# Validator Node

## What is a Validator Node ?

A Validator Node is a key component of the Titan Blockchain network, responsible for validating transactions and maintaining the security and integrity of the blockchain. Each Validator node ensures that all nodes agree on the consistency of the state of the blockchain and the authenticity of the data by participating in a consensus mechanism (e.g. Tendermint).

## Responsibilities of Validator nodes

1. **Validate transactions**: Receive and validate transactions in the network to ensure their legitimacy and accuracy.&#x20;
2. **Pack blocks**: packs verified transactions into blocks and broadcasts them throughout the network.&#x20;
3. **Participate in consensus**: Participate in block-out and on-chain governance through consensus algorithms (e.g. Tendermint) to ensure the security and consistency of the blockchain.&#x20;
4. **Resist Attacks**: Improve the attack resistance and fault tolerance of the network through distributed node deployment.

## Node Setup and Operation

The setup and operation of Validator nodes requires certain technical capabilities and hardware resources. Specific requirements include high-performance server configuration, stable network connection and 24\*7 continuous operation capability.

### Initial Node Allocation&#x20;

At the initial stage of Titan Blockchain testing, the number of Validator nodes will be set at 30. When the main network is turned on, the Validator nodes will be completely open, and the top 30 slots will be taken as Validator nodes by ranking the number of tokens staked by the community.

### Arrangements for the testnet phase

In the testnet phase, in order to guarantee the security and stability of the network, the Titan project team will run 20 of the nodes. The rationale for this is that Titan mints a large number of test tokens and stakes these test tokens on its own nodes to ensure that these nodes can become Validator nodes. This arrangement helps ensure performance and security in the early stages of the network.

### Allocation of Remaining Nodes&#x20;

The remaining 10 slots will be allocated according to the DPoS (Delegated Proof of Stake) consensus mechanism. Specifically, these slots will be ranked based on the number of test tokens TTNT staked on each node, with the more tokens pledged on Titan nodes being more likely to become Validator nodes.

### The community determines the Validator node&#x20;

Ultimately, the ability to become a Validator node is determined by community behavior. As the test proceeds, Titan Blockchain will gradually open up more node slots according to the actual situation, further enhancing the decentralization and security of the network. Community members can actively participate in the security maintenance of the network by staking tokens, and receive corresponding rights and rewards through staking tokens.

## Latest Updates

With the testnet running steadily, some community nodes are performing well. To further enhance the decentralization of the network, the Titan project team has decided to implement the following strategic adjustments:

**Adjustment of the number of tokens staked on official nodes**: the number of tokens staked for each Validator node run by the Titan team will be reduced from 150 million to 15 million.

**Support for outstanding community nodes**: To recognize stable running community nodes, we will stake an additional 3 million TTNT to these nodes to enhance their block generation rights.

### **Revenue Expectation Adjustments**&#x20;

These adjustments are expected to significantly increase potential returns for node operators, with annualized returns expected to increase from approximately **15%** to **110-170%**.

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Important notes‼️**

* **Nature of yields**: The yields mentioned so far are only part of the mathematical model and are used for internal calculations during the testing period. They do not represent actual financial returns.
* **Nature of test tokens**: Test tokens have no market value and should not be traded. They are tools designed to test and optimize the functionality and performance of the Titan network.
* **Warning about trading test tokens**: We strongly advise community members to avoid trading test tokens. The primary use of these coins is to support the development and testing phase of the network and are not suitable for trading.
{% endhint %}

### Staking Strategy

To further enhance the security and stability of the network, we encourage users holding test tokens to widely decentralize their staking by staking their tokens on different validation nodes. This decentralized pledging strategy contributes to the health of the network and enhances its resistance to attacks.

When the test network is over, we will use a comprehensive evaluation system to distribute rewards that does not only consider the number of staked tokens. Rewards will be allocated based on a comprehensive consideration of technical inputs, network participation, and various contributions.

For node operators, we will evaluate key factors such as their influence in the community and the stable operability of the node. Our goal is to incentivize full and active participation and ensure that each contributor receives a fair and reasonable reward.

Through these measures, we expect to promote a healthier, more stable and decentralized network environment.
