The number of Solana validators has declined sharply over the past three years.
From March 2023 to today, the network has grown from over 2,500 active operators to nearly 800 registered operators. More than 68% reduction.
In the graph below, you can see that Solana’s total number of validators is decreasing.
Validators are operators who run nodes and participate in the process of running nodes. Verify transactions on the network Like Solana.
This way, you sign blocks and help maintain system integrity. Each validator brings diversity and reduces risk. Too much control is concentrated in a single entity.
Less alarming information from within the ecosystem
Amid concerns about the declining number of validators, some participants in the Solana ecosystem are advocating a different vision.
One of them said: “I remembered it again. “Sybil” It’s good to fall like a fly. 800 trusted validators is better than 3,000 “Sybil”«.
and Sybil These are validators that appear to be different identities affecting the network, but are actually controlled by the same entity.
Therefore, the argument presented by that user suggests that the reduction may be healthy, if that’s what it means. Departure of nodes that do not substantially contribute to decentralization.
However, other actors justify their interpretation. Layer 33, the team that develops Solana’s infrastructure, with a focus on operational tools for nodes and network services, said: “We personally know teams that will be shut down. Most will not “Sybil”».
According to them, the relevant part of the validator that left the network They are genuine operators who have decided to exit for economic or technical reasons..
These insights show that there is no single measure of the decline in the total number of validators.
According to these opinions, although the current figure is lower, the actual impact on decentralization would be: Depends on number of independent validators remaining active and the distribution of power between them.
Discussions will continue as Solana works to reduce operational costs and give better tools to those supporting the infrastructure.
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