About Incentivized Public RPC

Lava is a modular data network for scaling access to any blockchain.

Node operators join the network and meet demand by dynamically adding support for chains and APIs. Lava works with blockchains and rollups to offer Incentivized Public RPC to their community - aggregating and incentivizing node operators, while providing a fast and reliable free endpoint to developers.

The network has added the NEAR RPC module and node operators can join to get paid for serving RPC.

Onboarding Steps‍

1. Set up lavad and create a wallet‍

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2. Fill the Onboarding Form which allows us to know where to send Lava testnet tokens so you can stake to Lava network

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3. Complete KYC - we will release this in Discord closer to the endpoint launch

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4. Join our Discord channel for NEAR ipRPC to keep up to date: https://discord.gg/bKkEtU6AMQ‍

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5. Finish provider set up (this requires getting testnet tokens, which the team aims to send up to 48 hours after providers complete the form above)

6. Share a tweet about joining Lava Network as a node operator for NEAR and submit in contribution channel on Discord

7. Like and comment on Lava's NEAR announcement here
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There are two forms to complete: the Onboarding Form, above, and the KYC/KYB Form, to be shared later.
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Note: you must complete the form above so we know which wallet to send payment. Additionally, we highly recommend joining our dedicated Discord channel to stay notified of latest updates.

Minimum node requirements

• Chain id: "mainnet", "testnet"
• NEAR versions: Mainnet & Testnet - 1.36.4
• Pruning configuration: min 86,400 blocks (last 24hrs)
• APIs enabled: JSON-RPC

Payment

At the conclusion of each month, Lava compiles a usage report based on all processed requests and quality of service (QoS) and sends it to NEAR Foundation. The report determines the payment distribution to NEAR Providers from the incentives pool. NEAR retains the authority to adjust payments per provider or the payment pool, as well as the distribution timeline.
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Payments are paid out via smart contract on Aurora chain and do not require any action from providers beyond the wallet address submission in the Typeform.

Payment eligibility

• Fair staking: Providers must not exceed their allowed staking limits as per the program. Over-staking will result in proportionally lower payment (e.g. 3x over-stake —> 1/3 payment).
• Non-abuse: Providers should refrain from exploiting or attacking Lava Protocol to gain additional payment.
• Data protection: Providers must ensure the security of their services and refrain from storing consumer data obtained from Lava.
• Feedback: Providers may be asked to provide feedback to improve Lava ipRPC.
• Promotion: Providers participating in the program may be requested to promote ipRPC, Lava, and NEAR.

FAQs

How much are payments?

• Node operators will share an estimated total of 15k NEAR tokens (the total number might be lower depending on milestones, market price and other factors)

When are payments distributed?

• The endpoint launch is scheduled for end of January/early February, which is when relays served begin counting towards payments
• The first payment will be distributed after the completion of the 1st month

How do I claim payments every month?

• Payments are distributed via smart contract on the Aurora chain. We just need you to fill your wallet address in the Onboarding form and every month payments will arrive in your wallet based on relays served and QoS

Are payments in NEAR or another token?

• NEAR token

Do I need KYC and KYB?

• At this stage, to be eligible for payments, node providers and participating entities must complete the necessary compliance checks including KYC and/or KYB, depending on the node operator

Isn't Lava decentralized and permissionless?

• Lava is designed as a permissionless network owned and maintained by the community. The requirement for KYC/KYB here is intended to only be temporary, as required
• For Mainnet, the foundation is developing an algorithmic solution which does not require manual distribution of funds

• Lava Protocol Inc has never and will never distribute tokens, not least as part of ipRPC. Prior to the development of the algorithmic solution, Lava Foundation will be distributing NEAR tokens to ipRPC participants;  this process requires providers to complete KYC and KYB for reward eligibility

What is the KYC/KYB process?

• There are two forms to complete:
  - The Onboarding typeform - which must be completed to capture payment addresses and confirm that there will be KYC/KYB.
  - The KYC/KYB Form - we will release this in Discord closer to the endpoint launch.

What happens to payments when Lava goes to Mainnet?

• Node operators will still be paid. The initiative will last a minimum of 6 months, meaning it ends July 22.

Is there potential for more rewards once Lava goes to Mainnet?

• Any additional rewards are up to the decision of the Lava Foundation. The Foundation may decide to reward testnet participants; Lava is currently in testnet and aims for Mainnet in 2024.

Keep up with the latest on Lava Network

Visit the website: lavanet.xyz
Create and manage RPC endpoints: sign up
Read the docs: https://bit.ly/3tLsVA0
Meet the community: discord.gg/bKkEtU6AMQ
‍Follow our Twitter: twitter.com/lavanetxyz
Read our research papers: community.lavanet.xyz

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