A stake pool is a reliable server node thatrepresents the combined stake of various stakeholders in a single entity. Stakepools use the Cardano node toform the backbone of the Cardano network by processing transactions andvalidating and producing blocks.
Stake pool roles include a stake pool operator and one or more stake poolowner(s). It is important to note the conceptual differences between the two:
- A stake pool operator is the owner of the cold and VRF signing keys used tocreate the stake pool. The operator configures and maintains stake poolinfrastructure and is responsible for monitoring it. The operator canregister, re-register, or retire a stake pool, update certificates, and ensurethat the block-producing node can sign and validate blocks and processtransactions.
- A stake pool owner is determined by the stake signing keys used in stakepool creation. The owner'spledge stake is intended to provideprotection against Sybil attacks.
Usually, the stake pool operator and the owner are the same person. However, astake pool can have multiple owners that choose to combine their pledge. Itshould be noted that the stake pool's declared pledge must be met by thecombined stake in the owner's wallets and failure to do so will result in thepool being unable to produce blocks.
All operator and owner rewards are paid out into a single rewards accountassociated with the reward address of the pool. If a stake pool has multipleowners, it is up to the owner of the rewards account to distribute rewards tothe operator and other owners.
An agreement is likely needed to define when and how the accumulated rewards ina shared account should be split. For example, they can agree to have theoperator control the shared account, or they can choose to use a multisigaccount.
To run a pool effectively, a bi-directional relationship and trust are crucial.If this trust is broken, other parties can lose in regards to accumulated orpotential rewards, or reputation for the operator.
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