How are the award winners determined?

Award winners are determined based on their performance metrics over the past 10 epochs. A randomized selection from the top 5% of validators in each category are recognized as the award winners. Only validators with a name and icon are eligible to be award winners.

How often are the awards updated?

The awards are updated at the beginning of every epoch based on performance during the previous 10 epochs; additionally, if a validator's performance would drop it out of the top 5%, its award is immediately removed and applied to a different qualifying validator.

What are the different award categories for validators in the Shinobi Performance Pool?

The Shinobi Performance Pool recognizes top-performing validators in the following categories:

What are the key performance metrics used to rank validators in the pool?

The key performance metrics used to rank validators in the Shinobi Performance Pool include:

• Block skip rate
• CU per block
• Vote transactions per block
• Vote credits earned per epoch
• Average vote latency
• Percent Consensus Votes
• Block vote inclusion

How is the block skip rate calculated and used in the ranking?

The block skip rate is calculated as the average skip rate over the previous 10 epochs. It is one of the factors used to determine a validator's overall performance ranking.

What is the "prior leader skip rate" and how is it factored into the ranking?

The "prior leader skip rate" is the sum total of prior leaders skipped divided by the number of leader slot groups in which the validator produced a block, averaged over the previous 10 epochs. It is used as a factor in the validator's performance ranking.

How are CU per block and vote transactions per block used in the ranking?

CU (Compute Units) per block and vote transactions per block are averaged over the previous 10 epochs and used as factors in determining a validator's performance ranking. These metrics help ensure that validators are processing transactions efficiently and including votes in their blocks.

What are vote credits and how are they used in the ranking?

Vote credits are earned by validators for each epoch based on their voting activity. The vote credits earned per epoch, averaged over the previous 10 epochs, are used as a factor in the validator's performance ranking.

How is average vote latency calculated and used in the ranking?

Average vote latency is calculated over the previous 10 epochs and used as a factor in determining a validator's performance ranking. Lower vote latency indicates faster voting and is considered better for the network.

What is the "% Consensus Votes" metric and how is it used in the ranking?

The "% Consensus Votes" metric represents the percentage of votes that a validator participates in that reach consensus, averaged over the previous 10 epochs. It is used as a factor in the validator's performance ranking, with higher percentages being more favorable.

What is a stake pool?

A stake pool is a mechanism that allows multiple stakeholders to combine their staking resources and earn rewards collectively. The Shinobi Performance Pool is a stake pool that focuses on optimizing validator performance and rewards.

What is a validator?

A validator is a node in the Solana network responsible for processing transactions, producing blocks, and maintaining the integrity of the blockchain. Validators are selected to participate in the consensus process based on the amount of stake delegated to them.

What is a delegator?

A delegator is an individual or entity that stakes their SOL tokens with a validator or a stake pool to earn rewards. Delegators do not need to run a validator node themselves but can participate in the staking process by delegating their stake.

What is an epoch in the context of Solana?

In Solana, an epoch is a fixed period of time (approximately 2-3 days) during which a set of validators is chosen to participate in the consensus process. At the end of each epoch, the validator set is updated based on the stake distribution.

What is a liquid staking token (LST)?

A liquid staking token (LST) is a token that represents a claim on staked assets in a stake pool. LSTs, such as xSHIN, can be freely traded, transferred, or used in DeFi applications while the underlying staked assets remain locked in the pool.

What is the xSHIN token?

xSHIN is the liquid staking token issued by the Shinobi Performance Pool. It represents a claim on the staked SOL in the pool and allows holders to benefit from staking rewards while maintaining liquidity.

What is MEV (Maximal Extractable Value)?

Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) refers to the maximum value that can be extracted from block production in excess of the standard block reward and gas fees. MEV can be extracted through various strategies, such as transaction reordering, arbitrage, or liquidations.

What is staking?

Staking is the process of locking up cryptocurrency assets to support the operations of a blockchain network and earn rewards in return. In Proof-of-Stake (PoS) networks like Solana, staking is used to determine which validators are selected to produce blocks and validate transactions.

What is liquid staking?

Liquid staking is a mechanism that allows users to stake their assets while maintaining liquidity. When users stake their assets in a liquid staking pool, they receive a liquid staking token (e.g., xSHIN) that represents their staked position. These tokens can be freely traded or used in DeFi applications.

What is a governance token?

A governance token is a cryptocurrency that grants its holders voting rights to participate in the decision-making process of a decentralized project or protocol. Governance token holders can propose and vote on changes to the protocol's parameters, features, or direction.

What is an airdrop?

An airdrop is a distribution of cryptocurrency tokens to a large number of wallet addresses, usually for free. Airdrops are often used as a marketing strategy to increase awareness and adoption of a new token or project. In some cases, airdrops may be used to reward early adopters, active users, or stakeholders.

What is a liquidity pool?

A liquidity pool is a collection of cryptocurrency assets locked in a smart contract that provides liquidity for decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and other DeFi protocols. Liquidity providers contribute their assets to the pool and earn a share of the trading fees generated by the pool.

What is yield farming?

Yield farming, also known as liquidity mining, is the practice of staking or lending cryptocurrency assets to earn rewards in the form of additional tokens. Users can participate in yield farming by providing liquidity to DEXs, lending platforms, or other DeFi protocols and earning a portion of the fees, interest, or token rewards generated by the platform.

What is xSHIN and how is it different from SOL?

xSHIN is the liquid staking token issued by the Shinobi Performance Pool. It represents a claim on the staked SOL in the pool and accrues staking rewards over time. While SOL is the native cryptocurrency of the Solana blockchain, xSHIN is a derivative token that allows users to benefit from staking rewards while maintaining liquidity.

Where can I use xSHIN tokens?

xSHIN tokens can be used in various DeFi applications built on the Solana ecosystem. They can be traded on decentralized exchanges (DEXs), used as collateral for borrowing, or provided as liquidity in yield farming protocols. The specific use cases for xSHIN may vary depending on the DeFi platforms that support it.

How do I obtain xSHIN tokens?

You can obtain xSHIN tokens by staking your SOL in the Shinobi Performance Pool. When you deposit SOL into the pool, you will receive xSHIN tokens in proportion to your staked amount. You can also acquire xSHIN tokens by purchasing them on supported decentralized exchanges.

What determines the value of xSHIN?

The value of xSHIN is primarily determined by the underlying value of the staked SOL in the Shinobi Performance Pool. As the pool accrues staking rewards, the value of xSHIN appreciates accordingly. The market demand and supply of xSHIN on decentralized exchanges also influence its trading price.

Will there be an airdrop of xSHIN tokens?

The Shinobi Performance Pool may conduct airdrops of xSHIN tokens as a way to incentivize participation and reward stakeholders. Airdrop details, including eligibility criteria and distribution mechanisms, will be announced through official channels when applicable. Stay tuned for updates on potential xSHIN airdrops.

What factors contribute to a validator's ranking in the Shinobi Performance Pool?

A validator's ranking in the Shinobi Performance Pool is determined by several key factors, including block skip rate, prior leader skip rate, CU per block, vote transactions per block, vote credits earned per epoch, average vote latency, and % Consensus Votes. Improving performance in these areas can help boost a validator's ranking.

How can a validator improve their block skip rate?

To improve block skip rate, validators should ensure their nodes are running on reliable hardware with sufficient resources, maintain a stable network connection, and optimize their software configuration. Regularly monitoring node performance and addressing any issues promptly can help minimize block skips.

What can a validator do to reduce their "prior leader skip rate"?

Validators can reduce their "prior leader skip rate" by ensuring they are well-connected to the network and have a low-latency connection to other validators. Optimizing network settings, such as using a reliable network provider and configuring optimal peer connections, can help minimize prior leader skips.

How can a validator increase their CU per block and vote transactions per block?

To increase CU per block and vote transactions per block, validators should focus on efficiently processing transactions and prioritizing the inclusion of vote transactions in their blocks. Optimizing transaction processing algorithms, using powerful hardware, and allocating sufficient resources to vote transaction handling can contribute to improved performance in these areas.

What steps can a validator take to earn more vote credits?

Validators can earn more vote credits by maintaining high uptime, participating actively in consensus voting, and minimizing vote latency. Ensuring a reliable and low-latency connection to the network, promptly processing and broadcasting votes, and avoiding downtime are key factors in maximizing vote credits earned per epoch.

How can a validator reduce their average vote latency?

To reduce average vote latency, validators should optimize their network infrastructure, ensure low-latency connections to other validators, and prioritize vote processing in their node software. Regularly monitoring vote latency and identifying any bottlenecks or delays can help validators take corrective actions to improve their voting performance.

What can a validator do to increase their "% Consensus Votes"?

Validators can increase their "% Consensus Votes" by actively participating in consensus voting, maintaining high uptime, and ensuring their votes are promptly processed and included in the consensus. Monitoring voting performance, identifying any missed or delayed votes, and taking corrective measures can help improve the percentage of consensus votes.