The NOM contributor workstream on behalf of the Lido Node Operator Subgovernance Group (LNOSG) would like to provide an update regarding the results of the Simple DVT Super Cluster participant evaluations that took place on July 16th, 2024. This evaluation meeting follows the Snapshot vote for the Expansion of the Simple DVT Module. Information about the Simple DVT Module is available here.
As mentioned in the Simple DVT Module Proposal, in order to broaden the scope of operator categorization of Node Operators utilizing the Lido protocol, a classification of “Advanced Node Operators” was suggested. For clarity, three different classifications of Node Operators now exist in the operator groupings:
- Curated Node Operators (CNOs) - Professional Node Operator teams that are members of the Lido on Ethereum Curated Module.
- Advanced Node Operators (ANOs) - Professional Node Operators, Solo Stakers, and Community stakers that have demonstrated the ability to run performant nodes and remain responsive via Simple DVT testnets and mainnet. Any Simple DVT Cluster that runs more than 100 validators must consist of 50% Advanced Node Operators.
- Solo (or Independent) & Community Stakers - non-professional Node Operators participating in running Ethereum validators. Solo stakers run validators & DVT nodes alone, while Community Stakers are groups working together.
Super Cluster Participant Evaluation
A discussion was had to suggest which participants should be part of the 5 Obol and 5 SSV Super Simple-DVT Clusters. In addition, a list of backup operators were identified in the event participants from the proposed list (should it be accepted) cannot move forward. Additionally, the proposal is that all of the identified operators will be classified as Advanced Node Operators unless they are already considered a Curated Node Operator. Additional Advanced Node Operators are expected to be proposed in the future.
A total of 230 participants were assessed for inclusion, all of which have already been accepted to proceed to mainnet Simple DVT across Lido clusters with Obol and SSV Network.
Given the relatively larger number of validators expected to be run by Super Clusters (maximum of 500), the LNOSG opined that a higher percentage of professional Node Operators should be included, however solo and community stakers were also considered.
Evaluation Results
During the evaluation discussion, the LNOSG together with mainnet and testnet coordinators from the Lido DAO NOM Workstream, Obol, and SSV Network teams suggested 70 unique participants across 10 clusters with a 5/7 threshold configuration be onboarded to mainnet Obol and SSV Super clusters in the Simple DVT Module. The proposed participants include 7 solo / community stakers in addition to 63 professional node operators, including some CNOs. In addition to the cluster proposal, an additional 28 participants are being proposed for the backup list. All of the aforementioned participants that are not CNOs would be classified as Advanced Node Operators.
All of the candidates proposed by the LNOSG were considered to have shown strong performance, responsiveness, and reliability over the course of both testnets and during mainnet onboarding application assessments. The proposed clusters would balance client and geographic diversity to promote infrastructure resilience.
The proposed participants have been asked to confirm their desire to join the Simple DVT Operator Set via a Super Cluster. In case they do not reply affirmatively in a timely manner, or for some other reason cannot participate, the LNOSG will make an adjustment to the proposed list and share an update in this thread.
During the final meeting on July 17th, 2024, the LNOSG suggested to propose the following participants and cluster-makeups for inclusion into the Lido Simple DVT Module Ethereum protocol:
Proposed Lido Super Clusters
The full PDF with summary statistics and the LNOSG meeting recordings of the introduction, final conclusion and cluster proposal can be found in the public drive below. Due to the privileged/confidential nature of some of the information provided in some of the applications, the portion of the call where cluster makeups were discussed in detail was not recorded.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xU1BgmivCfcmI3n9WRCeZZL0q62C7BNE
All participants have been emailed notifying them of the proposal and are welcome to reach out via email to [email protected] for further clarification.
Path to Mainnet
If there are no objections or changes requested to the proposed list of participants by the DAO, onboarding will begin in the coming weeks.
Super Clusters will start with 50 depositable keys after they have been onboarded to the Simple DVT Module. After an initial 14 day monitoring period, a performance report will be presented to the DAO. If the performance is comparable to other mainnet operators, a proposal will be made to raise the key limits of the clusters to 200. Once those validators are deposited to and active for 14 days, another performance report will be presented with a potential proposal to raise limits to 500 validators.
DAO Discussion Period
A 7 day discussion period is now open for the DAO to discuss the proposed participants for the Super Clusters within the Simple DVT module.
Should the DAO disagree with any of the proposed applicants, request additional information, or otherwise request additional input for the onboarding, the LNOSG will reconvene to propose a next course of action.
If after 7 days, no major changes are required by the DAO, the Simple DVT coordinators from the Lido DAO NOM Workstream, Obol, and SSV Network will begin the coordination process with cluster participants.
Next Steps
If no adjustments are required after the week discussion period, the Super Clusters will soon be added to coordination threads and begin the process of verifying addresses and setting up cluster multisigs. The Lido Simple DVT Module Committee will propose their entries in the Simple DVT Node Operator Registry via Easy Track, and clusters will submit keys to the Lido Simple DVT Module once they are deemed to be ready for deposits.
An update will be posted to the research forums before validator key limits are raised for any clusters.