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Defining Validators and Delegators

The Proof of Staked Authority (PoSA) consensus mechanism implements two key roles to ensure the network's integrity and performance: Validators and Delegators. These roles are integral to block creation, transaction validation, and network governance.

Validators

Validators are the backbone of Chiliz Chain. They are nodes responsible for producing blocks, securing the network, and maintaining the blockchain's integrity.

Validators contribute to Chiliz Chain by:

  • Producing Blocks: Validators package transactions, create, and validate blocks in a secure and efficient manner.

  • Securing the Network: By participating in the PoSA consensus, validators ensure the network remains decentralized and resistant to attacks.

  • Earning Rewards: Active Validators receive CHZ rewards for their efforts, funded through transaction fees and staking rewards.

There are two types of validators:

  • Main Validators: Up to 12 block-producing validators are responsible for validating transactions and committing new blocks to the chain.

  • Candidate Validators: Validators that remain on standby — they don't produce blocks. These validators can step in if a Main Validator becomes unavailable or is penalized.

A periodic election process, conducted every epoch (28,800 blocks), ensures that the 12 highest-staked validators, referred to as Main Validators, are available to produce blocks. If a Main Validator is not available (offline or "in jail"), Candidate Validators (those outside the active set) must await the next election cycle to possibly join the block production process — unless the Main Validator has rejoined already.

Delegators

Delegators play a vital role in Chiliz Chain governance by staking their CHZ to support validators. By delegating their tokens, they indirectly participate in network security and governance while earning rewards.

Validators contribute to Chiliz Chain by:

  • Staking: Delegators allocate their CHZ to a validator’s staking pool, enhancing the validator’s chances of being selected for block production.

  • Participation in chain governance: By staking CHZ, delegators weigh in on decision-making processes on Chiliz Chain.

  • Earning Rewards: In return for their support, delegators earn a share of the rewards generated by the validator.

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