Becoming a Pastel Supernode Validator: A Guide to SuperNodes and Staking on the Pastel Network
About Pastel Supernode
The Pastel Network has a game-changing feature called Pastel Supernode that provides a significant boost in performance, functionality, and security to the blockchain ecosystem. These SuperNodes are robust validator servers that keep complete blockchain copies and offer advanced services such as NFT registration and activation, OpenAPI Sense and Cascade Requests, and cross-chain bridge relayers and orchestrators. Becoming a SuperNode validator on the Pastel Network is as simple as staking PSL tokens, the network’s native token. It’s an effortless process!
Becoming a SuperNode Validator
To become a SuperNode validator on the Pastel Network, you must stake exactly 5,000,000 PSL tokens all at once and run a full node. This stake is referred to as Staked PSL and is measured in PSL. Once you fulfill this requirement, your full node will qualify as a SuperNode and be able to participate in network consensus. SuperNodes that are enabled become part of the active-set and can sign blocks, receive block rewards, process transactions, and earn transaction fees using PSL, the network’s native token.
As a SuperNode operator, you have the responsibility of managing two addresses: your own address and the signer’s address. Your own address is used for administrative functions such as activating the signer and taking custody of the Staked PSL collateral. The signer’s address, on the other hand, is used for actually running the active network node and performing SuperNode operations.
SuperNodes have three different states: enabled, disabled, and pre-enabled. When a SuperNode is in the enabled state, it forms part of the active-set and can earn rewards and returns on its staked PSL as long as it remains in that state. However, moving self-staked collateral will result in the SuperNode being removed from the active-set. Conversely, a SuperNode in the disabled state is not part of the active-set, either due to a conscious choice made by the operator, misconfiguration, or being banned for behaviour harmful to network integrity. Lastly, pre-enabled SuperNodes are in a state of transition as they synchronize to the network and connect with other peers and are in the process of being added to the active-set.
SuperNode Incentives
SuperNode operators receive regular compensation for their services, sourced from the 20% of the mining block reward specifically allocated for SuperNode rewards. These rewards are distributed equally among all valid SuperNodes, with the amount given to each dependent on the total number of active SuperNodes.
The rewards adjust accordingly if more SuperNodes join the network. Moreover, SuperNode operators play an essential governance role in the Pastel Network by participating in crucial ecosystem development and growth initiatives through voting.
Final Thoughts
In summary, becoming a SuperNode validator on the Pastel Network is a straightforward process. All it takes is staking 5,000,000 PSL tokens in a single transaction. As a SuperNode operator, you’ll be rewarded for your services to the network and have the power to vote on crucial ecosystem development and growth initiatives.
The Pastel Supernode is an integral part of the Pastel Network, providing an additional layer of performance, functionality, and security to the entire system.
