Validators

Validators are the consensus nodes in the Zosh network. They run the zoshBFT consensus algorithm and sign bridge transactions using FROST threshold cryptography.

What Validators Do

• Participate in zoshBFT consensus (BFT voting, block production)
• Maintain the zosh blockchain state
• Sign blocks with Ed25519 signatures
• Create bridge bundles (batching multiple requests)
• Perform FROST threshold signing for bridge transactions
• Commit signed bundles to zosh blocks

Validators must also run collectors to monitor external chains for bridge events.

Requirements

Infrastructure

• Storage: parity-db for blockchain state
• Network: Stable connection for P2P consensus
• Collectors: See Collectors for chain monitoring requirements

Resources

• Moderate compute for BFT consensus
• Network I/O for P2P communication
• Storage for blockchain state

Running a Validator Node

See Node CLI for detailed setup and commands.

Validator Selection

Validators are selected as block leaders using VRF (Verifiable Random Function):

• Randomized leader selection prevents predictability
• Fair rotation based on cryptographic randomness
• Timeout conditions for leader rotation if unresponsive

See ZoshBFT for consensus algorithm details.

Economics

Current (POC):

• Permissionless - anyone can run a validator
• No staking requirements
• No rewards (testnet only)

Future:

• Stake SOL to become a validator
• Transaction fees distributed to validators
• Slashing for malicious behavior:
  • Providing false bridge event data
  • Double-signing
  • Extended downtime