Solana Compass Penalizes Slow Validators to Boost Network Efficiency

Solana Compass, an independent validator and community-built scoring platform, has identified several underperforming validators on the Solana network. The platform, which has been operational since 2021, ranks validators based on performance, reliability, and decentralization. Recent observations indicate that some validators have been deliberately slowing down their nodes to capture more high-value transactions, thereby increasing their profits by widening their transaction intake window. This behavior has led to delays in transaction processing, causing users to experience longer wait times for their transactions to be confirmed.

One notable incident occurred last week when an epoch ran nearly an hour longer than expected due to the slow performance of these nodes. This delay affected every user on the network, highlighting the impact of underperforming validators on overall network efficiency. The slowest validators during Epoch 814 included Galaxy, Kiln1, Kiln2, Chorus One, and several anonymous nodes. These validators had average block times far exceeding the 400ms target, with some reaching over 800ms.

In response to these issues, Solana Compass announced that it will now penalize the ranking of any validator whose block times consistently exceed 420ms. The platform also considers other factors such as decentralization, data center diversity, uptime, skipped votes, and the presence of a website or security policy. By aggregating statistics from multiple geographies and smoothing them over five epochs, Solana Compass aims to prevent validators from manipulating the system with short-term performance improvements. This approach also helps mitigate the impact of skipped slots or regional downtime, ensuring a more accurate and reliable ranking system.

The importance of performance and public trust in the Solana network cannot be overstated. As the network continues to evolve, the focus is shifting from raw yield to network alignment. Tools like Solana Compass provide the community with the necessary knowledge to vote with their stake and hold validators accountable. This transparency and accountability are crucial for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the Solana network, ensuring that users can rely on the platform for fast and secure transactions.