Validator Guide

CMX Network is built on the Optimism Stack, which uses a different validation model than traditional proof-of-stake networks. Currently, validator nodes are not yet available for public participation, but we have plans for decentralized validation in the future.

Current Network Status

Centralized Sequencer (Current)

CapSign-Operated Infrastructure:

  • Centralized Sequencer - CapSign operates the transaction ordering and block production

  • Fraud Proof System - Community can challenge invalid state transitions

  • Ethereum Security - Inherits full Ethereum mainnet security guarantees

  • Enterprise Focus - Optimized for institutional requirements and compliance

Why Centralized Initially:

  • Regulatory Compliance - Easier to meet capital markets regulatory requirements

  • Performance Guarantees - Predictable performance for enterprise customers

  • Rapid Development - Faster iteration and feature development

  • Quality Control - Ensure high-quality service delivery during early phases

Fraud Proof Validation (Available Now)

While traditional validators aren't available, anyone can participate in fraud proof validation:

What is Fraud Proof Validation:

  • Challenge Invalid Transactions - Anyone can dispute incorrect state transitions

  • 7-Day Challenge Period - Window to submit fraud proofs for withdrawals

  • Economic Incentives - Rewards for successful fraud proof challenges

  • No Staking Required - Participation without locking up CMX tokens

How to Participate:

  1. Monitor Network Activity - Watch for suspicious transactions or state changes

  2. Run Fraud Proof Software - Use OP Stack tools to detect invalid states

  3. Submit Challenges - File fraud proofs during the challenge window

  4. Earn Rewards - Receive compensation for successful challenges

Future Validator Program

Planned Decentralization Roadmap

Phase 1: Enhanced Fraud Proofs (6-12 months)

  • Improved fraud proof mechanisms and tooling

  • Community rewards program for fraud proof participation

  • Enhanced monitoring and detection systems

Phase 2: Decentralized Sequencing (12-18 months)

  • Multi-Sequencer Network - Transition to decentralized sequencer rotation

  • KYC'd Sequencers - Verified operators meeting compliance requirements

  • Economic Incentives - CMX token rewards for sequencer operation

  • Slashing Conditions - Penalties for malicious sequencer behavior

Phase 3: Full Validator Network (18-24 months)

  • Open Validator Participation - Public validator node operation

  • Staking Requirements - CMX token staking for validator participation

  • Governance Integration - Validator voting on network parameters

  • Enterprise Validator Pools - Institutional validator services

Validator Requirements (Future)

When validator nodes become available, requirements will include:

Technical Requirements:

  • Hardware Specifications - Minimum compute, memory, and storage requirements

  • Network Connectivity - High-speed, low-latency internet connection

  • Uptime Standards - 99.9% uptime requirements with penalties for downtime

  • Security Standards - Secure key management and infrastructure

Compliance Requirements:

  • KYC Verification - All validators must complete identity verification

  • Jurisdiction Compliance - Meet regulatory requirements in operating jurisdiction

  • Sanctions Screening - Pass ongoing sanctions and AML screening

  • Legal Agreements - Sign validator service agreements and terms

Economic Requirements:

  • Minimum Stake - 100,000 CMX tokens required for validator participation

  • Performance Bond - Additional stake for guaranteed service levels

  • Slashing Conditions - Token penalties for malicious behavior or downtime

  • Insurance Requirements - Professional liability insurance for institutional validators

Validator Economics (Planned)

Revenue Opportunities

Block Production Rewards:

  • Base Rewards - Fixed CMX rewards per block produced

  • Transaction Fees - Share of gas fees collected from transactions

  • MEV (Maximal Extractable Value) - Revenue from transaction ordering

  • Service Fees - Portion of CapSign service revenue sharing

Estimated Returns:

  • Annual Yield - 8-12% estimated return for active validators

  • Performance Bonuses - Additional rewards for high uptime and performance

  • Governance Rewards - Extra incentives for governance participation

  • Enterprise Contracts - Premium pricing for dedicated enterprise services

Costs and Risks

Operational Costs:

  • Hardware and Infrastructure - Server costs, electricity, maintenance

  • Compliance Costs - KYC, legal, and regulatory compliance expenses

  • Insurance Premiums - Professional liability and cyber security insurance

  • Technical Support - 24/7 monitoring and technical staff

Risk Factors:

  • Slashing Risk - Potential loss of staked tokens for violations

  • Regulatory Risk - Changes in regulatory requirements

  • Technical Risk - Software bugs, hardware failures, security breaches

  • Market Risk - CMX token price volatility affecting returns

Preparation for Future Validation

Get Ready for Validator Launch

Educational Resources:

  • OP Stack Documentation - Learn about Optimism sequencer technology

  • CMX Network Testnet - Practice running nodes on test network

  • Validator Workshops - Regular training sessions and technical updates

  • Community Forums - Connect with other prospective validators

Technical Preparation:

  • Infrastructure Planning - Design validator infrastructure and security

  • Key Management - Implement secure key generation and storage

  • Monitoring Systems - Set up node monitoring and alerting

  • Backup Procedures - Develop disaster recovery and failover plans

Compliance Preparation:

  • Complete KYC - Begin identity verification process early

  • Legal Review - Consult with legal counsel on validator obligations

  • Insurance Planning - Investigate professional liability insurance options

  • Regulatory Research - Understand requirements in your jurisdiction

Pre-Registration Interest

Express Interest:

  • Join Validator Waitlist - [email protected]

  • Technical Requirements Survey - Help us understand validator demand

  • Compliance Questionnaire - Pre-validate regulatory requirements

  • Beta Testing Program - Early access to validator software and testing

Alternative Participation (Available Now)

Node Operation Without Validation

Non-Validating Nodes:

  • Archive Nodes - Store full transaction history for data access

  • RPC Nodes - Provide JSON-RPC API access for applications

  • Monitoring Nodes - Network monitoring and analytics services

  • Bridge Nodes - Support cross-chain bridge operations

Benefits of Running Nodes:

  • Network Support - Contribute to network decentralization and resilience

  • Data Access - Direct access to blockchain data for applications

  • Learning Experience - Gain technical knowledge of OP Stack infrastructure

  • Community Recognition - Build reputation in the validator community

Governance Participation

Current Governance Options:

  • CMX Token Voting - Participate in network governance decisions

  • Proposal Submission - Submit improvement proposals for the network

  • Community Feedback - Provide input on validator program development

  • Technical Committees - Join technical working groups and standards committees

Support and Resources

Technical Documentation

Community and Support

  • Validator Discord - Dedicated channel for prospective validators

  • Technical Support - [email protected]

  • Office Hours - Regular Q&A sessions with the CapSign team

  • Validator Meetups - Regional meetups for validator community building

Contact Information


Ready to participate? While traditional validator nodes aren't available yet, you can start by learning about fraud proof validation, joining our validator waitlist, and participating in governance through CMX Token ownership.

Stay Updated: Follow our Discord community and blog for the latest updates on validator program development and launch timeline.

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