How It Works
![Validators](/_next/static/media/validators__poster.47a9bc9e.png)
Who are Validators?
TON uses the Proof of Stake consensus maintained by validators, network participants who validate blocks and earn Toncoin while contributing to network security.
![Nominators](/_next/static/media/nominators__poster.ce7b565d.png)
Who are Nominators?
Nominators are network participants who lend their assets to validators. Toncoin earned by the validator is distributed to nominators according to pool settings.
![Nominator Pools](/_next/static/media/nominators_pooL__poster.f870d756.png)
What are Pools?
Nominator pools are assets of a validator and nominators managed by a smart contract. Smart contracts guarantee the correct use of borrowed coins.
0 TON
Featured Pools
Nominator Pools
How to Become a Validator
Becoming a TON network validator requires access to high-performance hardware on a highly available network, as well as access to a large degree of Toncoin as a stake. Validators stake Toncoin for a fixed specific term, and the stake is refunded with interest after the completion of a validation round.