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Becoming a Validator

Overview:

A Validator is an independent individual who stakes their identity and is entrusted to maintain a node on the network that validates transactions and commits new blocks to the blockchain. Validators receive a reward in POA token for provisioning blocks.

Responsibilities:

A Validator has technical and social responsibilities, both of which are important for the health, performance and security of the network.

Technical Responsibilities:

  • Ensure node is secure by practicing safe key management
  • Maintain node requisite software version
  • Monitor node to ensure its availability and participation in consensus
  • Monitor network in general and communicate with other Validators, network entities if problems arise.

Social Responsibilities:

  • Participate in on-chain Governance of the network. A collection of DApps allow Validators to propose and vote on ballots to manage the network. The Ballot types include:
    • Adding new Validators
    • Removing Validators, i.e. for compromising security of network, malicious behavior, non-participation in Governance
    • Updating/swapping of one of more Validator keys
    • Changing the Approve Ballot Threshold
    • Changing Consensus Proxy Contract
  • Participate in POA Network Community Forum

Visual Guide for Validators:

Eligibility Requirements for the Sokol Testnet

Candidates start out by posting an application to the forum. After some discussion about their desire to participate in the network, a current validator may nominate a candidate for the Sokol testnet. Current Sokol validators then vote on accepting the candidate. If accepted, the candidate must setup a node in order to become a validator on the testnet.

Eligibility Requirements for POA Core

  • United States Notary with a valid license
  • Active participation in on-chain Governance on the Sokol testnet

Background/Further Reading