What is a masternode?
A masternode is a combination of
- A masternode operator, this tends to be a human being
- Collatera or a bond held in a cryptocurrency which has masternode functionality
- A server used as part of the decentralized infrastructure of a cryptocurrency
- Masternode rewards, these are the incentives for which masternode operators create a masternode.
The term masternode was first used to describe Dash masternodes, these provided instant send and private send services. The concept of servers providing services to a cryptocurrency network has expanded and these servers are not always referred to in the same way. They could also be typically called nodes.
In this article the term masternodes describes any cryptocurrency which allows the decentralised use of servers, which can generate an income to the owner.
Why do masternodes need a collateral to be created?
Masternodes process transactions on a network, the data passing through this network is encrypted, however there is still room for masternodes to act maliciously. Masternode operators with skin in the game, (the bond) have an incentive to play by the rules.
Masternodes are also called Bonded Validator Systems.
What is a server and why does a masternode need one?
A server is simply a computer connected to a network which provides certain services. Masternodes can be installed on three types of setups.
- On a home computer. This computer needs to remain online 24/7
- Setup on a self-hire server such as : Blue Host
- Using a masternode hosting services such as Dash Nodes [AFFILIATE] or NodeShare
What does a masternode do?
These are some examples of cryptocurrency masternode services and which currency use them.
Privacy related functions
Zcoin, Pivx, Dash,, Monetary Unit
InstantSend
Dash, Crown, Monetary Unit
Hashing
Tierion (Lottery based system) (careful!)
Commerce services (not released as of 21/09/2017)
Syscoin
Cryptocurrency Exchange
BlockNet, Exscudo
Smart contracts
Syscoin, BosCoin
What are the requirements of to operate a masternode?
Each cryptocurrency has different requirements, in terms of bond and computing power of the server.
What is the ROI of a masternode?
The big question!
The ROI depends on the following
- The price at which the bond was bought
- The block reward or the incentive mechanism
- The number of masternodes operating
- The monetary cost to host masternodes
- The time needed ot host masternodes
- The Tax implications of masternode income
- The price at which the mined tokens are sold
- The final price at which the bond is sold
Some Examples:
What is the best masternode to invest in?
Masternode systems provide important network services, and they have a genuine utility. However they are also used to create artificial demand for certain coins. Due Diligence is essentially, crucial and a must.
Investigate
- What is the utility of the coin, beyond being a masternode?
- Where is the demand for the coin coming from other than other masternode operators?
- Is the amount of coin needed to operate a masternode fixed?
- Are the current masternode operators happy or are they quite vocal about the rewards
- System? (Check Slack, Telegram and Reddit)
- Are the coin holding centralised or decentralised? (Was there a pre mine or an ICO)
- What are the actual returns?
- Will the block rewards change in the future?
- Can the tokens generated be used to buy useful products?
More information on masternodes:
