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Interchain Proof of Stake and Reputation (I-PoSR)

How I-PoSR Consensus Works​

Unlike standard PoS chains where validator power is determined solely by the number of staked tokens, Helios incorporates a reputation-based factor that influences validator selection and staking rewards.

Key Components of I-PoSR​

  1. Staked Assets from Multiple Networks

    • Validators stake assets not just from Helios but from integrated external chains (e.g., ETH, ATOM, SOL, DAI).
    • These assets enhance Helios' security while inheriting properties from their respective chains.
    • The weight of each staked asset is dynamically adjusted based on governance.

  2. Reputation Score for Validators

    • Validators earn or lose reputation points based on network performance, uptime, governance participation, and security behavior.
    • High-reputation validators receive better staking rewards and are prioritized for selection.
    • Misbehavior (downtime, malicious activity) leads to slashing AND reputation loss, affecting future participation.

  3. Helios’ Security Model: Multi-Chain Assets as Collateral

    • I-PoSR allows Helios to inherit security from external blockchain economies.
    • When validators stake external assets (e.g., ETH or ATOM), they bring the economic value and security mechanisms of those chains into Helios.
    • This creates a more resilient staking system, as Helios is not solely dependent on a single asset.

Why Helios is Secure: The DAI Example​

  • DAI is a stablecoin secured by a diversified collateral pool (USDC, WETH, WBTC).
  • Similarly, Helios strengthens security by integrating multi-chain assets into its staking system.
    • Just as DAI remains stable due to diversified backing, Helios' staking security is diversified across multiple chains.
    • If one staked asset experiences volatility or security issues, Helios remains stable, as other assets compensate.

Validator Selection in I-PoSR​

The Helios consensus layer ensures validator selection is not purely wealth-based but instead balances stake and reputation.

How Validators Are Chosen​

  1. Validators must stake whitelisted assets to participate.
  2. Validators with higher reputation scores are prioritized in selection.
  3. Weight-adjusted selection:
    • A validator with high reputation but moderate stake may be prioritized over a high-stake, low-reputation validator.
    • Reputation scores decay over time if inactive, preventing centralization.

Slashing and Reputation Loss​

I-PoSR introduces two forms of penalties:

  1. Traditional Slashing (Asset-Based)

    • Validators lose a portion of staked assets for fraud or downtime.
    • The severity of slashing is defined by governance.

  2. Reputation Slashing

    • Validators also lose reputation points, reducing their ability to participate.
    • If reputation falls below a set threshold, they are removed from the validator set.
    • Reputation can be recovered over time through consistent participation.

Example: How I-PoSR Works in Practice​

1️. Validator Joins Helios​

  • Stakes 50 ETH and 5,000 ATOM.
  • Governance has set the ETH weight to 3,000 per ETH and ATOM weight to 200 per ATOM.
  • Their total staking weight is:
    • ETH: 50 × 3,000 = 150,000
    • ATOM: 5,000 × 200 = 1,000,000
    • Total Weight = 1,150,000
  • Starts with neutral reputation (1,000 points).

2️. Validator Performs Well for 3 Months​

  • Maintains 99.9% uptime and votes in governance.
  • Gains 500 reputation points.
  • Earns staking rewards proportional to their weighted stake (1,150,000 weight units).

3️. Validator Goes Offline for 2 Weeks​

  • Reputation drops by 300 points due to inactivity.
  • Receives reduced staking rewards.
  • Temporarily deprioritized in selection.

4️. Validator Attempts Fraudulent Transaction​

  • Attempts to sign an invalid cross-chain withdrawal.
  • Caught by consensus verification and reported by other validators.
  • Penalties applied:
    • 50% of their stake is slashed (weighted value: 575,000).
    • Loses 80% of their reputation.
    • Falls below participation threshold and is removed.
    • Slashed assets go to the network treasury.

Key Takeaways​

  • Staked assets are converted into weight-based staking units, ensuring fairness.
  • Governance dynamically adjusts asset weights, evolving with market conditions.
  • Reputation loss prevents slashed validators from re-entering easily.
  • Validators receive weight-adjusted rewards, incentivizing long-term participation.

Why I-PoSR is More Secure and Fair​

FeatureStandard PoSHelios I-PoSR
Validator SelectionBased purely on stake amountBased on stake + reputation
Security ModelLarge-stake validators dominateValidators from multiple chains secure Helios
SlashingOnly affects staked assetsSlashes both assets + reputation
New Validator EntryRequires large initial stakeCan start with lower stake and build reputation
Governance InfluenceLimitedReputation-weighted governance participation

Final Thoughts​

I-PoSR ensures Helios remains:

  • Decentralized, as no single entity can dominate staking.
  • Secure, as multiple blockchain economies contribute to its security.
  • Dynamic, as governance can modify staking weight systems over time.