Validator network

Infrared is a full stack protocol, beginning with its own validator network. This network is responsible for proposing blocks, attesting to blocks, and minting significant block rewards. The network is made up of a group of trusted validators who are responsible for securing the network and ensuring that economic incentives are distributed in a market efficient manner.

Quick overview

Proof of Liquidity

Berachain uses a Proof of Liquidity mechanism, which can be complex. However, Infrared significantly simplifies the process for validator operators to provide a developer and operator experience (devex and opex) similar to Ethereum. Essentially, you need to:

1. Provision your nodes
2. Create a deposit message
3. Claim rewards periodically

Become an operator

1. Coordinate with the Infrared team

To ensure a seamless onboarding experience, contact the Infrared team at [email protected]. We offer white-glove service and will guide you through the integration process.

2. Provision your node

On Berachain, there are two concurrent chains:

1. Beacon chain (consensus layer) – Managed by a single client, beacon-kit.
2. Execution layer – Any ETH1-compatible client, such as Go-Ethereum (Geth) or RETH, can be used.

Note: The Infrared team may require you to run a specific execution or beacon client (or a custom version) to enhance client diversity and support the upcoming Infrared validator network, which aims to provide additional block-building services.

3. Generate the deposit message

Before Infrared can make the first deposit into your validator, you must provide a signed deposit message. This can be created using the beacon-kit CLI:

beacond deposit create-validator \
  $WITHDRAW_CREDENTIAL \
  $VAL_DEPOSIT_GWEI_AMOUNT \
  $GENESIS_FORK_VERSION \
  $GENESIS_VALIDATORS_ROOT

Deposit signature requirements

1. Length: Must be 96 bytes.
2. Amount: Exactly 32 BERA. (TBD what MIN_STAKE is)
3. Withdrawal Address: Must be the InfraredBERAWithdrawor contract address.

Key points

1. First deposit only: A deposit signature is required only once—when creating your validator.
2. Governance submission: The Infrared team must submit the deposit signature through governance.
3. Subsequent deposits: Additional deposits to the same validator do not require new signatures.
4. Invalid signatures: Ensure correctness. An invalid signature causes the deposit to fail.

Coinbase configuration

Setting the fee receiver

To properly collect and distribute rewards, configure your validator client to use the InfraredBERAFeeReceivor contract as the coinbase address:

beacond deposit create-validator \
  address feeReceiver = IInfrared(infrared).ibera().receivor();

Why this matters

• Priority fees (tips) are correctly captured.
• MEV (Maximal Extractable Value) rewards are accumulated.
• Rewards are automatically distributed through the protocol.

Important: An incorrect coinbase configuration means you’ll miss out on rewards. The InfraredBERAFeeReceivor contract ensures that fees are allocated properly.

Claiming rewards

How to claim

Rewards can be claimed from the InfraredDistributor contract using the following function:

function claim(bytes calldata pubkey, address recipient) external;

• pubkey: Your validator’s public key.
• recipient: The address to receive the rewards.

Key notes:

• Only the registered validator address can claim rewards.
• Rewards can be claimed at any time.
• Rewards are distributed in iBERA tokens.

Registration checklist

Before registration

1. Contact the Infrared Team: Provide your validator details.
2. Submit your deposit signature: Must be for 32 BERA, with the InfraredBERAWithdrawor as the withdrawal address.
3. Wait for governance confirmation: The governance process must finalize before you can proceed.

After registration

1. Configure coinbase: Set the coinbase to the InfraredBERAFeeReceivor address.
2. Monitor rewards: Track your rewards through the InfraredDistributor contract.

Technical support

If you encounter issues or have any questions:

1. Verify registration: Confirm with the Infrared team that your validator is properly registered.
2. Double-check configuration: Ensure the coinbase address points to InfraredBERAFeeReceivor.
3. Use the correct validator address: Only your registered address can claim rewards.

For additional help, reach out to the Infrared team via official channels or at [email protected].

Thank you for choosing Infrared. Together, we’ll build a secure, robust network on Berachain’s Proof of Liquidity foundation!