Consensus

The Real blockchain is a decentralized Layer 1 (L1) network built to facilitate the tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs) for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). At the heart of Real’s security, scalability, and decentralization is its consensus mechanism, which leverages a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) system powered by the Cosmos SDK. This page explores how validators, staking of $REAL tokens, and a carefully designed incentive structure ensure Real’s long-term success.


Consensus Mechanism Overview

Real uses a Tendermint-based Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, a battle-tested protocol provided by the Cosmos SDK. In this system, validators secure the network by proposing and validating blocks, while token holders stake $REAL tokens to participate in governance and earn rewards. This design ensures decentralization, fast transaction finality, and energy efficiency, making Real an ideal platform for RWA tokenization.

Key Features of Real’s Consensus

  • Decentralized Security: Validators are distributed globally, ensuring no single entity controls the network.

  • Fast Finality: Tendermint provides instant finality, meaning transactions are confirmed within seconds.

  • Incentivized Participation: Staking $REAL tokens aligns the interests of validators and token holders, fostering a robust ecosystem.

Validators

Validators are critical to Real’s consensus mechanism, as they are responsible for maintaining the blockchain’s integrity and security.

Role of Validators

  • Block Proposal: Validators take turns proposing new blocks based on their staked $REAL tokens and a randomized selection process.

  • Transaction Validation: Validators verify transactions, ensuring they comply with Real’s protocol rules (e.g., valid tokenization events for RWAs).

  • Network Governance: Validators participate in on-chain governance, voting on proposals to upgrade the network or adjust parameters like staking rewards.

Becoming a Validator

To become a validator on Real, you need to meet the following requirements:

  1. Stake $REAL Tokens: A minimum stake of 10,000 $REAL tokens is required to run a validator node (subject to change via governance).

  2. Set Up a Node: Configure a full node with high availability, low latency, and robust security. Follow our Node Setup Guide.

  3. Register as a Validator: Use the Real CLI to create a validator:

    reald tx staking create-validator \
      --amount 10000ureal \
      --pubkey $(reald tendermint show-validator) \
      --moniker "YourValidatorName" \
      --chain-id real-mainnet-1 \
      --commission-rate "0.10" \
      --commission-max-rate "0.20" \
      --commission-max-change-rate "0.01" \
      --min-self-delegation "1" \
      --from <YOUR_WALLET>
  4. Maintain Performance: Validators must stay online and avoid downtime to earn rewards and avoid penalties (slashing for double-signing or unavailability).

Validator Rewards

Validators earn rewards in $REAL tokens, sourced from:

  • Transaction Fees: Fees paid by users for transactions (e.g., tokenizing assets, trading).

  • Block Rewards: A portion of the annual inflation of $REAL tokens, distributed to validators and their delegators. Rewards are proportional to the amount of $REAL staked and the validator’s performance.

Staking $REAL Tokens

Staking $REAL tokens allows token holders to participate in Real’s consensus mechanism, secure the network, and earn rewards.

How to Stake $REAL Tokens

  1. Set Up a Wallet: Use a compatible wallet (e.g., MetaMask or Real’s native wallet) and connect to the Real network. See our Getting Started Guide.

  2. Acquire $REAL Tokens: Purchase $REAL tokens on supported exchanges or request test tokens from the Real Testnet Faucet if you’re on the testnet.

  3. Choose a Validator: Browse the list of active validators on the Real Explorer explorer.real.finance or through our Staking Dashboard. Look for validators with high uptime, reasonable commission rates, and a good reputation.

  4. Delegate Your Tokens: Use the Real CLI to delegate your $REAL tokens to a validator:

    reald tx staking delegate <VALIDATOR_ADDRESS> 5000ureal --from <YOUR_WALLET> --chain-id real-mainnet-1 --gas auto --fees 500ureal

    Alternatively, use the Staking Dashboard for a user-friendly interface.

  5. Earn Rewards: Rewards are automatically distributed to delegators periodically. You can claim them using:

    reald tx distribution withdraw-all-rewards --from <YOUR_WALLET> --chain-id real-mainnet-1 --gas auto --fees 500ureal

Staking Benefits

  • Earn Rewards: Delegators receive a share of the validator’s rewards, proportional to their staked $REAL tokens (minus the validator’s commission).

  • Support Decentralization: By staking, you help secure the network and ensure its resilience.

  • Participate in Governance: Staked $REAL tokens grant voting power for on-chain governance proposals, allowing you to shape Real’s future.

Risks and Considerations

  • Slashing: If a validator misbehaves (e.g., double-signs or goes offline), a portion of their staked tokens (and delegators’ tokens) may be slashed as a penalty.

  • Unbonding Period: Unstaking $REAL tokens requires a 21-day unbonding period, during which tokens are locked and do not earn rewards.

Ensuring Long-Term Success

Real’s consensus mechanism is designed to ensure the network’s sustainability and growth, supporting its mission to tokenize RWAs for SMEs over the long term.

Decentralized Validator Network

  • Real incentivizes a diverse set of validators by keeping entry barriers reasonable (e.g., 10,000 $REAL minimum stake) and providing tools for node operators.

  • Governance mechanisms allow the community to adjust validator requirements, ensuring the network remains decentralized as it scales.

Sustainable Staking Incentives

  • Inflation Model: Real’s inflation rate (e.g., 7% annually, adjustable via governance) ensures a steady stream of block rewards, incentivizing staking and validator participation.

  • Fee Distribution: Transaction fees from RWA tokenization and trading are distributed to validators and delegators, aligning economic incentives with network usage.

  • Governance Rewards: Active participation in governance (e.g., voting on proposals) may yield additional rewards, encouraging long-term engagement.

Scalability and Security

  • Tendermint Efficiency: The Tendermint consensus protocol provides fast finality and high throughput, ensuring Real can handle the growing demand for RWA tokenization.

  • Security Measures: Slashing and strict validator performance requirements deter malicious behavior, while the Cosmos SDK’s modular design allows Real to integrate future upgrades (e.g., interchain communication via IBC).

Community-Driven Growth

  • Real’s consensus model fosters a vibrant community of validators, delegators, and SMEs, all working together to expand the ecosystem.

  • By empowering SMEs to tokenize assets and access global liquidity, Real creates a self-reinforcing cycle: increased usage drives transaction fees, which in turn incentivizes staking and validation, ensuring the network’s longevity.

Get Involved

  • Run a Validator: Help secure Real by becoming a validator. Start with our Node Setup Guide.

  • Stake $REAL Tokens: Support the network and earn rewards by staking. Visit our Staking Dashboard.

  • Join Governance: Participate in shaping Real’s future by voting on proposals. Learn more in our Governance Guide.


Need Help?

If you have questions about validators, staking, or Real’s consensus mechanism, reach out to our team:

Real’s consensus mechanism ensures a secure, scalable, and decentralized network, paving the way for a sustainable future in RWA tokenization. Join us in building the next generation of finance!

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