Article Summary, Automatically Generated By AI
Summary of ssv.network
Overview
- ssv.network is a decentralized staking infrastructure for Ethereum validators.
- It enables distributed operation of a validator by splitting a validator key between 4 or more non-trusting node instances.
Benefits
- Improves robustness, liveliness, and fault tolerance of nodes in the Ethereum ecosystem.
- Offers advantages over existing staking schemes, including:
- Offline storage of validator keys
- ‘Active to active’ redundancy
- Node instances customizability
- Threshold signature scheme
About SSV.Network
SSV.Network
ssv.network is a decentralized staking infrastructure that empowers the distributed operation of an Ethereum validator, achieved by fragmenting a validator key across four or more non-trusting node instances, dubbed “multi-operator nodes”. These nodes collectively assume the validator’s responsibilities under a consensus mechanism, effectively transforming the validator key into a multisig construct governed by a consensus layer.
The innovative protocol significantly enhances the robustness, liveliness, and fault tolerance of nodes throughout the Ethereum ecosystem. By distributing validator keys across node instances, it achieves a substantial breakthrough compared to existing staking schemes, which are inherently limited in their ability to:
- Validator keys can be securely stored in an offline environment
- Redundancy ensured through ‘active to active’ configuration
- Customizable node instances to cater to diverse needs
- Implementation of a robust threshold signature scheme
ssv.network is the pioneering public implementation of the SSV primitive, which
originated as a groundbreaking research endeavor by the Ethereum Foundation in
2019 and has since evolved into a decentralized, community-driven network
governed by a DAO, comprising stakers, builders, and node operators.
As we rapidly approach the mainnet launch, ssv.network is poised to revolutionize the decentralized landscape. Slated for early 2022, the inaugural implementation of our Decentralized Staking Infrastructure will initially focus on Ethereum, paving the way for subsequent expansion to other proof-of-stake (POS) chains.
SSV Technology
Introducing Secret Shared Validators (SSV), a groundbreaking innovation that enables the secure and robust distribution of an Ethereum validator key across multiple non-trusting node instances (or operators). This pioneering approach ensures that no single node is reliant on another to function, allowing a predetermined number of nodes to go offline without compromising validator performance. Moreover, no individual node instance can unilaterally dominate the validator, thereby ensuring a decentralized, fault-tolerant, and secure staking experience on the Ethereum network.
SSV can be regarded as an intermediary layer situated between the validator node and the beacon chain. The validator keys are fragmented into four or more shares, which are then organized within a ‘multi-operator’ construct. This innovative technology effectively mitigates the limitations inherent in existing staking implementations:
Validator keys can be stored offline, thereby mitigating the risk of exposure to potential attack vectors and exploitation. Currently, validator keys are maintained online to perform duties on the Beacon chain. In contrast, with SSV, only the encrypted ‘Shared Keys’ are stored online. This innovative approach enables ‘active to active’ redundancy, where independent node instances (operators) can operate simultaneously, managing a validator key without incurring slashing risks. Furthermore, infrastructure flexibility is ensured, as stakers (validators) can modify and optimize their multi-operator construct by changing one or more node instances. The threshold signature scheme allows for optimal fault tolerance and validator uptime, even if one or more nodes go offline, ensuring the validator’s ability to continue performing duties remains uninterrupted.
The SSV primitive was initially conceived by the Ethereum Foundation in 2019, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of decentralized technologies. The BloxStaking team subsequently joined forces with the research effort, successfully implementing the inaugural Proof of Concept for the SSV primitive. This groundbreaking innovation ultimately culminated in the debut of the first SSV-based public implementation, ssv.network.