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Validator Cycle

Validators in OverProtocol progress through a well-defined lifecycle, ensuring the network operates securely and efficiently. Each stage of the cycle plays a critical role in maintaining network stability, accountability, and scalability.

Stages of the Validator Cycle​

1. Pending Activation​

  • Description: Validators who have submitted their activation request and staked the required amount of OVER enter the pending state.
  • Key Details:
    • Validators wait for the next activation epoch to join the active set.
    • No duties or penalties are applied during this stage.
  • Purpose: Ensures orderly onboarding of new validators.

2. Active​

  • Description: Once activated, validators begin participating in the network by performing duties such as attestation and block proposals.
  • Key Details:
    • Validators are rewarded based on their performance in attestation and block validation.
    • Penalties, such as inactivity penalties or slashing, apply for failing to meet responsibilities or for malicious actions.
  • Purpose: Maintains network security and liveness.

3. Exiting​

  • Description: Validators who request to exit or are forced to exit due to penalties enter the exiting state.
  • Key Details:
    • Validators continue their duties until the exit becomes effective in the next epoch.
    • Penalties still apply during this period, encouraging responsible behavior until the end.
    • The Bailout mechanism protects validators with excessive penalties by expediting their exit.
  • Purpose: Provides a controlled and accountable transition out of the active set.

4. Exited​

  • Description: Once the exit is finalized, validators leave the active set and can no longer participate in network operations.
  • Key Details:
    • Exited validators retain their stake but are no longer subject to penalties or rewards.
    • They must wait for the withdrawal epoch to reclaim their remaining funds.
  • Purpose: Marks the validator as inactive while preserving their remaining assets.

5. Withdrawable​

  • Description: Validators in the exited state become withdrawable once the withdrawal epoch is reached.
  • Key Details:
    • The staked funds (minus any penalties) are available for withdrawal.
    • Validators no longer have any ties or responsibilities to the network.
  • Purpose: Completes the validator’s lifecycle by returning their remaining stake.

6. Slashed​

  • Description: Validators who commit severe misbehavior, such as double-signing or submitting conflicting attestations, are slashed and removed from the active set.
  • Key Details:
    • A 10% immediate reduction in staked funds is applied.
    • Slashed validators are automatically exited and must wait to withdraw their remaining stake after the long withdrawal epoch(= 8192 epochs).
    • This state is permanent, and slashed validators cannot rejoin the network.
  • Purpose: Protects the network from malicious actors by enforcing severe penalties.

Validator State Transitions​

StateNext StateCondition for Transition
Pending ActivationActiveValidator is included in the next activation epoch.
ActiveExitingValidator requests exit or is forced to exit due to penalties.
ExitingExitedExit becomes effective in the next epoch.
ExitedWithdrawableWithdrawal epoch is reached.
WithdrawableN/AValidator withdraws remaining funds.
Active/ExitingSlashedValidator engages in severe misbehavior (e.g., double-signing).