Docs
Guides
Running a Delegate

Running a Delegate

Delegates are essential for securing the Virel network. They process transactions and create new blocks, earning rewards for themselves and their stakers. Running a delegate requires a dedicated wallet and a server running 24/7.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

  1. A Dedicated Delegate Wallet: A fresh, synchronized Virel CLI wallet that you will use only for your delegate.
  2. Sufficient VRL Balance: This wallet must contain at least 1010 VRL.
    • 1000 VRL for the delegate registration fee.
    • ~10 VRL to cover transaction fees.
  3. A Stable Server: A reliable server that will host the delegate node and maintain 24/7 uptime.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Register Your Delegate

In your dedicated delegate wallet, use the register_delegate command. This will permanently register your delegate on the network for a fee of 1000 VRL. The delegate id must be unique and not already taken.

  • Command:
register_delegate <delegate id> <delegate name>
  • Example:
register_delegate 1 AwesomeDelegate

Step 2: Configure Your Delegate for Fee Collection

Delegates earn a 1% fee from the staking rewards generated for their voters. To enable this, you must configure your delegate wallet to claim these fees.

  • Command:
set_delegate <delegate id / address>
  • Example:
set_delegate delegate1

Step 3: Start the Staking Process

To actively participate in block forging, you must run the wallet in staking mode. This command must be kept running continuously in your terminal or process manager. Ensure your Virel node is fully synchronized before starting.

  • Command:
virel-wallet-cli --open-wallet <delegate_wallet_file> --start-staking <delegate_public_key_or_address>
  • Example:
virel-wallet-cli --open-wallet my_delegate_wallet --start-staking delegate1

Important: Do not close this process. Your delegate will only stake blocks while this command is actively running on a synchronized node.

Step 4: Stake VRL to Your Delegate

A delegate’s chances of being selected to stake the next block are proportional to the total VRL staked to it. To start staking blocks quickly, you or others need to stake VRL to your delegate’s address.

  1. From Your Own Wallets: In any other Virel wallet, use the vote command to stake VRL to your delegate’s address (from Step 1).
  2. From the Community: Share your delegate’s name and address publicly to attract votes from other VRL holders.

The more VRL staked to your delegate, the more often it will be selected to stake blocks and earn rewards.

Summary

Ensure your delegate’s server remains online and synchronized to consistently participate in network consensus and avoid missing forging opportunities.

Staking