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Validator Registration

caution

Before running a Validator Node on Core, we strongly recommend reading the Technical Whitepaper.

Set Up a Full Node in Validator Mode​

Before you can register as a Validator, you need to set up and run a full node in Validator mode. Follow this guide to setup and run Validator Node. Your full node needs to sync with the Core network, meaning it must download the blockchain data and stay updated with the latest blocks.

Generate the Consensus Key​

When initializing a validator node, you need to generate a Consensus Address (Public Address) for the key. This address will be used by your node for consensus operations.

Generating a New Consensus Key​

To create a new consensus key, use the following command. This command will create a new account and output an address which will be your validator's address (consensus address).

./build/bin/geth account new --datadir ./node
Important Notes​
  • Secure Your Keystore & Password: Store your keystore file and password safely, as you’ll need them later.
  • Backup Your Key: Losing access to this key means losing control over your validator node.

You'll be prompted to enter a password. This password is essential for unlocking your validator, so store it securely. You can save your password in a text file by running the following command:

echo {your-password} > password.txt

Start the Validator Node​

Once you have the consensus key, you can start the validator node with the following command:

./build/bin/geth --config ./testnet2/config.toml --datadir ./node -unlock {your-validator-address} --miner.etherbase {your-validator-address} --password password.txt --mine --allow-insecure-unlock --cache 8000 --networkid 1114

Let’s break down the flags used in this command:

  • config ./config.toml: Specifies the configuration file for the node. Make sure you have the correct settings in config.toml for your environment.

  • datadir ./node: Indicates the data directory for the node.

  • unlock {your-validator-address}: Unlocks the validator account using the address generated in the previous step.

  • miner.etherbase {your-validator-address}: Specifies the address to receive rewards and block rewards. Typically, this would be your validator's address.

  • password password.txt: The password to unlock your validator account (ensure this file is kept secure).

  • mine: Starts the mining process (block validation).

  • allow-insecure-unlock: Allows the unlock process without additional security measures (use cautiously).

  • cache 8000: Allocates a large cache (8GB in this case) to improve performance.

Register Your Validator​

Once your node is running and synced, you can proceed with the registration process.

  1. Navigate to Staking Website: The easiest way to register a new validator is using Core's official staking websites:

  2. Connect Your Wallet: On the staking website, click Connect Wallet in the top right corner and connect your wallet (such as MetaMask, Ledger, etc.) that holds the necessary CORE tokens.

  3. Fill Out the Validator Registration Form

Once your wallet is connected, the Register button will appear. Clicking this button will open a form where you’ll need to provide several pieces of information:

validator-register-form

Provide information for each of the form's fields:

  • Consensus Address: the validator address you set when you initialized your validator node.
  • Fee Address: the address used to collect commission fees.
  • Commission: revenue is split between the validator and its delegators, with the commission determining what percentage of delegator revenue is taken by the validator as compensation.
  • Total deposit: the refundable CORE deposit locked up while performing validator services. The minimum deposit for testnet and mainnet is 10,000 CORE.
  1. Submit Registration: Once you’ve filled out all the required information, click Register to submit your validator for registration.

Confirm Registration​

After submitting your registration form, you can check whether the registration was successful.

Checking the Logs​

Open your node’s log file and search for the error message "unauthorized validator." If this message appears, it means that your node is registered but has not yet been elected to the validator set.

validator-register-form

Validator Election​

Each day, the top 27 validators with the highest hybrid scores are elected to the active validator set, thereby becoming responsible for producing blocks and validating transactions on the Core network for the entirety of the round. When the last block of a round is mined, the round’s accumulated rewards are distributed and the next round's validator set is selected. For more details about how the validator election works, refer to the validator election section.

You can check the validator status on the stake website, active elected validators will be marked as Active/Normal. The validator set is updated at 00:00 am UTC every day.

validator-register-form

Validator Status Updates​

Validator status is updated daily at 00:00 UTC. You can check the status of your validator on the staking website. There are various possible statuses:

  • Active/Normal: Validator is elected for the current round and qualified for the next election.

  • Active/Refuse: Validator is elected for the current round but refused to accept delegations. Not qualified for the next election.

  • Active/Jailed: Elected validator in the current round, but jailed due to a felony. Not qualified for the next election.

  • Inactive/Queued: Validator is registered but not elected. Qualified for the next election.

  • Inactive/Refuse: Validator is registered but has refused delegation. Not qualified for the next election.

  • Inactive/Jailed: Validator is registered but is jailed and not qualified for the next election.

  • Inactive/Locked: Validator is registered but has not met the minimum deposit requirements. Not qualified for the next election.

  • Inactive/Invalid: Validator is unregistered.

Monitor Your Validator's Performance​

You can monitor the status of your validator and its block production record on Core Scan. This tool allows you to track whether your node is successfully producing blocks and performing well.

validator-register-form

Maintaining Your Validator Node​

To remain an active and successful validator, you’ll need to keep your node online, perform maintenance, and respond to any issues that arise.

Stay Synced​

Ensure that your node is always in sync with the Core network to prevent issues with block production and validation.

Handle Rewards​

At the end of each round, accumulated rewards are distributed to validators. You should track these rewards and monitor any potential issues with your validator's performance.