In this essay, we have discussed about 2 important terms in TON Blockchain. Validators and Nominators
In simple words:
A validator is an essential network node responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of the blockchain. Its main task is to verify and validate proposed blocks, thereby adding them to the blockchain.
Becoming a validator necessitates meeting two criteria:
owning a powerful server and acquiring a substantial amount of TON (300,000), to serve as a stake.
A reliable network
(For more info about staking check this article on staking.)
Validators stake their Toncoin for a fixed term and receive their stake back with interest upon the completion of a validation round.
To become a validator in the TON network, individuals need access to high-performance hardware.
TON is a decentralized network and its nodes must be located in different data centers and different geographical zones.
Please be sure to run the validator on the specified hardware or better. Validators on weak hardware have a negative impact on the network and will be fined.
Hardware requirements
at least 8 cores CPU
at least 64 GB RAM
at least 512 GB NVMe SSD
1 Gbit/s network connectivity
public fixed IP address
Nominators are participants within a network who lend their assets to validators.
(For more information on the TONCoin , check out this article.)
Validators, in turn, earn Toncoin, which is then distributed to nominators based on the predetermined pool settings. Nominators play a crucial role, particularly for those who don’t possess a substantial amount of Toncoin. Essentially, a nominator is a user who lends their TON to validators. Whenever a validator earns rewards from block validation, these rewards are distributed among the participants involved. Pools, in the context of nominators, are the combined assets of both validators and nominators. These assets are managed by a smart contract, ensuring the proper use of the borrowed coins.
In the past, the first staking pool on TON was operated by Ton Whales, allowing users to participate with a minimum deposit of 50 TON. Subsequently, the TON Foundation introduced the first open nominator pool. Now, users have the opportunity to stake Toncoin in a fully decentralized manner, with a minimum requirement of (10,000) TON.
