> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://elys-network.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://elys-network.gitbook.io/docs/developer-resources/elys-network-validators.md).

# Elys Network Validators

**Validator General Information**

Validators are responsible for committing new blocks to the blockchain and providing network security. A validator's stake is slashed if they become unavailable, or permanently tombstoned if the validator signs blocks at the same height (double sign). Please read about [<mark style="color:blue;">Sentry Node Architecture</mark>](https://forum.cosmos.network/t/sentry-node-architecture-overview/454) to learn how to protect your node from DDOS attacks and to ensure availability on the respective testnet or mainnet.<br>

**Eligibility**\
\
Validators for Elys Network must be on the Cosmos Hub (ATOM) active validator set, subject to the following ICS consumer chain parameters:

* Type: Opt-in
* AllowList: N/A
* DenyList: Exchange validators
* NumberCap: 40 validators
* PowerCap: 10% voting power

**Validator Incentive Structure**

* 30% airdrop increase for validators and their stakers who opt in for 1 year
* 25% of staking rewards to Cosmos Hub opt-in validators and their stakers. For the first year, that equates to 2 million ELYS
* 15% of protocol-retained revenue (revenue remaining after distributions to liquidity providers and stakers) paid out to Cosmos Hub opt-in validators and their stakers in USDC

\
**Validator Expectations**

* As part of the infrastructure backbone of the Elys Network, validators are expected to play an active role in the community by engaging with the core team and community members, primarily via Discord. Please join the Discord server here
* Validator setup documents are provided here, with pertinent binaries available at the Elys Network github repository: [<mark style="color:blue;">https://github.com/elys-network/elys</mark>](https://github.com/elys-network/elys)
* Join the Elys Network [<mark style="color:blue;">socials</mark>](/docs/social-links/elys-network-socials.md) to receive up-to-date information on governance, technical information, upgrades, etc, using the following Social Links:&#x20;

<details>

<summary>Minimum Hardware and OS Requirements</summary>

* CPU - 8 Core
* Memory - 32GB
* Disk - NVMe 512GB or larger (1TB recommended)
* Modern Linux distribution recommended (eg Ubuntu 20.xx)

</details>

**Active Validator Set**

* Currently up to 40 active validators (can be changed by governance) based on voting power of Cosmos Hub validators opting in to validate for Elys Network. Centralized exchange validators are excluded from participating as Elys Network validators.


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