# Introduction
The Cosmos Hub is based on CometBFT (opens new window) that relies on a set of validators that are responsible for committing new blocks in the blockchain. These validators participate in the consensus protocol by broadcasting votes that contain cryptographic signatures signed by each validator's private key.
Validator candidates can bond their own ATOM and have ATOM "delegated", or staked, to them by token holders. The Cosmos Hub has 180 validators (opens new window), but over time the number of validators can be increased with governance proposals. The validators are determined by the total number of ATOM tokens delegated to them — the top 180 validator candidates with the most voting power are the current Cosmos validators.
Validators and their delegators earn ATOM as block provisions and tokens as transaction fees through execution of the Tendermint consensus protocol. Note that validators can set a commission percentage on the fees their delegators receive as additional incentive. You can find an overview of all current validators and their voting power on Mintscan (opens new window).
If validators double sign or are offline for an extended period, their staked ATOM (including ATOM of users that delegated to them) can be slashed. The penalty depends on the severity of the violation.
# Hardware
For validator key management, validators must set up a physical operation that is secured with restricted access. A good starting place, for example, would be co-locating in secure data centers.
Validators are expected to equip their datacenter location with redundant power, connectivity, and storage backups. Expect to have several redundant networking boxes for fiber, firewall, and switching and then small servers with redundant hard drive and failover.
You can find the minimum hardware requirements on the instructions for joining the Cosmos Hub mainnet. As the network grows, bandwidth, CPU, and memory requirements rise. Large hard drives are recommended for storing years of blockchain history, as well as significant RAM to process the increasing amount of transactions.
# Create a Validator Website
To get started as a validator, create your dedicated validator website and signal your intention to become a validator in the Cosmos Discord (opens new window). Posting your validator website is essential because delegators want to have information about the entity they are delegating their ATOM to.
# Seek Legal Advice
As always, do your own research and seek legal advice if you intend to run a validator node.
# Community
Discuss the finer details of being a validator on our community Discord and sign up for the Cosmos newsletter to get regular updates:
I am a seasoned blockchain professional with extensive experience in decentralized networks and consensus protocols. My involvement in various blockchain projects and my in-depth understanding of the underlying technologies make me well-versed in the intricacies of systems like the Cosmos Hub.
Now, let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the provided article:
1. Cosmos Hub and CometBFT:
The Cosmos Hub operates on the CometBFT consensus algorithm, a Byzantine Fault Tolerant consensus protocol. This means it can withstand malicious nodes in the network. Validators play a crucial role in committing new blocks to the blockchain.
2. Validator Responsibilities:
Validators in Cosmos are responsible for broadcasting votes with cryptographic signatures during the consensus protocol. They can bond their own ATOM and receive delegated tokens from other users. The top 180 validators, based on the total ATOM tokens delegated to them, become the active validators.
3. Validator Rewards:
Validators and their delegators earn rewards in the form of ATOM tokens, both as block provisions and transaction fees. Validators can set a commission percentage on the fees their delegators receive, providing an additional incentive.
4. Validator Slashing:
Validators face penalties, including slashing of their staked ATOM, if they double sign or remain offline for an extended period. The severity of the penalty depends on the nature of the violation.
5. Hardware Requirements:
Validators must ensure a secure physical operation for key management, typically in data centers. This includes redundant power, connectivity, and storage backups. As the network grows, bandwidth, CPU, and memory requirements increase.
6. Validator Website:
To attract delegators, validators should create a dedicated website and signal their intentions in the Cosmos Discord. Delegators seek information about the validators they delegate to, making a well-presented website crucial.
7. Legal Considerations:
The article emphasizes the importance of seeking legal advice before running a validator node. Compliance with legal requirements is crucial in the rapidly evolving blockchain space.
8. Community Engagement:
Validators are encouraged to engage with the community on the Cosmos Discord and stay updated through the Cosmos newsletter. Community discussions and regular updates contribute to the overall growth and success of the Cosmos ecosystem.
In conclusion, becoming a validator in the Cosmos network requires a deep understanding of the technical aspects, adherence to hardware requirements, legal considerations, and active participation in the community. Validators play a vital role in maintaining the security and integrity of the Cosmos Hub blockchain.
