How to become a Validator

1. What Are Validators?

Validators are the backbone of the Cintara blockchain network. They are trusted participants who help maintain the network by validating transactions, producing new blocks, and securing the blockchain. Validators play a crucial role in maintaining decentralization, security, and trust in the Cintara ecosystem.

Validators run special nodes called validator nodes that verify and confirm transactions. In return for their work, validators earn rewards in the network’s native token, CINT. However, to be a validator, users must stake CINT tokens as collateral, which can be partially forfeited if they act maliciously or fail to follow the protocol rules.

1.1 Responsibilities of Validators

Validators must carefully fulfill these key responsibilities:

  1. Maintain Network Uptime and Reliability

    • Keep the validator node running 24/7 with minimal downtime.

    • Ensure high availability to avoid penalties and maintain consistent transaction validation.

  2. Secure the Network

    • Protect the validator node from unauthorized access and cyberattacks.

    • Secure private keys and sensitive data using encrypted backups and best security practices.

  3. Validate Transactions and Produce Blocks

    • Verify all incoming transactions for correctness and legitimacy.

    • Participate in block creation and consensus processes to keep the blockchain running smoothly.

  4. Follow Governance and Protocol Rules

    • Abide by Cintara network governance policies and protocol standards.

    • Act ethically and honestly to maintain the community’s trust and network integrity.

  5. Manage Delegations Responsibly

    • Validators are accountable not only for their own stake but also for the tokens delegated to them by others.

    • Ensure transparent communication and reliable operation to maintain delegator confidence.

2. Pre-Login Technical Setup

Step 1: Install Required Software

Ensure your server has the following tools installed:

Tool

Purpose

bash

Command-line shell

go

Go programming language

jq

JSON processor

wget

File download utility

unzip

Archive extractor

build-essential

Compilation tools (Linux)

Step 2: Hold and Stake CINT Tokens

  • Minimum 100 CINT tokens required for validator activation.

  • Tokens must be bonded/staked as economic collateral.

  • Misbehavior may result in slashing (loss of tokens).

Step 3: Set Up and Run Your Validator Node

  • Follow official setup instructions to install node software.

  • Synchronize your node with the Cintara blockchain.

  • Secure private keys and ensure 24/7 uptime.

Step 4: Participate in Governance

  • Vote on proposals using your validator address.

  • Upgrade your software as needed to comply with new protocol rules.

  • Maintain community transparency and trust.

3. How to Become a Validator on Cintara

Step 1: Connect Node

The user must enter the node IP address and port (Format: protocol://IP:port) in the Node information section and click on Submit.

If the system firewall is enabled, the Node host must make the following ports (TCP) accessible:

  • 9944 (for Web Socket)

  • 9933 (for RPC)

Step 2: Log in

  • Once a node is successfully connected

  • Enter Mnemonics

  • Click on ‘Login’ button.

Step 3: View Dashboard

  • After a successful login, the user is redirected to the dashboard page.

  • The dashboard page shows the status of the validator.

  • The status could be Active, Inactive, or Waiting.

  • In case the user has not completed the process of becoming a validator, the status will be shown as "-".

Step 4: Set Up as A Validator

  • Click on the ‘Setup as a Validator’ button, and the user will see the following mandatory fields:

    • Name

    • Description

    • Website

    • Identity

    • Security Contact

  • ‘Next’ button: Once you click on it, the user will see the next screen to see other fields

  • The following fields can be here:

    • Stake/Bond Amount

    • Commission (%): What the validator charges (a percentage of your staking rewards).

    • Max Rate: The highest commission they'll ever charge.

    • Initial Rate: The commission they start with.

    • Max Change Rate: How much they can change their commission at a time (prevents sudden hikes).

  • Click on ‘Bond and Validate’ to set up as a Validator.

Note: The minimum acceptable amount for a validator bond is 100 CINT Coin.

  • The higher the amount of CINT Coins staked, the higher the chances of becoming a validator.

  • The commission is the percentage amount that is earned by the validators from the delegator's rewards.

Step 5: Authorizing

  1. Review and confirm the Stake amount and Commission settings.

  2. Enter mnemonics to sign the transaction.

  3. Click Sign and Submit.

  4. A small transaction fee will be deducted.

  5. Upon confirmation, validator status will update, and you'll be redirected to the dashboard.

4. Summary

Aspect

Description

Who are Validators?

Trusted nodes validating transactions and securing Cintara.

Key Responsibilities

Uptime, security, block production, governance compliance.

Prerequisites

Linux server, 4GB+ RAM, 20GB+ storage, stable internet, tools.

Stake Required

Minimum 100 CINT tokens to be staked as collateral.

How to Start?

Setup server → Install tools → Stake tokens → Run node → Govern

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