Testnet Sequencer Operation Guide
The Decentralized Sequencer Pool is a critical step towards complete decentralization of Metis’ Layer 2 network, eliminating single points of failure associated with centralized sequencers. By combining existing decentralized P2P validators and block producers, it enhances stability, scalability, and fault tolerance.
Prerequisites to running a sequencer: Need to be approved by governance. See How to become a sequencer for more details.
Step 1: Set Up and Run Your Node
Follow the provided technical documentation to deploy and initialize your Sequencer node:
Initialization:
Install and configure Docker Compose or Kubernetes on your server.
Run the Sequencer node setup script:
Generate the Sequencer address, private key, and public key during initialization.
Back up your private key securely. Loss of the key may result in irrecoverable consequences.
Configuration:
Deploy your node as instructed in the README file using Docker Compose or Kubernetes.
Ensure your private key address is backed up, and generate a local private key file for secure storage.
Step 2: Submit Sequencer Information
Submit your node's details via a GitHub pull request for inclusion in the Metis Decentralized Sequencer Dashboard:
Refer to Metis-Sequencer-Resources /sequencers/1088 to submit your sequencer information:
Required Information:
Name: Name of your Sequencer.
Avatar: A profile image/logo.
URL: Your organization's website or profile link (e.g., X.com link).
Address: The whitelist address for sequencer lock-up.
Seq_addr: The sequencer address provided by the server after you run the Sequencer.
Pubkey: The public key provided by the server after you run the Sequencer. Please remove the extra ‘04’ characters from the generated pubkey..
Description: Brief introduction about you or your organization.
Submission Steps:
Fork the Metis-Sequencer-Resources Repository.
Create a new branch and add your Sequencer details.
Submit a pull request for approval.
Step 3: Synchronize Your Node
Step 5:Wait for Sequencer Synchronization
Run the node and wait for block synchronization to complete:
Check the logs of the bridge container. Wait until the “
Waiting for themis to be synced” message disappears, indicating that themis is synchronized to the latest height.Query eth_getBlockByNumbervia the l2geth RPC to confirm the block height if it is synchronized to the latest.
Once both the Bridge and L2geth are fully synchronized, you can proceed with the lock operation.
Note: Ensure synchronization is complete before proceeding. Continuing operations before synchronization is finished may result in lock events not being recognized.
Step 4: Lock METIS Tokens
Network Requirement
You can complete the locking process through the Sequencer Mining page. Alternatively, you can interact directly with the contract to bypass the frontend operations. Please refer to the “Contract” section for more details.
Locking Options
You can lock METIS tokens using one of the following methods:
Via Sequencer Mining Page:
Access the user-friendly interface to complete the locking process directly through the Sequencer Mining page.
Direct Contract Interaction:
For advanced users, bypass the frontend and interact directly with the smart contract. Refer to the "Contract" section for detailed instructions and required method calls.
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Wallet Whitelisting
Once your wallet address is added to the whitelist, you'll notice a "Become a Sequencer" button after connecting your MetaMask wallet. To initiate the process:
Connect Your Wallet: Ensure your MetaMask is connected to the Ethereum network.
Start the Process: Click the "Become a Sequencer" button to begin.
Pre-Requisites
Before proceeding:
Minimum METIS Tokens: Ensure your wallet holds at least 20,000 METIS on the Ethereum Sepolia Test tokens.
Node Setup
Set up your Sequencer node using Metis Kubernetes Helm charts. While Kubernetes is the recommended method for deployment, additional deployment options will be introduced in the future.
Token Lock-Up
The lock-up process is a critical step for participating in the Sequencer Pool:
Lock-Up Amount:
Enter the amount of METIS tokens you want to lock, ensuring a minimum of 20,000 METIS and a maximum of 100,000 METIS.
Confirm Transaction:
Click "CONFIRM" to execute the lock-up transaction and confirm it in your wallet.
Important Considerations
Lock-Up Cap: The maximum lock-up amount is 100,000 METIS. Transactions exceeding this cap will still execute; however, rewards will be calculated based on the capped amount of 100,000 METIS.
Partial Withdrawals: The functionality to partially withdraw locked tokens is not available yet. If you accidentally lock more than intended, you will need to exit and rejoin the Sequencer Pool. Note that there is a 21-day exit period, during which rewards will not accrue.
Plan Carefully: Only lock the amount of METIS you are comfortable with, keeping in mind the operational limits and restrictions.
Completion
Once the lock-up process is complete and you see the "Complete" confirmation page, congratulations—your Sequencer setup is now successful, and you are ready to operate as part of the Metis Decentralized Sequencer Pool.
Important:
Rewards are capped at 100,000 METIS lock-up.
Withdrawals before the 21-day exit period are not allowed.
Step 5: Activate Your Sequencer and Monitor via the Dashboard
Once your Sequencer node is successfully running, proceed to the Sequencer Dashboard to monitor and manage your node.
What You Can Do on the Dashboard:
View Operational Metrics: Access real-time data about your Sequencer's performance, such as block production status and synchronization progress.
Check Rewards: Monitor your earned mining rewards and track reward distribution details.
Node Health Status: Ensure your node is operational and meeting network requirements.
This centralized dashboard provides you with a streamlined view of all essential metrics, making it easier to manage and optimize your Sequencer operations.
Step 6: Daily Operations and Support
To ensure your Sequencer operates efficiently and generates consistent earnings, follow these guidelines:
Daily Maintenance
Server and Network Health:
Maintain a stable server environment and network connection.
Regularly monitor your node’s performance metrics to ensure proper block packaging and production.
Log Monitoring:
Review system logs frequently to detect and resolve any issues promptly.
Software Updates:
Keep your Sequencer node software updated to the latest version to avoid compatibility issues and ensure optimal performance.
Community Support
If you encounter any issues or need assistance:
Join the Community: Connect with other Sequencer operators on the Metis Sequencer group via:
Discord
Telegram
Get Quick Help: These groups provide real-time communication and a platform to share solutions and receive technical support from the Metis team and the community.
Efficient daily operations and active engagement with the community will help you maintain your node's uptime and maximize your earnings.
Step 7: Claim Mining Rewards
Once your Sequencer starts earning rewards, you can claim them through the Sequencer Dashboard:
Please double-check your wallet address before submitting. If you are using a contract address, make sure it is the correct contract address on Metis Sepolia. Entering an incorrect address could result in the loss of rewards.
Steps to Claim Rewards:
View Unclaimed Rewards:
Navigate to the Dashboard to check your current unclaimed rewards.
Initiate Claim Transaction:
Click the "Claim" button to begin the reward distribution process.
Confirm or Modify Wallet Address:
Verify your wallet address in the popup window.
If needed, modify the address before submitting the transaction.
Rewards Distribution:
The rewards will be transferred to your specified address on the Metis Sepolia network.
Important Notes:
Double-check your wallet address to avoid errors.
For contract addresses, ensure the address is correct and active on the Metis Sepolia network to prevent the loss of rewards.
Additional Practices
Increasing Your Lock-Up Amount
Dashboard Update:
On the Sequencer Dashboard, view the current amount of locked METIS.
Increase Lock-Up:
Enter the additional METIS amount in the "Increase" field and confirm the transaction.
Maximum Cap:
The lock-up cap remains at 100,000 METIS. Attempts to lock more will not yield additional rewards.
Partial Withdrawals
Eligibility:
You can withdraw any amount exceeding the 20,000 tMETIS minimum lock-up.
The withdrawable amount is calculated as: &#xNAN;Total locked tokens – 20,000 tMETIS.
Initiate Withdrawal:
On the Dashboard, click "Partial Withdraw."
Enter the desired amount, confirm the transaction in the popup, and validate it in MetaMask.
Token Transfer:
The withdrawn tMETIS will be sent to your Owner address.
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Exiting the Sequencer Pool
Initiate Unlock:
Click the "Unlock" button on the Dashboard and confirm the exit transaction in MetaMask.
21-Day Exit Period:
Your Sequencer will enter a 21-day waiting period during which:
Rewards will not be earned.
Block production will stop.
Final Withdrawal:
After 21 days, return to the Dashboard to withdraw your locked tMETIS.
Penalty Mechanism
Penalties for Malicious Behavior or Poor Performance:
The Sequencer Pool enforces penalties to maintain network security and reliability. Actions that may lead to penalties include:
Malicious Behavior:
Transaction manipulation (e.g., MEV, sandwich attacks).
Altering block execution results, causing block validation failures.
Poor Performance:
Failing to produce blocks within the required time frame.
Frequent node outages or delays.
Accumulating unprocessed transactions.
Sequencer Mining Rewards
Mining Reward Rate (MRR):
The Estimated MRR is 20%, designed to incentivize Sequencer participation.
Rewards are calculated per block and updated every two weeks to maintain the target MRR.
By following these guidelines, Sequencers can efficiently claim rewards, increase or withdraw their lock-up amounts, and avoid penalties while contributing to the security and stability of the Metis network.
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