Join the Network

Once your node is synced, the next step is generating your validator identity and joining the committee. This registers your node as an active participant in consensus.

Prerequisites

• Node running and fully synced (Node Setup)
• A funded address with enough balance to meet the minimum stake

Generate Validator Info

1. Run the following command to generate your validator identity:

   soma validator make-validator-info <hostname> <commission_rate>

   This creates a validator.info file containing your protocol key, network key, and worker key. The commission rate is specified in basis points — 100 equals 1%.

2. Back up the generated key files immediately.

   Caution

   Loss of validator keys means permanent loss of validator access. Store copies in a secure, offline location. There is no recovery mechanism.

Fund Your Validator Address

Your active address must hold enough $SOMA to meet the minimum stake required to join the committee. Check your balance with:

soma client balance

If you need tokens on testnet, use the faucet. For mainnet, acquire $SOMA through the appropriate channels.

Join the Committee

1. Submit your validator info to join the committee:

   soma validator join-committee <path-to-validator.info>

2. Verify your validator appears in the committee list:

   soma validator list

   Your validator should appear with a pending status.

3. Wait for activation. Your validator becomes active at the start of the next epoch. Until then, it remains in pending status and does not participate in consensus.