ssv.network

ssv.network provides a decentralized infrastructure for staking that allows an Ethereum validator to run in a distributed manner. This is accomplished by dividing a validator key among four or more independent node instances, known as a “multi-operator node.” These nodes collaboratively handle the validator's tasks through a consensus mechanism. Essentially, the protocol converts a validator key into a multi-signature structure managed by a consensus layer.

This innovative protocol enhances the robustness, availability, and fault tolerance of nodes within the Ethereum ecosystem. By distributing validator keys across different node instances, it marks significant progress over current staking methods, which tend to lag in areas such as:

* Keeping validator keys offline
* 'Active to active' redundancy
* Customizing node instances
* Threshold signature schemes
* Strengthening Ethereum's decentralization

The concept originated as a research initiative by the Ethereum Foundation in 2019. It has evolved into a governance model via a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization), involving a growing community of stakers, developers, and node operators. As of now, SSV Network secures over 1.4 million ETH staked, with more than 1,000 node operators spread across the globe.

The first testnet for SSV Network was introduced on April 7, 2021, followed by Testnet V2 later that July. An incentivized testnet known as Primus was launched in two phases from January 24 to April 4, 2022. On August 22, Testnet V2 (Shifu) went live, with Testnet V3 (JATO) following in March 2023. By December 2023, SSV Network went live on the Ethereum mainnet, unveiling an ecosystem of DVT-powered staking applications built on its foundation.

Secret Shared Validators (SSV) offer a pioneering secure and resilient method for dividing an Ethereum validator key among independent node instances, also referred to as operators. The key is divided in such a manner that each node operates without needing to trust the others, a few can go offline without hindering the validator's performance, and no single node can completely control the validator on its own. This results in staking on Ethereum that is decentralized, fault-tolerant, and secure.

SSV acts as an intermediary layer between the validator node and the beacon chain. Validator keys are separated into four or more shares and arranged in a “multi-operator” architecture. This technology effectively overcomes the limitations of current staking solutions:

* Keeping validator keys offline - Currently, validator keys need to be online to perform tasks on the Beacon chain. With SSV, only the encrypted “Shared Keys” remain online, thus minimizing the risk of key exposure to attacks and misuse.
* ‘Active to active’ redundancy - Independent node instances (operators) can function simultaneously, managing a validator key without the risk of slashing.
* Infrastructure flexibility - Validators can adjust and refine their multi-operator setup by altering one or more of the node instances.
* Threshold signature scheme - One or more nodes can go offline without interrupting the validator's capacity to carry out tasks, ensuring optimal fault tolerance and uptime.