Requirements
Validator Requirements
Introduction
Running a validator on Taker Chain is a crucial responsibility that ensures network security and decentralization. Validators are responsible for verifying transactions, adding new blocks to the chain, and maintaining the smooth operation of the system. In return, they earn rewards for their contributions. However, this role also comes with risks, such as penalties for misbehavior or technical failures.
For those new to validation, it’s recommended to start in a lower-stakes environment, such as a testnet, to gain experience before committing to full-scale operations on the Taker mainnet.
This guide provides a detailed overview of the requirements for becoming a validator, including hardware specifications, staking prerequisites, and infrastructure setup. Whether you’re deploying on a VPS or using custom hardware, you’ll learn how to optimize your validator for performance and security while adhering to network standards.
Prerequisites
Operating a validator requires technical expertise and a robust, secure infrastructure. Below are the key prerequisites to consider:
System Administration Skills: Validators must be proficient in troubleshooting, optimizing infrastructure, and maintaining consistent node performance.
Security Best Practices: Protect your validator against vulnerabilities by following the guidelines in the Secure Your Validator section.
Network Familiarity: If you’re new to Taker Chain, consider starting on a testnet to refine your setup and build confidence.
Staking Requirements: Validators must stake a minimum of 2000 $veTaker to be eligible for rewards and join the validator set. Additional delegations from other participants can further strengthen your validator’s position.
Slashing Risks: Staked tokens are at risk if your validator misbehaves or experiences downtime. Ensure you have the technical capacity to maintain consistent performance and avoid penalties.
Minimum Hardware Requirements
To ensure optimal performance and reliability, Taker Chain validators require high-performance hardware capable of handling network demands. Below are the recommended minimum specifications:
CPU:
x86-64 architecture with at least 8 physical cores @ 3.4 GHz.
Recommended processors:
Intel: Ice Lake or newer (Xeon or Core series).
AMD: Zen3 or newer (EPYC or Ryzen).
Disable simultaneous multithreading (SMT) for better single-threaded performance:
Intel: Disable Hyper-Threading.
AMD: Disable SMT.
Storage:
NVMe SSD with at least 1 TB of storage for blockchain data. Prioritize low latency over high throughput.
Storage needs will grow as the chain expands. Refer to the latest chain snapshot for up-to-date estimates.
Memory:
32 GB DDR4 ECC RAM.
Network:
Symmetric internet speed of at least 500 Mbps to handle high transaction volumes and prevent congestion during peak activity.
VPS Provider Recommendations
If you plan to host your validator on a VPS, choose providers that offer reliable performance and meet the hardware requirements. Below are some options that have been tested for compatibility, but actual performance may vary:
Google Cloud Platform (GCP): c2 and c2d machine families provide high-performance configurations.
Amazon Web Services (AWS): c6id instances are optimized for I/O-intensive workloads.
OVH: A cost-effective option if it meets the hardware specifications.
Digital Ocean: Premium droplets are suitable for medium to high-intensity workloads.
Vultr: Flexible plans that cater to high-bandwidth needs.
Linode: Offers detailed documentation to assist with setup.
Scaleway: High-performance cloud instances suitable for validators.
OnFinality: Specializes in blockchain infrastructure with validator-specific support.
Note: Be sure to review the acceptable use policies of your chosen VPS provider. Some providers may restrict cryptocurrency-related activities, and violations could lead to account suspension or server shutdown.
Minimum Bond Requirement
Before setting up your validator, ensure you meet the minimum bonding requirement. On Taker Chain, validators must stake at least 2000 $veTaker to join the validator set.
To earn rewards, your validator must also receive sufficient delegations from other participants. The staking threshold may vary depending on network conditions, so check the latest requirements using tools such as:
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