Validators Overview
Validators are the backbone of Monolythium, producing blocks and securing the network through staking.
Role of Validators
Validators:
- Produce blocks - Propose and commit new blocks
- Validate transactions - Verify transaction legitimacy
- Participate in consensus - Vote on block proposals
- Earn rewards - Receive inflation and fee rewards
- Secure the network - Stake at risk prevents misbehavior
Active Set
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Active validators | 53 |
| Selection criteria | Top 53 by total stake |
| Update frequency | Every block |
Only active validators participate in consensus and earn rewards.
Becoming a Validator
Requirements
| Requirement | Amount |
|---|---|
| Self-delegation | 100,000 LYTH minimum |
| Burn deposit | 100,000 LYTH (exact) |
| Total | 200,000 LYTH |
Plus hardware and operational requirements.
Process
- Set up a full node
- Ensure node is fully synced
- Create validator transaction with burn deposit
- Attract delegations to enter active set
See Registration for step-by-step instructions.
Validator Economics
Revenue Sources
| Source | Description |
|---|---|
| Block rewards | Inflation-based (0-8% annually) |
| Transaction fees | 10% of fees distributed to stakers |
| Commission | Percentage of delegator rewards |
Costs
| Cost | Type |
|---|---|
| Burn deposit | One-time, non-refundable |
| Self-delegation | Locked while validating |
| Infrastructure | Ongoing operational costs |
See Economics for detailed analysis.
Responsibilities
Uptime
Validators must maintain high availability:
- Missing blocks reduces rewards
- Extended downtime triggers jailing
- Jail requires unjail transaction
Security
Validators must protect their keys:
- Consensus key signs blocks
- Operator key manages validator
- Compromise can lead to slashing
Communication
Good validators:
- Announce maintenance windows
- Respond to delegator concerns
- Participate in governance
- Stay updated on upgrades
Risks
Slashing
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Downtime | 0.01% slash, temporary jail |
| Double-signing | 5% slash, permanent jail |
Slashing affects the validator and all delegators.
Competition
- Top 53 by stake are active
- Must maintain competitive stake
- Commission rates affect delegation attractiveness
Validator Guides
| Guide | Description |
|---|---|
| Requirements | Hardware and operational needs |
| Registration | Step-by-step registration |
| Economics | Revenue and cost analysis |
| Slashing | Penalties and prevention |
| Best Practices | Operational excellence |
FAQ
How many validators can there be?
Active set is limited to 53. Unlimited validators can register, but only top 53 earn rewards.
Can a validator steal delegator funds?
No. Validators can only sign blocks, not access delegator funds.
What happens if I lose my validator key?
You cannot recover the validator. Tokens unbond after you stop signing.
Can I run multiple validators?
Technically yes, but discouraged. Each needs separate stake and infrastructure.
Related
- Staking Overview - Delegator perspective
- Consensus - How consensus works
- Node Operators - Running a node