> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://deepnode.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://deepnode.gitbook.io/docs/ecosystem/incentive-mechanism/validators.md).
# Validators
Validators secure DeepNode’s execution layer by verifying miner outputs, enforcing model correctness, and ensuring that all tasks in the network meet the required quality thresholds.
The flow below outlines how validators participate in the incentive loop:
***
### **1. Role of Validators**
See [Roles](/docs/platform/roles.md#validators) for a more in depth description.
***
### **2. Incentive Flow**
The validator incentive system works through a structured pipeline:
#### **Step 1: Tasks Enter the Domain**
Consumers generate model request via the platform or API.
#### **Step 2: Miners Process Tasks**
Miners perform the compute work and submit their results.\
These results are forwarded to validators for auditing.
#### **Step 3: Validators Run Verification**
Validators check whether miners outputs are correct.
* **If validation is correct:**\
→ The task is approved\
→ Rewards are emitted to all relevant actors (miners, validators, creators/backers)
* **If validation fails:**\
→ Miner trust score is reduced\
→ Validators notify the domain\
→ The task may be reassigned or penalized depending on severity
#### **Step 4: Reward Emission**
When validators approve a task, the reward engine triggers:
* Miners receive their utility-weighted reward
* Validators receive their share of emission
* Stakers receive a share proportional to their stake
* The domain receives its revenue allocation
* Model owners/backers receive their configured share
#### **Step 5: Staking and Delegation**
Validators are strengthened by stakers who delegate their $DN to validator operators.\
Delegators earn a percentage of validator rewards, and validators accumulate trust and influence proportional to delegated stake.
This ensures:
* long-term alignment
* economic security
* a robust and decentralized validator set
***
### **3. Fee Routing**
As shown in the diagram:
* A portion of revenue (y%) flows into Fees & Payment Processors
* A portion of fees may route to Variable Burn (d%) depending on network governance
{% hint style="info" %}
For a complete overview of fees in the network see: [Fees](/docs/ecosystem/fees.md).
{% endhint %}
***
### **4. Why Validators Matter**
Validators:
* ensure correctness
* maintain economic sustainability
* prevent manipulation
* preserve model integrity
* protect users from malicious outputs
* participate in governance
They are the backbone of the entire $DN incentive mechanism.
---
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