What Is A Blockchain Validator?

In order to ensure the blockchain’s operation, there is a validation process required. That is the validators’ work — the someones’ who are responsible for maintaining the integrity and security of Proof-of-Stake networks. And in this article, we will take a closer look at the validators' peculiarities in different networks, and tell you how to choose a validator or become one yourself.

Role Of A Validator In Blockchain

Validators are important participants in blockchain networks whose main functions are validating transactions and creating new blocks. For their efforts, in turn, they get rewards. To understand the role of validators in blockchains better, it is worth considering their duties in detail:

• Transactions’ verification (validation). The first function of validators is to verify the network participants' transactions' authenticity and accuracy. They have to determine whether transactions conform to predetermined rules and have cryptographic signatures.

• Blocks creation. Validators combine verified transactions, creating new blocks on the blockchain thereby. The sequential addition of new data ensures the blockchain’s orderly evolution. However, this function requires some computational resources.

• Maintaining the network consensus. Validators participate in a network consensus mechanism when they agree on the transaction’ validity and the ledger state. Consensus mechanisms such as Proof-of-Stake (PoS) and Proof-of-Work (PoW) determine exactly how validators reach agreement.

• Security. Validators form the blockchain security by following network protocols. They are responsible for preventing potential attacks, among which are fraudulent transactions or double-spending.

Validators vs Miners: What Is The Difference?

As already mentioned, validators work with two consensus mechanisms: Proof-of-Stake (PoS) and Proof-of-Work (PoW). However, in the second case, validators are called miners. People often confuse these two concepts, because both validators and miners are involved in validating transactions and creating new blocks. Although, these are not exactly the same thing.

Let's understand the differences between these two network participants.

Participant name	Validators	Miners
Consensus mechanism	Validators Proof-of-Stake (PoS)	Miners Proof-of-Work (PoW)
Example of a cryptocurrency (Blockchain network)	Validators Ethereum	Miners Bitcoin
Operating method	Validators They are chosen based on the amount of cryptocurrency they own and is willing to stake	Miners They compete in solving math tasks where the winner adds a new block
Resources Required (The base)	Validators The amount of cryptocurrency posted and the process of selecting validators	Miners Computing power and competition among miners
Energy efficiency	Validators Requires little energy	Miners Requires high energy consumption due to computing power and specialized equipment
Rewards	Validators Transaction fees, sometimes additional network coins; rewards are distributed to all validators according to their stakes	Miners Transaction fees for new block transactions; rewards are in the form of mined coins

As can be seen from the table, both PoS and PoW mechanisms provide reliable network protection, but by different means. For example, to become a miner, you need to have powerful and expensive equipment. In this respect, becoming a validator in a PoS system is easier, but in this case you may need to store a large amount of cryptocurrency, though you get more rewards for it including not only transaction fees, but additional coins.

How To Become A Blockchain Validator?

Anyone who has the resources can become a blockchain validator. If you are planning to become one, you should also keep in mind that there are a number of conditions that must be adhered to during the registration process. Let's take a look at the step-by-step algorithm on how to become a blockchain validator:

• Step 1: Choose a blockchain network. The first step is to choose a blockchain that utilizes a Proof-of-Stake mechanism. The most popular among them are Ethereum, Solana, Polkadot, etc.

• Step 2: Purchase the network’s cryptocurrency. Buy the required amount of crypto that is needed as collateral in the selected blockchain network. In other words, it is your initial stake.

• Step 3: Set up the validator node. Install the client software, configure your validator node on your computer or server. To do it correctly, follow the instructions for your specific network.

• Step 4: Choose a platform to work on. Decide where exactly you will work — it can be a crypto wallet or a crypto exchange. Pay attention to the user-friendly interface for comfortable work. For example, on Cryptomus you can become a validator in just a few simple steps, and if you have difficulties with the platform, technical support will promptly help you solve them.

• Step 5: Stake your crypto. Lock your cryptocurrency as a stake by making it a part of the network. For example, the liquid staking mechanism works that way.

• Step 6: Participate in the network. Once your validator node is up, you can begin network activities: verify transactions, offer blocks, and collaborate with other validators to reach consensus.

• Step 7: Maintain network integrity. Adhere to network rules in order to avoid fines or loss of your staked crypto. Maintain honesty and transparency in your actions.

It is essential to note that the becoming a validator process differs in different chains Therefore, study the documentation and instructions provided before proceeding to registration.

How To Choose A Validator For Staking?

If you are a network delegator, meaning you are staking cryptocurrency without verifying transactions, then you need to take care of choosing a reliable validator. Working with him will not only guarantee your funds protection, but will also be the key to high returns.

When choosing a validator, consider his contribution to the network, size of stake, operation time, reputation in the network and security measures he does. Let’s see in more detail:

• Contribution to the network. Reliable validators should contribute to the growth and development of the network. For example, they participate in network management, offer protocol updates, or support useful community initiatives.

• Size of stake. The amount of cryptocurrency a validator has staked is an indicator of his commitment to the network, and hence the size of his contribution to its security. Moreover, validators with larger stakes are more likely to be chosen to validate transactions.

• Operation time. Validators must maintain a high level of uptime, as it ensures the smooth network’s work. Those who frequently go offline face fines and even expulsion from the network.

• Reputation in the network. A good reputation means that the validator works consistently, adheres to the network’s rules and actively participates in its management. Therefore, those with a positive reputation in the community are selected for transaction validation with a higher probability.

• Security measures. Reliable validators implement security measures to protect against malicious users and hacker attacks. Among their security methods, they should have a secure infrastructure and regular audits.

The process of selecting a validator, as well as obtaining this status, differs depending on the network. However, the overall goal is the same: validators should ensure the security and integrity of the network through a fair and transparent selection process. To ensure that your validator is trustworthy, work with trusted platforms. On Cryptomus, all network participants, including validators, are thoroughly checked before they start working, so you can stake your assets there with peace of mind.

Validators' efforts should be an assurance that blockchain systems are reliable and able to make a profit. Therefore, it's important to choose a validator carefully before you start staking, and to follow all the rules when becoming one to ensure that the network runs smoothly.

We hope this guide has helped you understand who validators are and see the specifics of interacting with them. We recommend you to read some frequently asked questions that may also be helpful to you.

FAQ

How To Become ETH Validator?

To become an Ethereum network validator, you need to keep in mind some conditions regarding this network. For example, you need stake 32 ETH to become a validator, or you can join a staking pool if you don’t have enough. Then you need to launch the server API, after which you can get started. Avoid being offline or missing verification — otherwise you may lose most of your stake.

How To Become A Solana Validator?

If you want to become a validator on the Solana network, you have to understand how it works. So, the blockchain runs in periods of 2-3 days, where each time 420,000 blocks are contained. Validators must vote for each block to ensure they are rewarded. In other words, if you have 2% of the total network rate and you vote for each block, your reward will be 2%. For voting you have to pay a fee of 1 SOL per day.

Although PoS mechanisms do not require powerful hardware, for validating the Solana network you will need a fairly powerful server running on a 12-core processor. Therefore, evaluate your capacity beforehand.

How To Run A Validator Node?

Effective operation of a validator node starts with proper installation. It is close in actions to obtaining the validator status and includes 6 steps: selecting a blockchain, setting up a hardware, installing the software, joining as a validator, monitoring the node and managing the rewards. Let's learn them closer:

1. Select a blockchain. There should be a blockchain with a high transaction volume and a high need for validators to be favored.

2. Hardware setup. A computer with large RAM and high processing power is needed to run the node. This should be considered when choosing a blockchain — each has different requirements.

3. Install the software. The next step is to install the software and configure it. Use strong passwords to protect nodes from potential hacking attempts.

4. Join as a validator. In PoS networks, a person must supply the required amount of cryptocurrency to become a validator. Some blockchains also require validators to join the validator pool.

5. Monitor your node. Keep an eye on your node constantly — it will help ensure its smooth running and troubleshoot any problems that arise.

6. Rewards management. Learn the rules of rewards on your blockchain network so you can understand their structure and work more efficiently.