Validator Selection and Rotation

Bitcoin Solaris implements a robust and decentralized validator selection and rotation mechanism for its Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) Solaris Layer. This process is designed to ensure network security, prevent centralization, and maintain a fair and efficient consensus system.

1. Validator Pool:

   • The Solaris Layer maintains a pool of potential validators.

   • Any BTC-S token holder can apply to become a validator by staking a minimum required amount of BTC-S tokens.

2. Selection Criteria:

   • Technical Requirements: Validators must meet minimum hardware and software specifications to ensure network performance.

   • Stake Amount: The amount of BTC-S tokens staked by the validator.

   • Reputation Score: A score based on past performance, uptime, and community feedback.

   • Geographical Distribution: To promote network resilience, the system aims for a diverse geographical distribution of validators.

3. Voting Process:

   • Token holders can vote for validator candidates using their staked BTC-S tokens.

   • Voting power is proportional to the amount of tokens staked.

   • A quadratic voting system is implemented to prevent large stakeholders from having disproportionate influence.

4. Active Validator Set:

   • The top 21 validators by vote are selected as the active validator set.

   • This number may be adjusted through governance proposals as the network grows.

5. Rotation Mechanism:

   • The active validator set is updated every 24 hours (2880 blocks).

   • Validators are rotated based on their current voting rank.

   • A maximum of 3 validators can be replaced in each rotation to maintain network stability.

6. Slashing and Penalties:

   • Validators who fail to perform their duties or act maliciously can be slashed, losing a portion of their staked tokens.

   • Repeated offenses may result in the validator being removed from the pool.

7. Rewards Distribution:

   • Block rewards are distributed among active validators proportionally to their stake and performance.

   • A portion of the rewards is allocated to a community pool for network development and maintenance.

8. Governance Participation:

   • Active validators have the responsibility to participate in on-chain governance decisions.

   • Their voting power in governance is separate from their validator selection voting power to prevent conflicts of interest.

This validator selection and rotation mechanism ensures that the Bitcoin Solaris network remains decentralized, secure, and efficient. By combining stake-based selection with performance metrics and community voting, we create a balanced system that incentivizes good behavior and network participation while mitigating the risk of centralization.