> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.infrastructure.finance/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.infrastructure.finance/connectivity/validators.md).

# Validators

## **What is Validation**

Validation is the process of measuring real-world performance and attesting to it so the protocol can attribute delivery over time.

### **Role of validators in DAWN**

Validators:

* Produce independent measurements of service quality.
* Reduce spoofing and misreporting risk.
* Support time-weighted confidence in delivery (See Proof of Bandwidth below)

## **Proof of Bandwidth explained**

Proof of Bandwidth is DAWN’s umbrella term for verifying that claimed network service is real and sustained. The network can prove it has the capacity and reliability it advertises.

Proof of Bandwidth is the foundation for:

* validating that service exists under real-world conditions
* attributing rewards + payouts to delivery rather than claims
* preventing coverage spam and spoofed listings<br>

## **How to Validate**

Validator layers:

* Chrome Extension: lightweight endpoint validation
* Desktop App: more persistent monitoring<br>

## **Validator Rewards**

Rewards are determined by:

* Uptime + reliability
* Consistency of measurement contribution over time
* Meeting minimum operational requirements<br>

### **Protocol Fee Distribution**

Protocol fees support validation incentives and ongoing maintenance and security.