Back in our previous article, we teased the concept of validators. However, how exactly do they work?
Validators are the defining feature of Solbridge. By design, every transaction has to be confirmed by several independent sources. We view Validator as such an independent source. Validator is a server, synched up with the blockchains and the bridge. Another system’s component is a validator — a person who sets up this server.
The server is connected to the Bridge, which is a smart contract on Solana blockchain. Validator synchronizes with one blockchain, available on SolBridge. A validator can set up a node for every supported blockchain or connect to the existing one to make the synchronization with blockchain faster.
It is Validator’s task to observe the logs of bridge smart contracts for transaction requests. As soon as the new transaction is detected, the Validator must verify it. After the successful verification, validators signs it and sends it to the Bridge.
If 2/3 of Validators have not sent their signature, the Validator sends the request to the bridge smart contract on the receiving blockchain to cancel the transaction. In the case of an unknown resolution, it is validator’s job to take part in a governance process to decide whether the transaction is correct.
To become a validator, one has to meet certain technical requirements, including but not limited to, the ability to set up servers and nodes, enough storage capacity and more, which will be shared later. The key requirement of becoming a validator, however, is staking BRDG tokens. More details will be announced soon.
In exchange for staking, Validator receives LP tokens. Validators are rewarded when they sign a successful transaction from user fees and Solbridge fees. However, malicious validators will be penalized from the funds they have staked.
The process of sending the transaction, which requires 2/3 of the total signatures is quite hefty, but we found a workaround, which is going to be the main topic of our future article. If you are interested to learn more about Solbridge features, stay tuned to our announcement posts.
