Our validator icon is a tribute to when we operated the lpSOL liquid staking token (details below).
Sign Labs runs on higher hardware specs than recommended by Solana Foundation, and we have one of the highest performing un-modded validators on the network in terms of block latency. Our validator fees are competitive without slowing down block production, demonstrated by an IBRL score 15% higher than the network average. Details on block production speeds can be found at Solana Compass and proof of fair, fast block production at IBRL.wtf
Critical Linux security patches are applied within 24 hours. Standard security updates are performed periodically to keep the node secure. Solana software gets updated on the Anza schedule, and in extremely rare scenarios, if there is risk of getting forked away from the primary chain.
SSH key authentication, firewalls and standard OS hardening are enabled on the validator. Only the node operator has SSH access to the validator. We run the Jito fork of Anza's validator software. Priority port fees are no longer possible, as the Palladin fork has been deprecated. No vote mods or custom transaction ordering, and no private order flow deals.
As a staker you maintain custody to your SOL and are free to unstake or redelegate at any time. We never have access to your funds. The validator is being constantly monitored to minimise delinquencies and to maximise staking APY. Validator funds are staked through a multisig wallet with a minimum of one hardware wallet signer.
This validator continues to host lpSOL in support of the Meteora LP Army, however the volume was not meaningful and the project was deprecated. The liquid staking token still exists, but since there is almost zero volume you will get better swap rates with a more liquid LST like vSOL.
lpSOL uses Sanctum's Infinity Pool for liquidity with minimal smart contract risk. When you buy lpSOL or create it by natively staking, the SOL gets delegated to the Sign Labs validator. Sign takes zero (0) commission fees and zero MEV from Jito tips, so stakers and lpSOL holders get all the rewards.
Sign Labs staff run this high performance validator, contribute regularly to the Solana Tech Discord, and operate a Testnet node to further Anza/SVM core development efforts. The lead administrator, Otto, is fully KYC'd by the Solana Foundation and can be reached on X @ autocatalytic.
Acknowledging our roots in Solana, the Sign Labs logo depicts an "S" in American Sign Language. We love signs, signals and Solana!
If you would like to get deeper, but not fully into the engineering, here are some suggestions:
- Beginner: Guide to Staking on Solana
- Intermediate (long): Primer on Proof of Stake and Solana's Proof of History breakthrough, from Shinobi Systems
- Intermediate: Also from the Helius Blog: Firedancer, Solana 2.0 and How to Land Transactions
- Software: Anza, Jito, Helius, Sanctum, Validator.app, Solana Compass
- Delegation Program: Solana Foundation
- Stake Pool: Jito StakeNet
- Stake Pool: Edgevana
- Stake Pool: The Vault
- Stake Pool: DoubleZero
- Stake Pool: SOL Strategies
- Stake Pool: Phase Delegation
- Stake Pool: BlazeStake
- Stake Pool: Jpool