Neutron’s validator set is carefully curated to ensure network security, performance, and alignment with ecosystem values. This document explains the curation policy and process.

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Core Principles

Neutron’s validator curation is based on several key principles:
  1. Merit-Based Selection: Validators are chosen based on their technical expertise, contribution to the ecosystem, and reliability
  2. Decentralization: The validator set should be geographically and operationally diverse
  3. Transparency: Selection criteria and processes are open and visible to all
  4. Community Governance: The community has ultimate authority over validator set composition

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Selection Criteria

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Technical Requirements

Validators must meet or exceed these technical standards:
  • Hardware: Sufficient CPU, memory, storage, and network capacity
  • Uptime: Demonstrated ability to maintain high uptime (99.5%+)
  • Security: Strong key management practices and security measures
  • Architecture: Proper sentry node setup and network design
  • Monitoring: Comprehensive monitoring and alerting systems

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Community Contribution

Validators are expected to contribute to the ecosystem:
  • Documentation: Contribute to technical documentation and guides
  • Code: Provide bug reports, fixes, or features to core software
  • Education: Create educational content or tools for the community
  • Support: Offer support in community channels
  • Network Participation: Active participation in testnets and upgrades

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Business Conduct

Validators must demonstrate professional conduct:
  • Transparency: Clear communication about operations and commission changes
  • Responsiveness: Prompt response to network issues or governance matters
  • Ethics: Avoiding conflicts of interest or harmful practices
  • Compliance: Following applicable regulations in their jurisdictions

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Curation Process

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Initial Selection

The initial validator set is selected through:
  1. Application Process: Prospective validators submit applications with detailed information
  2. Technical Evaluation: Review of technical setup and capabilities
  3. Community Review: Public review and feedback period
  4. Governance Decision: Final approval through governance process

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Ongoing Evaluation

Validators are continuously evaluated based on:
  • Performance Metrics: Block production, voting participation, response time
  • Community Feedback: Input from delegators and community members
  • Contribution Tracking: Ongoing contributions to the ecosystem
  • Regular Reviews: Periodic comprehensive reviews of all validators

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Removal Process

Validators may be removed from the active set for:
  • Persistent Underperformance: Consistent failure to meet minimum performance standards
  • Security Incidents: Significant security breaches or double-signing
  • Harmful Behavior: Actions detrimental to the network or community
  • Inactivity: Extended periods without participation in governance or community
The removal process typically involves:
  1. Warning: Initial notification of concerns
  2. Improvement Period: Time to address issues (when applicable)
  3. Governance Proposal: Community vote on removal
  4. Execution: Implementation of removal decision

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Validator Set Parameters

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Set Size

  • Current Size: [Current validator set size]
  • Maximum Size: [Maximum validator set size]
  • Adjustment Process: Changes to set size require governance approval

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Delegation Caps

To maintain decentralization, Neutron implements:
  • Soft Caps: Guidelines for maximum stake concentration
  • Visibility Tools: Clear indicators of stake distribution
  • Education: Community guidance on delegation best practices

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Incentivizing Good Behavior

In the absence of slashing, Neutron uses positive incentives:
  • Performance-Based Rewards: Additional rewards for exceptional performance
  • Visibility: Recognition and promotion of exemplary validators
  • Delegation Guidance: Tools to help delegators identify high-quality validators

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Geographic Distribution

Geographic diversity is encouraged through:
  • Region Tracking: Monitoring of validator geographic distribution
  • Diversity Incentives: Programs to encourage validators in underrepresented regions
  • Risk Analysis: Evaluation of geographic concentration risks

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Governance Role

The governance system’s role in curation includes:
  • Parameter Setting: Determining key parameters of the curation system
  • Dispute Resolution: Addressing conflicts or unclear situations
  • Process Updates: Modifying the curation process as needed
  • Final Authority: Making final decisions on validator admission and removal

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Future Directions

The curation policy may evolve to include:
  • Automated Metrics: More advanced automated validator performance tracking
  • Reputation Systems: Formalized reputation scores for validators
  • Specialized Committees: Dedicated groups focused on validator evaluation
  • Tiered System: Different tiers of validators with different requirements and rewards