RChain validator FAQ

Owned by Kelly Foster
Last updated: Sept 18, 2018Version comment


Table of contents

Publication date 

Please see the date of last modification at the top of this page. 

Disclaimer

This is a work in progress. This document provides answers to some questions and reflects FAQs that don't yet have answers. Please see the publication date for information on recent updates. All information is susceptible to change. 

Intended audience

We intend this FAQ validators and developers who are interested in validation as it relates to the RChain software and consensus prototcol. The RChain cooperative provides addition information regarding economic incentives and staking in documents in https://github.com/rchain/legaldocs/tree/master/validator-sale.

Feedback

Comments and feedback are welcome! Please share your thoughts at the bottom of this page.

Definitions

Validator

A RNode operator who participates in the RChain platform consensus protocol. 

Node

Nodes are individual parts of a distributed, decentralized blockchain. Devices running the RChain software can instantiate instances of RNode and connect to the network. 

Stake

Amount of currency bonded in a smart contract to allow participation in the consensus protocol.

Slashing

Validators who violate the protocol can be removed. Removal results in a forfeit of stake. 

Validators

What is a validator?

Validators are RNode operators who have bonded stake to participate in the consensus protocol. 

How can I become a validator? (intent to validate signup)

If you are interested in being a validator on the RChain platform at the launch of main net in 2018 Q4, then you should do the following:

  • Register your intent to validate at https://developer.rchain.coop. You will receive notifications when information becomes available for validators and opportunities to participate in training prior to the launch of both test net and main net.
  • Start working with the RChain software. See the get started section of https://developer.rchain.coop.

What are the responsibilities of a validator?

Validators are responsible for consistently running a correct version of the software on the network. Detailed information of responsibilities available inhttps://github.com/rchain/legaldocs/tree/master/validator-sale.

What are the risks of being a validator?

Loss of stake is the key risk of being a validator. 

Technical requirements

What are the hardware requirements?

We are working on performance testing to understand what hardware will best support network validation. At this time, anyone who can run the current version of the software can learn more about RNode operation. Estimates for hardware requirements for both test net and main net are published in documents at https://github.com/rchain/legaldocs/tree/master/validator-sale.

What are the software requirements?

Validators should operate the most current version of the RNode software. See the get started section of https://developer.rchain.coop.

What are the memory requirements?

Based on performance tests run in August for test net, we recommend at least 16 GB RAM, and 32 GB RAM, be available to the node.

What are the bandwidth requirements?

We are working on performance testing to understand what bandwidth will best support network validation. 

What are the logistical requirements?

Logistical requirements will vary based on node operator set up. The goal is to maintain node connection and availability. Validators will need to set up, maintain, and use a node operating system.

What are the maintenance requirements?

Validators need to assure use of the most current version of the RChain software.

Test net

How do I join the test net?

There will be several ways for validators to participate in test net. 

Joining test net as a validator, outside of the validators who signed the genesis block, will be available with the release of RNode v0.7.

How can I help test the network?

There will be several ways to help test the network. 

There will also be challenges and awards for test net validators throughout the test net period. More information is coming soon.

Main net

How do I join the main net as a validator?

Please see documents at https://github.com/rchain/legaldocs/tree/master/validator-sale for preliminary information.

Staking and incentives

What is staking?

Staking is bonding currency in a smart contract to allow participation in the consensus protocol. See documents at https://github.com/rchain/legaldocs/tree/master/validator-sale.

What is the incentive to stake?

There are currency rewards for staking the network. See documents at https://github.com/rchain/legaldocs/tree/master/validator-sale.

What are the risks of staking?

Loss of stake is a risk. See documents at https://github.com/rchain/legaldocs/tree/master/validator-sale.

What is the minimum amount of REV required to stake the network as a validator?

More information coming soon.

How are rewards distributed?

Please see Validation on the RChain Network.

What is a staking pool?

More information coming soon.

What are the risks of participating in a staking pool?

Loss of stake is a risk. Please see documents at https://github.com/rchain/legaldocs/tree/master/validator-sale.

How can I locate and participate in a staking pool?

More information coming soon.

Slashing

What is slashing?

Validators who violate the protocol can be removed. Removal results in a forfeit of stake. See documents at https://github.com/rchain/legaldocs/tree/master/validator-sale.

What are the slashing conditions?

Please see documents at https://github.com/rchain/legaldocs/tree/master/validator-sale.

Security considerations

What do I need to know about key management?

More information coming soon.

As a validator, how can I defend against denial-of-service (DOS) attacks?

More information coming soon.

Community

There are several ways to engage with the community.

Intent to validate

If you are interested in becoming a validator on the RChain network, register your intent to validate at https://developer.rchain.coop. You will receive notifications when information becomes available for validators and opportunities to participate in training prior to the launch of both test net and main net.