Learn more about Axelar’s Node Operators
What is a Validator?
About the studio
Let’s take an in-depth look at what Validators are, what their role is in the Axelar network, and how they are incentivized
Validators
Securing the Axelar Network
Validators play a key role in securing the Axelar network. The role of a node operator is especially suitable for participants with advanced technical skills comfortable in running nodes
Definition
Understanding What a Validator is
Let’s have a look at what Validators are, what function they provide to Axelar’s ecosystem, and how they are elected in the network:
Validator requirements specification
What does it take to become a validator?
Slashing Mechanism
Incentivizing validators to correctly validate requests
The validators in the Axelar network are incentivized by a slashing mechanism to serve correct data. For this reason, validators need to stake Axelar tokens which are subject to slashing.
Threshold Cryptography
Validators in the Axelar network collectively manage the network’s gateways via threshold cryptography. Every single transaction in the network needs to be collectively approved by the majority of validators and executed through the gateways. This process can be likened to how state transitions on regular blockchains need to be agreed by validators to authorize asset transfers.
Managing the Axelar gateways
Threshold signatures
Once the majority of validators collectively approve a transaction, an agreement is reached which results in a signed compact transaction. Transactions are authorized by using a single signature that is collectively signed by the majority of validators. In doing so, Axelar is able to maintain low fees and to keep transactions small. At the same time, requirements from Axelar’s interconnected chains are eliminated.
