Support the AETRON blockchain
Validators are the fourth role in the network, alongside neuronet owners, miners and stakers. They keep the base blockchain running, and as the network moves from Proof of Authority toward decentralization, they take on protocol decisions too. Today the chain runs on Proof of Authority with three authorities, and validator slots are not open yet.
What they do
Produce blocks
A validator signs new blocks and finalizes transactions. Without validators, no new blocks and no new AET enter circulation.
Protocol governance
The network currently runs on Proof of Authority. A transition to validator voting is planned: emission parameters, upgrades and treasury spending will go through them.
Earn their share of the emission
5% of every block's emission is earmarked for chain validators - a separate share on top of neuronet emissions, independent of how much AI work is happening. Validator payout is not enabled yet, so that share currently accrues to the treasury; it switches on when validator slots are activated.
How a validator works
Stake and activation
A validator brings up a node and locks the required minimum stake of AET. The stake is what backs honest behaviour. The minimum amount and the slashing conditions are not published yet - both will be announced together with the opening of validator slots.
Producing blocks
Active validators take turns assembling blocks, including transactions and signing the result.
Finalization and voting
Validators agree on block finalization. As the network moves off Proof of Authority, they vote on protocol proposals - a decision takes effect once it crosses the quorum.
Payout
For every block they produced and finalized, the validator receives their share of the 5% earmarked for chain validators. This payout switches on together with validator slots.
What a validator gets
Steady income
5% of every block is earmarked for chain validators, independent of market activity. The payout is not enabled yet: until validator slots open, that share accrues to the treasury.
A vote in running the network
As the network transitions to validator voting, a validator gains a vote in protocol decisions. This is especially interesting to government institutions, banks, corporations and academic centers.
Compose with staking
Earnings can be reinvested back into stake on neuronets or into the validator's own node. AET is the only token in the network, so the functions combine naturally.
Where the payouts come from
Block emission
- 5% of each block's emission
- Split between active validators once slots open
- Halving every four years, the same as Bitcoin
Transaction fees
- Fees from transactions in the block
- Grow with network activity
- Tied directly to AETRON usage
How to become a validator
Get hold of AET
AET is not listed on exchanges yet — today it is earned by mining. The minimum stake is announced at the time validator slots open.
Bring up a node
An enterprise-grade server: reliable power, network redundancy, protected key management. The exact minimum requirements are published in the docs.
Register a slot
Submit an on-chain claim for a validator slot and lock the stake. Once activated, the node starts taking part in block production.
Run it in the network
Sign blocks, keep uptime up, and as governance moves to validator voting, take part in protocol votes. The emission is paid out automatically.
What's needed to launch
Hardware
- A server-class CPU, not a workstation
- Enough RAM for chain load
- NVMe SSD for storing the full history
- Redundant gigabit internet
Software stack
- Linux (Ubuntu LTS or equivalent)
- A container runtime of your choice
- The AETRON validator client
- Node monitoring
Operational requirements
- Continuous uptime
- Low network response latency
- Regular client updates
- Secure storage of signing keys
Launch an AETRON validator
If you have the infrastructure and an interest in helping run the network, the validator role fits you. Request the minimum stake parameters and activation terms via the contact form.