Validator Onboarding
Distributed validators are managed within Clusters - the group of operators that were selected to operate them.
To run a validator through the SSV network, a user must distribute their validator key to their selected cluster and register it to the network’s smart contract.
This can be done via the web app interface or through the smart contracts and developer tools (see get started guide).
The associated costs for running validators on the ssv network are determined by operator fees and network fees.
With the network embracing a free-market approach, where operators set their own fees, the cost for each validator will vary based on its operator setup.
In addition to fees, there’s a minimum balance requirement, known as liquidation collateral, that has to be deposited for each validator a user runs through the network.
To carry validators operational costs, the validator's cluster must be funded with an appropriate amount of SSV (see Cluster Balance).
Funding can be made at any time to the cluster’s balance (see Deposits), but in case the first validator is onboarded to a cluster, the initial funding must be carried with its registration.
To calculate how much funding is needed to run a validator within its cluster according to a certain operation period and the required liquidation collateral:
- Legend
- - operator fee ($SSV per block)
- - network fee ($SSV per block)
- - desired operation period (blocks)
- - liquidation threshold period (blocks)
Single Validator Funding Example
Assuming there are 100 blocks per day, operators and network fee of 0.001 SSV (per block) and a liquidation period of 1 month, the required funding for 1 year of operation period would be:
197.5 SSV = ((0.001 + 0.001 + 0.001 + 0.001 + 0.001) * 100 * (365+30))
Please note that maintaining your cluster’s operational runway is essential and a user could always deposit more balance to their account, or withdraw as they see fit.
Last modified 1mo ago