	return templates.RenderNodeConfig(data)
 }
 
@@ -200,11 +212,13 @@ func (cg *ConfigGenerator) GenerateGatewayConfig(peerAddresses []string, enableH
 }
 
 // GenerateOlricConfig generates Olric configuration
-func (cg *ConfigGenerator) GenerateOlricConfig(bindAddr string, httpPort, memberlistPort int) (string, error) {
+func (cg *ConfigGenerator) GenerateOlricConfig(serverBindAddr string, httpPort int, memberlistBindAddr string, memberlistPort int, memberlistEnv string) (string, error) {
 	data := templates.OlricConfigData{
-		BindAddr:       bindAddr,
-		HTTPPort:       httpPort,
-		MemberlistPort: memberlistPort,
+		ServerBindAddr:        serverBindAddr,
+		HTTPPort:              httpPort,
+		MemberlistBindAddr:    memberlistBindAddr,
+		MemberlistPort:        memberlistPort,
+		MemberlistEnvironment: memberlistEnv,
 	}
 	return templates.RenderOlricConfig(data)
 }
diff --git a/pkg/environments/production/installers.go b/pkg/environments/production/installers.go
index 3b579f6..1c34294 100644
--- a/pkg/environments/production/installers.go
+++ b/pkg/environments/production/installers.go
@@ -412,8 +412,15 @@ func (bi *BinaryInstaller) InstallSystemDependencies() error {
 	return nil
 }
 
+// IPFSPeerInfo holds IPFS peer information for configuring Peering.Peers
+type IPFSPeerInfo struct {
+	PeerID string
+	Addrs  []string
+}
+
 // InitializeIPFSRepo initializes an IPFS repository for a node (unified - no bootstrap/node distinction)
-func (bi *BinaryInstaller) InitializeIPFSRepo(ipfsRepoPath string, swarmKeyPath string, apiPort, gatewayPort, swarmPort int) error {
+// If ipfsPeer is provided, configures Peering.Peers for peer discovery in private networks
+func (bi *BinaryInstaller) InitializeIPFSRepo(ipfsRepoPath string, swarmKeyPath string, apiPort, gatewayPort, swarmPort int, ipfsPeer *IPFSPeerInfo) error {
 	configPath := filepath.Join(ipfsRepoPath, "config")
 	repoExists := false
 	if _, err := os.Stat(configPath); err == nil {
@@ -494,6 +501,14 @@ func (bi *BinaryInstaller) InitializeIPFSRepo(ipfsRepoPath string, swarmKeyPath
 				return fmt.Errorf("failed while %s: %v\n%s", step.desc, err, string(output))
 			}
 		}
+
+		// Configure Peering.Peers if we have peer info (for private network discovery)
+		if ipfsPeer != nil && ipfsPeer.PeerID != "" && len(ipfsPeer.Addrs) > 0 {
+			fmt.Fprintf(bi.logWriter, "    Configuring Peering.Peers for private network discovery...\n")
+			if err := bi.configureIPFSPeering(ipfsRepoPath, ipfsPeer); err != nil {
+				return fmt.Errorf("failed to configure IPFS peering: %w", err)
+			}
+		}
 	}
 
 	// Fix ownership (best-effort, don't fail if it doesn't work)
@@ -555,6 +570,53 @@ func (bi *BinaryInstaller) configureIPFSAddresses(ipfsRepoPath string, apiPort,
 	return nil
 }
 
+// configureIPFSPeering configures Peering.Peers in the IPFS config for private network discovery
+// This allows nodes in a private swarm to find each other even without bootstrap peers
+func (bi *BinaryInstaller) configureIPFSPeering(ipfsRepoPath string, peer *IPFSPeerInfo) error {
+	configPath := filepath.Join(ipfsRepoPath, "config")
+
+	// Read existing config
+	data, err := os.ReadFile(configPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed to read IPFS config: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	var config map[string]interface{}
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(data, &config); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed to parse IPFS config: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// Get existing Peering section or create new one
+	peering, ok := config["Peering"].(map[string]interface{})
+	if !ok {
+		peering = make(map[string]interface{})
+	}
+
+	// Create peer entry
+	peerEntry := map[string]interface{}{
+		"ID":    peer.PeerID,
+		"Addrs": peer.Addrs,
+	}
+
+	// Set Peering.Peers
+	peering["Peers"] = []interface{}{peerEntry}
+	config["Peering"] = peering
+
+	fmt.Fprintf(bi.logWriter, "      Adding peer: %s (%d addresses)\n", peer.PeerID, len(peer.Addrs))
+
+	// Write config back
+	updatedData, err := json.MarshalIndent(config, "", "  ")
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed to marshal IPFS config: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	if err := os.WriteFile(configPath, updatedData, 0600); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("failed to write IPFS config: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
 // InitializeIPFSClusterConfig initializes IPFS Cluster configuration (unified - no bootstrap/node distinction)
 // This runs `ipfs-cluster-service init` to create the service.json configuration file.
 // For existing installations, it ensures the cluster secret is up to date.
diff --git a/pkg/environments/production/orchestrator.go b/pkg/environments/production/orchestrator.go
index 72d9e71..91bf9c6 100644
--- a/pkg/environments/production/orchestrator.go
+++ b/pkg/environments/production/orchestrator.go
@@ -272,7 +272,8 @@ func (ps *ProductionSetup) Phase2bInstallBinaries() error {
 }
 
 // Phase2cInitializeServices initializes service repositories and configurations
-func (ps *ProductionSetup) Phase2cInitializeServices(peerAddresses []string, vpsIP string) error {
+// ipfsPeer can be nil for the first node, or contain peer info for joining nodes
+func (ps *ProductionSetup) Phase2cInitializeServices(peerAddresses []string, vpsIP string, ipfsPeer *IPFSPeerInfo) error {
 	ps.logf("Phase 2c: Initializing services...")
 
 	// Ensure directories exist (unified structure)
@@ -286,7 +287,7 @@ func (ps *ProductionSetup) Phase2cInitializeServices(peerAddresses []string, vps
 	// Initialize IPFS repo with correct path structure
 	// Use port 4501 for API (to avoid conflict with RQLite on 5001), 8080 for gateway (standard), 4101 for swarm (to avoid conflict with LibP2P on 4001)
 	ipfsRepoPath := filepath.Join(dataDir, "ipfs", "repo")
-	if err := ps.binaryInstaller.InitializeIPFSRepo(ipfsRepoPath, filepath.Join(ps.oramaDir, "secrets", "swarm.key"), 4501, 8080, 4101); err != nil {
+	if err := ps.binaryInstaller.InitializeIPFSRepo(ipfsRepoPath, filepath.Join(ps.oramaDir, "secrets", "swarm.key"), 4501, 8080, 4101, ipfsPeer); err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("failed to initialize IPFS repo: %w", err)
 	}
 
@@ -379,10 +380,17 @@ func (ps *ProductionSetup) Phase4GenerateConfigs(peerAddresses []string, vpsIP s
 	// Gateway configuration is now embedded in each node's config
 	// No separate gateway.yaml needed - each node runs its own embedded gateway
 
-	// Olric config - bind to localhost for security
-	// External access goes through the HTTP gateway
-	olricBindAddr := "127.0.0.1"
-	olricConfig, err := ps.configGenerator.GenerateOlricConfig(olricBindAddr, 3320, 3322)
+	// Olric config:
+	// - HTTP API binds to localhost for security (accessed via gateway)
+	// - Memberlist binds to 0.0.0.0 for cluster communication across nodes
+	// - Environment "lan" for production multi-node clustering
+	olricConfig, err := ps.configGenerator.GenerateOlricConfig(
+		"127.0.0.1", // HTTP API on localhost
+		3320,
+		"0.0.0.0", // Memberlist on all interfaces for clustering
+		3322,
+		"lan", // Production environment
+	)
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("failed to generate olric config: %w", err)
 	}
@@ -417,11 +425,6 @@ func (ps *ProductionSetup) Phase5CreateSystemdServices(enableHTTPS bool) error {
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("ipfs-cluster-service binary not available: %w", err)
 	}
-	// RQLite binary for separate service
-	rqliteBinary, err := ps.binaryInstaller.ResolveBinaryPath("rqlited", "/usr/local/bin/rqlited", "/usr/bin/rqlited")
-	if err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("rqlited binary not available: %w", err)
-	}
 	olricBinary, err := ps.binaryInstaller.ResolveBinaryPath("olric-server", "/usr/local/bin/olric-server", "/usr/bin/olric-server")
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("olric-server binary not available: %w", err)
@@ -441,17 +444,7 @@ func (ps *ProductionSetup) Phase5CreateSystemdServices(enableHTTPS bool) error {
 	}
 	ps.logf("  ✓ IPFS Cluster service created: debros-ipfs-cluster.service")
 
-	// RQLite service (join address and advertise IP will be handled by node bootstrap)
-	// When HTTPS/SNI is enabled, RQLite listens on internal port 7002 (SNI gateway handles external 7001)
-	raftPort := 7001
-	if enableHTTPS {
-		raftPort = 7002
-	}
-	rqliteUnit := ps.serviceGenerator.GenerateRQLiteService(rqliteBinary, 5001, raftPort, "", "")
-	if err := ps.serviceController.WriteServiceUnit("debros-rqlite.service", rqliteUnit); err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("failed to write RQLite service: %w", err)
-	}
-	ps.logf("  ✓ RQLite service created: debros-rqlite.service")
+	// RQLite is managed internally by each node - no separate systemd service needed
 
 	// Olric service
 	olricUnit := ps.serviceGenerator.GenerateOlricService(olricBinary)
@@ -482,7 +475,8 @@ func (ps *ProductionSetup) Phase5CreateSystemdServices(enableHTTPS bool) error {
 
 	// Enable services (unified names - no bootstrap/node distinction)
 	// Note: debros-gateway.service is no longer needed - each node has an embedded gateway
-	services := []string{"debros-ipfs.service", "debros-ipfs-cluster.service", "debros-rqlite.service", "debros-olric.service", "debros-node.service", "debros-anyone-client.service"}
+	// Note: debros-rqlite.service is NOT created - RQLite is managed by each node internally
+	services := []string{"debros-ipfs.service", "debros-ipfs-cluster.service", "debros-olric.service", "debros-node.service", "debros-anyone-client.service"}
 	for _, svc := range services {
 		if err := ps.serviceController.EnableService(svc); err != nil {
 			ps.logf("  ⚠️  Failed to enable %s: %v", svc, err)
@@ -494,7 +488,7 @@ func (ps *ProductionSetup) Phase5CreateSystemdServices(enableHTTPS bool) error {
 	// Start services in dependency order
 	ps.logf("  Starting services...")
 
-	// Start infrastructure first (IPFS, Olric, Anyone Client) - RQLite is managed by node
+	// Start infrastructure first (IPFS, Olric, Anyone Client) - RQLite is managed internally by each node
 	infraServices := []string{"debros-ipfs.service", "debros-olric.service"}
 	
 	// Check if port 9050 is already in use (e.g., another anyone-client or similar service)
@@ -547,13 +541,12 @@ func (ps *ProductionSetup) LogSetupComplete(peerID string) {
 	ps.logf("\nLog Files:")
 	ps.logf("  %s/logs/ipfs.log", ps.oramaDir)
 	ps.logf("  %s/logs/ipfs-cluster.log", ps.oramaDir)
-	ps.logf("  %s/logs/rqlite.log", ps.oramaDir)
 	ps.logf("  %s/logs/olric.log", ps.oramaDir)
 	ps.logf("  %s/logs/node.log", ps.oramaDir)
 	ps.logf("  %s/logs/gateway.log", ps.oramaDir)
 	ps.logf("  %s/logs/anyone-client.log", ps.oramaDir)
 	ps.logf("\nStart All Services:")
-	ps.logf("  systemctl start debros-ipfs debros-ipfs-cluster debros-rqlite debros-olric debros-anyone-client debros-node")
+	ps.logf("  systemctl start debros-ipfs debros-ipfs-cluster debros-olric debros-anyone-client debros-node")
 	ps.logf("\nVerify Installation:")
 	ps.logf("  curl http://localhost:6001/health")
 	ps.logf("  curl http://localhost:5001/status")
diff --git a/pkg/environments/production/provisioner.go b/pkg/environments/production/provisioner.go
index d11edfc..d095dbe 100644
--- a/pkg/environments/production/provisioner.go
+++ b/pkg/environments/production/provisioner.go
@@ -52,7 +52,9 @@ func (fp *FilesystemProvisioner) EnsureDirectoryStructure() error {
 	// The correct location is .orama/secrets/cluster-secret
 	strayClusterSecret := filepath.Join(fp.oramaDir, "cluster-secret")
 	if _, err := os.Stat(strayClusterSecret); err == nil {
-		os.Remove(strayClusterSecret)
+		if err := os.Remove(strayClusterSecret); err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("failed to remove stray cluster-secret file: %w", err)
+		}
 	}
 
 	// Create log files with correct permissions so systemd can write to them
@@ -63,7 +65,6 @@ func (fp *FilesystemProvisioner) EnsureDirectoryStructure() error {
 		"ipfs.log",
 		"ipfs-cluster.log",
 		"node.log",
-		"rqlite.log",
 		"anyone-client.log",
 	}
 
diff --git a/pkg/environments/production/services.go b/pkg/environments/production/services.go
index 3f181dd..10136b6 100644
--- a/pkg/environments/production/services.go
+++ b/pkg/environments/production/services.go
@@ -115,7 +115,6 @@ WantedBy=multi-user.target
 // GenerateRQLiteService generates the RQLite systemd unit
 func (ssg *SystemdServiceGenerator) GenerateRQLiteService(rqliteBinary string, httpPort, raftPort int, joinAddr string, advertiseIP string) string {
 	dataDir := filepath.Join(ssg.oramaDir, "data", "rqlite")
-	logFile := filepath.Join(ssg.oramaDir, "logs", "rqlite.log")
 
 	// Use public IP for advertise if provided, otherwise default to localhost
 	if advertiseIP == "" {
@@ -164,7 +163,7 @@ ReadWritePaths=%[4]s
 
 [Install]
 WantedBy=multi-user.target
-`, ssg.oramaHome, args, logFile, ssg.oramaDir, rqliteBinary)
+`, ssg.oramaHome, args, ssg.oramaDir, rqliteBinary)
 }
 
 // GenerateOlricService generates the Olric systemd unit
@@ -213,9 +212,8 @@ func (ssg *SystemdServiceGenerator) GenerateNodeService() string {
 
 	return fmt.Sprintf(`[Unit]
 Description=DeBros Network Node
-After=debros-ipfs-cluster.service debros-rqlite.service
-Wants=debros-ipfs-cluster.service debros-rqlite.service
-Requires=debros-ipfs-cluster.service debros-rqlite.service
+After=debros-ipfs-cluster.service debros-olric.service
+Wants=debros-ipfs-cluster.service debros-olric.service
 
 [Service]
 Type=simple
diff --git a/pkg/environments/templates/node.yaml b/pkg/environments/templates/node.yaml
index 764f3da..bd1cb5a 100644
--- a/pkg/environments/templates/node.yaml
+++ b/pkg/environments/templates/node.yaml
@@ -15,9 +15,14 @@ database:
   rqlite_port: {{.RQLiteHTTPPort}}
   rqlite_raft_port: {{.RQLiteRaftInternalPort}}
   rqlite_join_address: "{{.RQLiteJoinAddress}}"
-  cluster_sync_interval: "30s"
+  {{if .NodeCert}}# Node-to-node TLS encryption for Raft communication (required for SNI gateway routing)
+  node_cert: "{{.NodeCert}}"
+  node_key: "{{.NodeKey}}"
+  {{if .NodeCACert}}node_ca_cert: "{{.NodeCACert}}"
+  {{end}}{{if .NodeNoVerify}}node_no_verify: true
+  {{end}}{{end}}cluster_sync_interval: "30s"
   peer_inactivity_limit: "24h"
-  min_cluster_size: 3
+  min_cluster_size: 1
   ipfs:
     cluster_api_url: "http://localhost:{{.ClusterAPIPort}}"
     api_url: "http://localhost:{{.IPFSAPIPort}}"
diff --git a/pkg/environments/templates/olric.yaml b/pkg/environments/templates/olric.yaml
index cb5f85b..c1d00cc 100644
--- a/pkg/environments/templates/olric.yaml
+++ b/pkg/environments/templates/olric.yaml
@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
 server:
-  bindAddr: "{{.BindAddr}}"
+  bindAddr: "{{.ServerBindAddr}}"
   bindPort: { { .HTTPPort } }
 
 memberlist:
-  environment: local
-  bindAddr: "{{.BindAddr}}"
+  environment: { { .MemberlistEnvironment } }
+  bindAddr: "{{.MemberlistBindAddr}}"
   bindPort: { { .MemberlistPort } }
diff --git a/pkg/environments/templates/render.go b/pkg/environments/templates/render.go
index baeb020..0ee2209 100644
--- a/pkg/environments/templates/render.go
+++ b/pkg/environments/templates/render.go
@@ -31,6 +31,13 @@ type NodeConfigData struct {
 	TLSCacheDir            string // Directory for ACME certificate cache
 	HTTPPort               int    // HTTP port for ACME challenges (usually 80)
 	HTTPSPort              int    // HTTPS port (usually 443)
+
+	// Node-to-node TLS encryption for RQLite Raft communication
+	// Required when using SNI gateway for Raft traffic routing
+	NodeCert     string // Path to X.509 certificate for node-to-node communication
+	NodeKey      string // Path to X.509 private key for node-to-node communication
+	NodeCACert   string // Path to CA certificate (optional)
+	NodeNoVerify bool   // Skip certificate verification (for self-signed certs)
 }
 
 // GatewayConfigData holds parameters for gateway.yaml rendering
@@ -48,9 +55,11 @@ type GatewayConfigData struct {
 
 // OlricConfigData holds parameters for olric.yaml rendering
 type OlricConfigData struct {
-	BindAddr       string
-	HTTPPort       int
-	MemberlistPort int
+	ServerBindAddr        string // HTTP API bind address (127.0.0.1 for security)
+	HTTPPort              int
+	MemberlistBindAddr    string // Memberlist bind address (0.0.0.0 for clustering)
+	MemberlistPort        int
+	MemberlistEnvironment string // "local", "lan", or "wan"
 }
 
 // SystemdIPFSData holds parameters for systemd IPFS service rendering
diff --git a/pkg/environments/templates/render_test.go b/pkg/environments/templates/render_test.go
index 54ee93e..3123f64 100644
--- a/pkg/environments/templates/render_test.go
+++ b/pkg/environments/templates/render_test.go
@@ -74,9 +74,11 @@ func TestRenderGatewayConfig(t *testing.T) {
 
 func TestRenderOlricConfig(t *testing.T) {
 	data := OlricConfigData{
-		BindAddr:       "127.0.0.1",
-		HTTPPort:       3320,
-		MemberlistPort: 3322,
+		ServerBindAddr:        "127.0.0.1",
+		HTTPPort:              3320,
+		MemberlistBindAddr:    "0.0.0.0",
+		MemberlistPort:        3322,
+		MemberlistEnvironment: "lan",
 	}
 
 	result, err := RenderOlricConfig(data)
@@ -90,6 +92,7 @@ func TestRenderOlricConfig(t *testing.T) {
 		"bindPort: 3320",
 		"memberlist",
 		"bindPort: 3322",
+		"environment: lan",
 	}
 
 	for _, check := range checks {
diff --git a/pkg/gateway/gateway.go b/pkg/gateway/gateway.go
index dfb1c62..118e784 100644
--- a/pkg/gateway/gateway.go
+++ b/pkg/gateway/gateway.go
@@ -37,6 +37,7 @@ type Config struct {
 	ListenAddr      string
 	ClientNamespace string
 	BootstrapPeers  []string
+	NodePeerID      string // The node's actual peer ID from its identity file
 
 	// Optional DSN for rqlite database/sql driver, e.g. "http://localhost:4001"
 	// If empty, defaults to "http://localhost:4001".
@@ -60,12 +61,13 @@ type Config struct {
 }
 
 type Gateway struct {
-	logger     *logging.ColoredLogger
-	cfg        *Config
-	client     client.NetworkClient
-	startedAt  time.Time
-	signingKey *rsa.PrivateKey
-	keyID      string
+	logger       *logging.ColoredLogger
+	cfg          *Config
+	client       client.NetworkClient
+	nodePeerID   string // The node's actual peer ID from its identity file (overrides client's peer ID)
+	startedAt    time.Time
+	signingKey   *rsa.PrivateKey
+	keyID        string
 
 	// rqlite SQL connection and HTTP ORM gateway
 	sqlDB     *sql.DB
@@ -123,6 +125,7 @@ func New(logger *logging.ColoredLogger, cfg *Config) (*Gateway, error) {
 		logger:           logger,
 		cfg:              cfg,
 		client:           c,
+		nodePeerID:       cfg.NodePeerID,
 		startedAt:        time.Now(),
 		localSubscribers: make(map[string][]*localSubscriber),
 	}
diff --git a/pkg/gateway/https.go b/pkg/gateway/https.go
index 9e6c56a..38d63be 100644
--- a/pkg/gateway/https.go
+++ b/pkg/gateway/https.go
@@ -5,7 +5,6 @@ import (
 	"crypto/tls"
 	"fmt"
 	"net/http"
-	"os"
 	"strings"
 	"time"
 
@@ -57,21 +56,18 @@ func NewHTTPSGateway(logger *logging.ColoredLogger, cfg *config.HTTPGatewayConfi
 		)
 		// Don't set certManager - will use CertFile/KeyFile from config
 	} else if cfg.HTTPS.AutoCert {
-		// Use Let's Encrypt (existing logic)
+		// Use Let's Encrypt STAGING (consistent with SNI gateway)
 		cacheDir := cfg.HTTPS.CacheDir
 		if cacheDir == "" {
 			cacheDir = "/home/debros/.orama/tls-cache"
 		}
 
-		// Check environment for staging mode
-		directoryURL := "https://acme-v02.api.letsencrypt.org/directory" // Production
-		if os.Getenv("DEBROS_ACME_STAGING") != "" {
-			directoryURL = "https://acme-staging-v02.api.letsencrypt.org/directory"
-			logger.ComponentWarn(logging.ComponentGeneral,
-				"Using Let's Encrypt STAGING - certificates will not be trusted by production clients",
-				zap.String("domain", cfg.HTTPS.Domain),
-			)
-		}
+		// Use Let's Encrypt STAGING - provides higher rate limits for testing/development
+		directoryURL := "https://acme-staging-v02.api.letsencrypt.org/directory"
+		logger.ComponentWarn(logging.ComponentGeneral,
+			"Using Let's Encrypt STAGING - certificates will not be trusted by production clients",
+			zap.String("domain", cfg.HTTPS.Domain),
+		)
 
 		gateway.certManager = &autocert.Manager{
 			Prompt:     autocert.AcceptTOS,
@@ -86,7 +82,7 @@ func NewHTTPSGateway(logger *logging.ColoredLogger, cfg *config.HTTPGatewayConfi
 		logger.ComponentInfo(logging.ComponentGeneral, "Let's Encrypt autocert configured",
 			zap.String("domain", cfg.HTTPS.Domain),
 			zap.String("cache_dir", cacheDir),
-			zap.String("acme_environment", map[bool]string{true: "staging", false: "production"}[directoryURL == "https://acme-staging-v02.api.letsencrypt.org/directory"]),
+			zap.String("acme_environment", "staging"),
 		)
 	}
 
diff --git a/pkg/gateway/middleware.go b/pkg/gateway/middleware.go
index 198a831..6d74564 100644
--- a/pkg/gateway/middleware.go
+++ b/pkg/gateway/middleware.go
@@ -178,8 +178,13 @@ func extractAPIKey(r *http.Request) string {
 
 // isPublicPath returns true for routes that should be accessible without API key auth
 func isPublicPath(p string) bool {
+	// Allow ACME challenges for Let's Encrypt certificate provisioning
+	if strings.HasPrefix(p, "/.well-known/acme-challenge/") {
+		return true
+	}
+
 	switch p {
-	case "/health", "/v1/health", "/status", "/v1/status", "/v1/auth/jwks", "/.well-known/jwks.json", "/v1/version", "/v1/auth/login", "/v1/auth/challenge", "/v1/auth/verify", "/v1/auth/register", "/v1/auth/refresh", "/v1/auth/logout", "/v1/auth/api-key", "/v1/auth/simple-key":
+	case "/health", "/v1/health", "/status", "/v1/status", "/v1/auth/jwks", "/.well-known/jwks.json", "/v1/version", "/v1/auth/login", "/v1/auth/challenge", "/v1/auth/verify", "/v1/auth/register", "/v1/auth/refresh", "/v1/auth/logout", "/v1/auth/api-key", "/v1/auth/simple-key", "/v1/network/status", "/v1/network/peers":
 		return true
 	default:
 		return false
diff --git a/pkg/gateway/storage_handlers.go b/pkg/gateway/storage_handlers.go
index 3bb74d6..925eb29 100644
--- a/pkg/gateway/storage_handlers.go
+++ b/pkg/gateway/storage_handlers.go
@@ -386,6 +386,11 @@ func (g *Gateway) networkStatusHandler(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
 		writeError(w, http.StatusInternalServerError, err.Error())
 		return
 	}
+	// Override with the node's actual peer ID if available
+	// (the client's embedded host has a different temporary peer ID)
+	if g.nodePeerID != "" {
+		status.PeerID = g.nodePeerID
+	}
 	writeJSON(w, http.StatusOK, status)
 }
 
diff --git a/pkg/installer/installer.go b/pkg/installer/installer.go
index a60ade5..50d76da 100644
--- a/pkg/installer/installer.go
+++ b/pkg/installer/installer.go
@@ -22,15 +22,18 @@ import (
 
 // InstallerConfig holds the configuration gathered from the TUI
 type InstallerConfig struct {
-	VpsIP         string
-	Domain        string
-	PeerDomain    string   // Domain of existing node to join
-	JoinAddress   string   // Auto-populated: raft.{PeerDomain}:7001
-	Peers         []string // Auto-populated: /dns4/{PeerDomain}/tcp/4001/p2p/{PeerID}
-	ClusterSecret string
-	Branch        string
-	IsFirstNode   bool
-	NoPull        bool
+	VpsIP          string
+	Domain         string
+	PeerDomain     string   // Domain of existing node to join
+	JoinAddress    string   // Auto-populated: raft.{PeerDomain}:7001
+	Peers          []string // Auto-populated: /dns4/{PeerDomain}/tcp/4001/p2p/{PeerID}
+	ClusterSecret  string
+	SwarmKeyHex    string   // 64-hex IPFS swarm key (for joining private network)
+	IPFSPeerID     string   // IPFS peer ID (auto-discovered from peer domain)
+	IPFSSwarmAddrs []string // IPFS swarm addresses (auto-discovered from peer domain)
+	Branch         string
+	IsFirstNode    bool
+	NoPull         bool
 }
 
 // Step represents a step in the installation wizard
@@ -43,6 +46,7 @@ const (
 	StepDomain
 	StepPeerDomain // Domain of existing node to join (replaces StepJoinAddress)
 	StepClusterSecret
+	StepSwarmKey // 64-hex swarm key for IPFS private network
 	StepBranch
 	StepNoPull
 	StepConfirm
@@ -171,7 +175,7 @@ func (m Model) Update(msg tea.Msg) (tea.Model, tea.Cmd) {
 	}
 
 	// Update text input for input steps
-	if m.step == StepVpsIP || m.step == StepDomain || m.step == StepPeerDomain || m.step == StepClusterSecret {
+	if m.step == StepVpsIP || m.step == StepDomain || m.step == StepPeerDomain || m.step == StepClusterSecret || m.step == StepSwarmKey {
 		var cmd tea.Cmd
 		m.textInput, cmd = m.textInput.Update(msg)
 		return m, cmd
@@ -208,6 +212,18 @@ func (m *Model) handleEnter() (tea.Model, tea.Cmd) {
 			m.err = err
 			return m, nil
 		}
+
+		// Check SNI DNS records for this domain
+		m.discovering = true
+		m.discoveryInfo = "Validating SNI DNS records for " + domain + "..."
+
+		if err := validateSNIDNSRecords(domain); err != nil {
+			m.discovering = false
+			m.err = fmt.Errorf("SNI DNS validation failed: %w", err)
+			return m, nil
+		}
+
+		m.discovering = false
 		m.config.Domain = domain
 		m.err = nil
 
@@ -238,11 +254,21 @@ func (m *Model) handleEnter() (tea.Model, tea.Cmd) {
 			return m, nil
 		}
 
+		// Validate SNI DNS records for peer domain
+		m.discovering = true
+		m.discoveryInfo = "Validating SNI DNS records for " + peerDomain + "..."
+
+		if err := validateSNIDNSRecords(peerDomain); err != nil {
+			m.discovering = false
+			m.err = fmt.Errorf("SNI DNS validation failed: %w", err)
+			return m, nil
+		}
+
 		// Discover peer info from domain (try HTTPS first, then HTTP)
 		m.discovering = true
 		m.discoveryInfo = "Discovering peer from " + peerDomain + "..."
 
-		peerID, err := discoverPeerFromDomain(peerDomain)
+		discovery, err := discoverPeerFromDomain(peerDomain)
 		m.discovering = false
 
 		if err != nil {
@@ -252,12 +278,18 @@ func (m *Model) handleEnter() (tea.Model, tea.Cmd) {
 
 		// Store discovered info
 		m.config.PeerDomain = peerDomain
-		m.discoveredPeer = peerID
+		m.discoveredPeer = discovery.PeerID
 
 		// Auto-populate join address and bootstrap peers
 		m.config.JoinAddress = fmt.Sprintf("raft.%s:7001", peerDomain)
 		m.config.Peers = []string{
-			fmt.Sprintf("/dns4/%s/tcp/4001/p2p/%s", peerDomain, peerID),
+			fmt.Sprintf("/dns4/%s/tcp/4001/p2p/%s", peerDomain, discovery.PeerID),
+		}
+
+		// Store IPFS peer info for Peering.Peers configuration
+		if discovery.IPFSPeerID != "" {
+			m.config.IPFSPeerID = discovery.IPFSPeerID
+			m.config.IPFSSwarmAddrs = discovery.IPFSSwarmAddrs
 		}
 
 		m.err = nil
@@ -272,6 +304,17 @@ func (m *Model) handleEnter() (tea.Model, tea.Cmd) {
 		}
 		m.config.ClusterSecret = secret
 		m.err = nil
+		m.step = StepSwarmKey
+		m.setupStepInput()
+
+	case StepSwarmKey:
+		swarmKey := strings.TrimSpace(m.textInput.Value())
+		if err := validateSwarmKey(swarmKey); err != nil {
+			m.err = err
+			return m, nil
+		}
+		m.config.SwarmKeyHex = swarmKey
+		m.err = nil
 		m.step = StepBranch
 		m.cursor = 0
 
@@ -322,6 +365,9 @@ func (m *Model) setupStepInput() {
 	case StepClusterSecret:
 		m.textInput.Placeholder = "64 hex characters"
 		m.textInput.EchoMode = textinput.EchoPassword
+	case StepSwarmKey:
+		m.textInput.Placeholder = "64 hex characters"
+		m.textInput.EchoMode = textinput.EchoPassword
 	}
 }
 
@@ -358,6 +404,8 @@ func (m Model) View() string {
 		s.WriteString(m.viewPeerDomain())
 	case StepClusterSecret:
 		s.WriteString(m.viewClusterSecret())
+	case StepSwarmKey:
+		s.WriteString(m.viewSwarmKey())
 	case StepBranch:
 		s.WriteString(m.viewBranch())
 	case StepNoPull:
@@ -488,6 +536,22 @@ func (m Model) viewClusterSecret() string {
 	return s.String()
 }
 
+func (m Model) viewSwarmKey() string {
+	var s strings.Builder
+	s.WriteString(titleStyle.Render("IPFS Swarm Key") + "\n\n")
+	s.WriteString("Enter the swarm key from an existing node:\n")
+	s.WriteString(subtitleStyle.Render("Get it with: cat ~/.orama/secrets/swarm.key | tail -1") + "\n\n")
+	s.WriteString(m.textInput.View())
+
+	if m.err != nil {
+		s.WriteString("\n\n" + errorStyle.Render("✗ " + m.err.Error()))
+	}
+
+	s.WriteString("\n\n")
+	s.WriteString(helpStyle.Render("Enter to confirm • Esc to go back"))
+	return s.String()
+}
+
 func (m Model) viewBranch() string {
 	var s strings.Builder
 	s.WriteString(titleStyle.Render("Release Channel") + "\n\n")
@@ -557,6 +621,12 @@ func (m Model) viewConfirm() string {
 		if len(m.config.ClusterSecret) >= 8 {
 			config += fmt.Sprintf("  Secret:     %s...\n", m.config.ClusterSecret[:8])
 		}
+		if len(m.config.SwarmKeyHex) >= 8 {
+			config += fmt.Sprintf("  Swarm Key:  %s...\n", m.config.SwarmKeyHex[:8])
+		}
+		if m.config.IPFSPeerID != "" {
+			config += fmt.Sprintf("  IPFS Peer:  %s...\n", m.config.IPFSPeerID[:16])
+		}
 	}
 
 	s.WriteString(boxStyle.Render(config))
@@ -617,10 +687,17 @@ func validateDomain(domain string) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
-// discoverPeerFromDomain queries an existing node to get its peer ID
+// DiscoveryResult contains all information discovered from a peer node
+type DiscoveryResult struct {
+	PeerID         string   // LibP2P peer ID
+	IPFSPeerID     string   // IPFS peer ID
+	IPFSSwarmAddrs []string // IPFS swarm addresses
+}
+
+// discoverPeerFromDomain queries an existing node to get its peer ID and IPFS info
 // Tries HTTPS first, then falls back to HTTP
 // Respects DEBROS_TRUSTED_TLS_DOMAINS and DEBROS_CA_CERT_PATH environment variables for certificate verification
-func discoverPeerFromDomain(domain string) (string, error) {
+func discoverPeerFromDomain(domain string) (*DiscoveryResult, error) {
 	// Use centralized TLS configuration that respects CA certificates and trusted domains
 	client := tlsutil.NewHTTPClientForDomain(10*time.Second, domain)
 
@@ -634,28 +711,49 @@ func discoverPeerFromDomain(domain string) (string, error) {
 		url = fmt.Sprintf("http://%s/v1/network/status", domain)
 		resp, err = client.Get(url)
 		if err != nil {
-			return "", fmt.Errorf("could not connect to %s (tried HTTPS and HTTP): %w", domain, err)
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("could not connect to %s (tried HTTPS and HTTP): %w", domain, err)
 		}
 	}
 	defer resp.Body.Close()
 
 	if resp.StatusCode != http.StatusOK {
-		return "", fmt.Errorf("unexpected status from %s: %s", domain, resp.Status)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("unexpected status from %s: %s", domain, resp.Status)
 	}
 
-	// Parse response
+	// Parse response including IPFS info
 	var status struct {
-		NodeID string `json:"node_id"`
+		PeerID string `json:"peer_id"`
+		NodeID string `json:"node_id"` // fallback for backward compatibility
+		IPFS   *struct {
+			PeerID         string   `json:"peer_id"`
+			SwarmAddresses []string `json:"swarm_addresses"`
+		} `json:"ipfs,omitempty"`
 	}
 	if err := json.NewDecoder(resp.Body).Decode(&status); err != nil {
-		return "", fmt.Errorf("failed to parse response from %s: %w", domain, err)
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to parse response from %s: %w", domain, err)
 	}
 
-	if status.NodeID == "" {
-		return "", fmt.Errorf("no node_id in response from %s", domain)
+	// Use peer_id if available, otherwise fall back to node_id for backward compatibility
+	peerID := status.PeerID
+	if peerID == "" {
+		peerID = status.NodeID
 	}
 
-	return status.NodeID, nil
+	if peerID == "" {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("no peer_id or node_id in response from %s", domain)
+	}
+
+	result := &DiscoveryResult{
+		PeerID: peerID,
+	}
+
+	// Include IPFS info if available
+	if status.IPFS != nil {
+		result.IPFSPeerID = status.IPFS.PeerID
+		result.IPFSSwarmAddrs = status.IPFS.SwarmAddresses
+	}
+
+	return result, nil
 }
 
 func validateClusterSecret(secret string) error {
@@ -669,6 +767,17 @@ func validateClusterSecret(secret string) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
+func validateSwarmKey(key string) error {
+	if len(key) != 64 {
+		return fmt.Errorf("swarm key must be 64 hex characters")
+	}
+	keyRegex := regexp.MustCompile(`^[a-fA-F0-9]{64}$`)
+	if !keyRegex.MatchString(key) {
+		return fmt.Errorf("swarm key must be valid hexadecimal")
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
 // ensureCertificatesForDomain generates self-signed certificates for the domain
 func ensureCertificatesForDomain(domain string) error {
 	// Get home directory
@@ -726,6 +835,53 @@ func detectPublicIP() string {
 	return ""
 }
 
+// validateSNIDNSRecords checks if the required SNI DNS records exist
+// It tries to resolve the key SNI hostnames for RQLite, IPFS, IPFS Cluster, and Olric
+// All should resolve to the same IP (the node's public IP or domain)
+func validateSNIDNSRecords(domain string) error {
+	// List of SNI services that need DNS records
+	sniServices := []string{
+		fmt.Sprintf("raft.%s", domain),
+		fmt.Sprintf("ipfs.%s", domain),
+		fmt.Sprintf("ipfs-cluster.%s", domain),
+		fmt.Sprintf("olric.%s", domain),
+	}
+
+	// Try to resolve the main domain first to get baseline
+	mainIPs, err := net.LookupHost(domain)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("could not resolve main domain %s: %w", domain, err)
+	}
+
+	if len(mainIPs) == 0 {
+		return fmt.Errorf("main domain %s resolved to no IP addresses", domain)
+	}
+
+	// Check each SNI service
+	var unresolvedServices []string
+	for _, service := range sniServices {
+		ips, err := net.LookupHost(service)
+		if err != nil || len(ips) == 0 {
+			unresolvedServices = append(unresolvedServices, service)
+		}
+	}
+
+	if len(unresolvedServices) > 0 {
+		serviceList := strings.Join(unresolvedServices, ", ")
+		return fmt.Errorf(
+			"SNI DNS records not found for: %s\n\n"+
+				"You need to add DNS records (A records or wildcard CNAME) for these services:\n"+
+				"  - They should all resolve to the same IP as %s\n"+
+				"  - Option 1: Add individual A records pointing to %s\n"+
+				"  - Option 2: Add wildcard CNAME: *.%s -> %s\n\n"+
+				"Without these records, multi-node clustering will fail.",
+			serviceList, domain, domain, domain, domain,
+		)
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
 // Run starts the TUI installer and returns the configuration
 func Run() (*InstallerConfig, error) {
 	// Check if running as root
diff --git a/pkg/ipfs/cluster.go b/pkg/ipfs/cluster.go
index 662e6d2..ebae2f7 100644
--- a/pkg/ipfs/cluster.go
+++ b/pkg/ipfs/cluster.go
@@ -103,12 +103,17 @@ func NewClusterConfigManager(cfg *config.Config, logger *zap.Logger) (*ClusterCo
 	}
 
 	// Load or generate cluster secret
+	// Always use ~/.orama/secrets/cluster-secret (new standard location)
 	secretPath := filepath.Join(dataDir, "..", "cluster-secret")
 	if strings.Contains(dataDir, ".orama") {
-		// Try to find cluster-secret in ~/.orama
+		// Use the secrets directory for proper file organization
 		home, err := os.UserHomeDir()
 		if err == nil {
-			secretPath = filepath.Join(home, ".orama", "cluster-secret")
+			secretsDir := filepath.Join(home, ".orama", "secrets")
+			// Ensure secrets directory exists
+			if err := os.MkdirAll(secretsDir, 0700); err == nil {
+				secretPath = filepath.Join(secretsDir, "cluster-secret")
+			}
 		}
 	}
 
diff --git a/pkg/node/node.go b/pkg/node/node.go
index 5e3f5e1..b75aca1 100644
--- a/pkg/node/node.go
+++ b/pkg/node/node.go
@@ -694,6 +694,28 @@ func (n *Node) Stop() error {
 	return nil
 }
 
+// loadNodePeerIDFromIdentity safely loads the node's peer ID from its identity file
+// This is needed before the host is initialized, so we read directly from the file
+func loadNodePeerIDFromIdentity(dataDir string) string {
+	identityFile := filepath.Join(os.ExpandEnv(dataDir), "identity.key")
+
+	// Expand ~ in path
+	if strings.HasPrefix(identityFile, "~") {
+		home, err := os.UserHomeDir()
+		if err != nil {
+			return ""
+		}
+		identityFile = filepath.Join(home, identityFile[1:])
+	}
+
+	// Load identity from file
+	if info, err := encryption.LoadIdentity(identityFile); err == nil {
+		return info.PeerID.String()
+	}
+
+	return "" // Return empty string if can't load (gateway will work without it)
+}
+
 // startHTTPGateway initializes and starts the full API gateway with auth, pubsub, and API endpoints
 func (n *Node) startHTTPGateway(ctx context.Context) error {
 	if !n.config.HTTPGateway.Enabled {
@@ -721,6 +743,7 @@ func (n *Node) startHTTPGateway(ctx context.Context) error {
 		ListenAddr:      n.config.HTTPGateway.ListenAddr,
 		ClientNamespace: n.config.HTTPGateway.ClientNamespace,
 		BootstrapPeers:  n.config.Discovery.BootstrapPeers,
+		NodePeerID:      loadNodePeerIDFromIdentity(n.config.Node.DataDir), // Load the node's actual peer ID from its identity file
 		RQLiteDSN:       n.config.HTTPGateway.RQLiteDSN,
 		OlricServers:    n.config.HTTPGateway.OlricServers,
 		OlricTimeout:    n.config.HTTPGateway.OlricTimeout,
@@ -750,6 +773,18 @@ func (n *Node) startHTTPGateway(ctx context.Context) error {
 			tlsCacheDir = "/home/debros/.orama/tls-cache"
 		}
 
+		// Ensure TLS cache directory exists and is writable
+		if err := os.MkdirAll(tlsCacheDir, 0700); err != nil {
+			n.logger.ComponentWarn(logging.ComponentNode, "Failed to create TLS cache directory",
+				zap.String("dir", tlsCacheDir),
+				zap.Error(err),
+			)
+		} else {
+			n.logger.ComponentInfo(logging.ComponentNode, "TLS cache directory ready",
+				zap.String("dir", tlsCacheDir),
+			)
+		}
+
 		// Create TLS configuration with Let's Encrypt autocert
 		// Using STAGING environment to avoid rate limits during development/testing
 		// TODO: Switch to production when ready (remove Client field)
@@ -799,16 +834,25 @@ func (n *Node) startHTTPGateway(ctx context.Context) error {
 			}
 
 			// Create HTTP listener first to ensure port 80 is bound before signaling ready
+			gatewayLogger.ComponentInfo(logging.ComponentGateway, "Binding HTTP listener for ACME challenges",
+				zap.Int("port", httpPort),
+			)
 			httpListener, err := net.Listen("tcp", fmt.Sprintf(":%d", httpPort))
 			if err != nil {
 				gatewayLogger.ComponentError(logging.ComponentGateway, "failed to bind HTTP listener for ACME", zap.Error(err))
 				close(httpReady) // Signal even on failure so SNI goroutine doesn't hang
 				return
 			}
-			gatewayLogger.ComponentInfo(logging.ComponentGateway, "HTTP server ready for ACME challenges", zap.Int("port", httpPort))
+			gatewayLogger.ComponentInfo(logging.ComponentGateway, "HTTP server ready for ACME challenges",
+				zap.Int("port", httpPort),
+				zap.String("tls_cache_dir", tlsCacheDir),
+			)
 
 			// Start HTTP server in background for ACME challenges
 			go func() {
+				gatewayLogger.ComponentInfo(logging.ComponentGateway, "HTTP server serving ACME challenges",
+					zap.String("addr", httpServer.Addr),
+				)
 				if err := httpServer.Serve(httpListener); err != nil && err != http.ErrServerClosed {
 					gatewayLogger.ComponentError(logging.ComponentGateway, "HTTP server error", zap.Error(err))
 				}
@@ -829,10 +873,23 @@ func (n *Node) startHTTPGateway(ctx context.Context) error {
 			ServerName: gwCfg.DomainName,
 		}
 
+		gatewayLogger.ComponentInfo(logging.ComponentGateway, "Initiating certificate request to Let's Encrypt",
+			zap.String("domain", gwCfg.DomainName),
+			zap.String("acme_environment", "staging"),
+		)
+
 		// Try to get certificate with timeout
 		certProvisionChan := make(chan error, 1)
 		go func() {
+			gatewayLogger.ComponentInfo(logging.ComponentGateway, "GetCertificate goroutine started")
 			_, err := certManager.GetCertificate(certReq)
+			if err != nil {
+				gatewayLogger.ComponentError(logging.ComponentGateway, "GetCertificate returned error",
+					zap.Error(err),
+				)
+			} else {
+				gatewayLogger.ComponentInfo(logging.ComponentGateway, "GetCertificate succeeded")
+			}
 			certProvisionChan <- err
 		}()
 
@@ -840,14 +897,26 @@ func (n *Node) startHTTPGateway(ctx context.Context) error {
 		select {
 		case err := <-certProvisionChan:
 			certErr = err
+			if certErr != nil {
+				gatewayLogger.ComponentError(logging.ComponentGateway, "Certificate provisioning failed",
+					zap.String("domain", gwCfg.DomainName),
+					zap.Error(certErr),
+				)
+			}
 		case <-certCtx.Done():
 			certErr = fmt.Errorf("certificate provisioning timeout (Let's Encrypt may be rate-limited or unreachable)")
+			gatewayLogger.ComponentError(logging.ComponentGateway, "Certificate provisioning timeout",
+				zap.String("domain", gwCfg.DomainName),
+				zap.Duration("timeout", 30*time.Second),
+				zap.Error(certErr),
+			)
 		}
 
 		if certErr != nil {
 			gatewayLogger.ComponentError(logging.ComponentGateway, "Failed to provision TLS certificate - HTTPS disabled",
 				zap.String("domain", gwCfg.DomainName),
 				zap.Error(certErr),
+				zap.String("http_server_status", "running on port 80 for HTTP fallback"),
 			)
 			// Signal ready for SNI goroutine (even though we're failing)
 			close(httpReady)
diff --git a/pkg/rqlite/rqlite.go b/pkg/rqlite/rqlite.go
index 647cf10..6e8fda1 100644
--- a/pkg/rqlite/rqlite.go
+++ b/pkg/rqlite/rqlite.go
@@ -241,6 +241,27 @@ func (r *RQLiteManager) launchProcess(ctx context.Context, rqliteDataDir string)
 		"-raft-addr", fmt.Sprintf("0.0.0.0:%d", r.config.RQLiteRaftPort),
 	}
 
+	// Add node-to-node TLS encryption if configured
+	// This enables TLS for Raft inter-node communication, required for SNI gateway routing
+	// See: https://rqlite.io/docs/guides/security/#encrypting-node-to-node-communication
+	if r.config.NodeCert != "" && r.config.NodeKey != "" {
+		r.logger.Info("Enabling node-to-node TLS encryption",
+			zap.String("node_cert", r.config.NodeCert),
+			zap.String("node_key", r.config.NodeKey),
+			zap.String("node_ca_cert", r.config.NodeCACert),
+			zap.Bool("node_no_verify", r.config.NodeNoVerify))
+
+		args = append(args, "-node-cert", r.config.NodeCert)
+		args = append(args, "-node-key", r.config.NodeKey)
+
+		if r.config.NodeCACert != "" {
+			args = append(args, "-node-ca-cert", r.config.NodeCACert)
+		}
+		if r.config.NodeNoVerify {
+			args = append(args, "-node-no-verify")
+		}
+	}
+
 	// All nodes follow the same join logic - either join specified address or start as single-node cluster
 	if r.config.RQLiteJoinAddress != "" {
 		r.logger.Info("Joining RQLite cluster", zap.String("join_address", r.config.RQLiteJoinAddress))
@@ -265,7 +286,8 @@ func (r *RQLiteManager) launchProcess(ctx context.Context, rqliteDataDir string)
 
 		// Always add the join parameter in host:port form - let rqlited handle the rest
 		// Add retry parameters to handle slow cluster startup (e.g., during recovery)
-		args = append(args, "-join", joinArg, "-join-attempts", "30", "-join-interval", "10s")
+		// Include -join-as with the raft advertise address so the leader knows which node this is
+		args = append(args, "-join", joinArg, "-join-as", r.discoverConfig.RaftAdvAddress, "-join-attempts", "30", "-join-interval", "10s")
 	} else {
 		r.logger.Info("No join address specified - starting as single-node cluster")
 		// When no join address is provided, rqlited will start as a single-node cluster
diff --git a/pkg/tlsutil/client.go b/pkg/tlsutil/client.go
index f8702ef..735ce8e 100644
--- a/pkg/tlsutil/client.go
+++ b/pkg/tlsutil/client.go
@@ -18,8 +18,17 @@ var (
 	initialized    bool
 )
 
+// Default trusted domains - always trust debros.network for staging/development
+var defaultTrustedDomains = []string{
+	"*.debros.network",
+}
+
 // init loads trusted domains and CA certificate from environment and files
 func init() {
+	// Start with default trusted domains
+	trustedDomains = append(trustedDomains, defaultTrustedDomains...)
+
+	// Add any additional domains from environment
 	domains := os.Getenv("DEBROS_TRUSTED_TLS_DOMAINS")
 	if domains != "" {
 		for _, d := range strings.Split(domains, ",") {