What is a validation cycle?

In Proof-of-Stake blockchains, the network periodically rotates the list of validators responsible for verifying transactions and creating blocks. The period during which the current list of validators operates is called a validation cycle.

What parts are in TON validation cycle?

Each cycle consists of three stages. During Election, the network selects eligible validators. During Validation, elected validators process transactions, validate blocks, and maintain network security. During Holding, validator stakes are temporarily locked in case of slashing. After this period, validators can withdraw their stakes and rewards. The full cycle lasts 27 hours, with the validation stage being the longest at ~18 hours.

Two validation cycles run in parallel with separate validator lists to ensure the network operates without interruption. You can check the current cycle stage in the Tonviewer explorer.

How do validation cycles impact liquid staking?

Liquid staking protocols are tied to the validation stage of the cycle. With Tonstakers, staking rewards are received and compounded automatically at the end of each validation stage, every ~18 hours.