Secure the
Network Through
Decentralization

Validators are key to Sui’s operations and performance

Independent validators are the backbone of the Sui network. Validators run unique instances of the Sui software on independent machines and are collectively responsible for securing the network. They process transactions and participate in consensus to ensure Sui is the safest network possible.

As a permissionless network, anyone with the appropriate setup and sufficient stake can become a validator. Sui uses Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) to determine which validators operate the network and their voting power.

How Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) Works

Operations are processed by a set of validators, each with a specific amount of stake from SUI token holders. A validator's share of the total stake on the network determines each validator’s voting power for processing transactions. Staking SUI implies that the SUI tokens are locked for a fixed duration, called an epoch. SUI token holders are free to withdraw their SUI or to move their stake to a new validator when an epoch changes.

Staking Rewards for Good Behavior

Validators provide a service to Sui by operating and securing the network. In exchange, they are compensated with commissions from staking rewards. In the early phases of the network, staking rewards are made up of stake subsidies plus gas fees. The subsidies are necessary as gas fees will likely be relatively low. In the long run, the entirety of rewards will be gas fees.

How Rewards are Distributed
Validators receive a share of stake rewards based mostly on their share of total stake on the network. The size of the Storage Fund and the validator’s Tallying Rule score also play a part.
The Storage Fund redistributes storage fees from past transactions to validators based on current network storage requirements. When storage requirements are high, rewards are boosted to compensate for increased costs and vice versa when requirements are low.
The Tallying Rule is a way for validators to monitor one another to ensure efficient operations that serve the best interest of the network. Validators score every other validator on their behavior and low scoring validators can be penalized with reduced stake rewards.