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Running Your Node as a Validator on Allfeat

After initializing your node as detailed in the Initializing a Validator Node on Allfeat (prerequisites) section, you're ready to start your journey as a validator. This guide will walk you through running your node as a validator and joining the Allfeat validator set.

Prerequisites

Ensure that your node has been:

  • Configured with the necessary validator keys. (here)

Starting Your Validator Node

To start your node in validator mode, run the following command:

./target/release/allfeat --base-path /path/to/node/data --name MyValidatorNode --telemetry-url 'wss://telemetry.polkadot.io/submit/ 0' --validator

Make sure to replace /path/to/node/data with your actual data directory and MyValidatorNode with the name you want to give your node.

Joining the Validator Set

To participate in the consensus and be eligible for block production and rewards, your node must be selected into the validator set. This involves:

  1. Staking Tokens: Lock a certain amount of tokens as stake. This acts as a security deposit, ensuring validators act in the network's best interest.

    • Use the Polkadot{.js} Apps UI to stake tokens and nominate your validator.

  2. Setting Session Keys: Inform the network about your validator's session keys.

    • This is done through a transaction, which can also be submitted via the Polkadot{.js} Apps UI.

  3. Waiting for the Next Era: Validator selection happens at the beginning of each era. Your node will start validating if it's chosen for the active validator set.

Monitoring Your Validator

It's crucial to monitor your validator's performance and status:

  • Telemetry: Connect your node to Allfeat's telemetry service to monitor its status and metrics.
  • Logs: Regularly check your node's logs for warnings, errors, or any signs of misbehavior.

Maintaining Your Validator

Running a validator node requires diligent maintenance:

  • Keep Your Node Updated: Regularly update your node software to the latest version.
  • Secure Your Validator: Implement security best practices to protect your node from attacks.
  • Be Active: Ensure your node remains online and active. Downtime can result in penalties or slashing.

Congratulations! You are now running a validator node on Allfeat. By participating as a validator, you play a critical role in securing the network and processing transactions.

Remember, being a validator comes with responsibilities. Maintaining your node's security and operation is crucial for the health of the network and the security of your staked tokens.