The Cronos ecosystem is designed to support the next generation of blockchain applications. It consists of two main chains: the Cronos POS Chain, a proof-of-stake network optimized for payments and NFTs, and the Cronos Chain, an EVM-compatible chain for smart contracts and dApps. This guide answers the most common questions about both networks, providing clarity for users, developers, and validators.
Understanding Cronos POS Chain
What is the Cronos POS Chain?
The Cronos POS Chain is a public, open-source, and permissionless blockchain. It is engineered for high speed and low transaction fees, aiming to drive mass adoption of Web3 technology. Its core use cases include decentralized payments and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The network is secured by a proven set of 100 active validators and is supported by major industry players.
Consensus and Staking Mechanics
The chain utilizes Tendermint Core, a highly mature Byzantine Fault Tolerant (BFT) consensus engine, to power its Proof-of-Stake (PoS) system. This ensures network security and integrity.
For those staking the native CRO token, the target annual percentage yield (APY) was set at approximately 20% at the network's launch. A total of 5 billion CRO has been allocated to be distributed as staking rewards over a decade. Rewards are generated and distributed with every new block, which is produced roughly every 5-6 seconds.
👉 Explore advanced staking strategies
Becoming a Validator and Node Operation
There is no minimum amount required to delegate CRO to a validator; you can start with just 1 token. However, to become an active validator that earns rewards, a node must be within the top 100 by total staked amount.
The technical requirements to run a node vary by type:
- Archive Node: Requires 64GB RAM and 3.4TB of disk space.
- Default Full Node: Requires 16-64GB RAM and 1.2TB of disk space.
- Pruned Node: Requires 16-64GB RAM and 40GB of disk space.
All node types recommend a 4-core CPU.
Key Operational Concepts
- Unbonding Period: When you unstake CRO, a 28-day unbonding period is enforced by the protocol. This security measure prevents validators from attacking the network and immediately withdrawing their funds.
- Redelegation: You can redelegate your staked CRO from one validator to another once every 28 days.
- Slashing: Validators can be "jailed" for faults. A liveness fault (e.g., being offline) does not currently result in slashing. A Byzantine fault (e.g., signing conflicting blocks) results in a 5% slash of the validator's and their delegators' staked amount.
- Rewards: Staking rewards are accrued continuously but are separate from the principal amount. They must be claimed through a transaction to become available for use.
Understanding Cronos Chain
What is the Cronos Chain?
The Cronos Chain is an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible blockchain built with Ethermint. Its primary purpose is to allow developers to rapidly port their applications and smart contracts from Ethereum and other EVM-compatible networks. It runs in parallel to the Cronos POS Chain, and CRO is its native gas token.
Validators and Development
Unlike the permissionless validator set of the POS chain, the Cronos Chain initially operated on a Proof of Authority (PoA) consensus model. Validator hosting was by invitation only to ensure network stability and scalability during its early growth phases.
Development and Tools
The chain supports a full suite of Web3 development tools. Its mainnet Chain ID is 25 (Ethereum format) or cronosmainnet_25-1 (Cosmos format). Public RPC endpoints have a rate limit of 300 requests per minute per IP address.
Developers can access extensive documentation for deploying smart contracts, connecting dApps to popular wallets like MetaMask and Crypto.com DeFi Wallet, and verifying contracts on Cronoscan.
👉 Access developer tools and resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Cronos POS Chain and Cronos Chain?
The Cronos POS Chain is a Proof-of-Stake chain optimized for fast, cheap transactions like payments and NFTs. The Cronos Chain is an EVM-compatible sidechain designed for running smart contracts and hosting decentralized applications ported from Ethereum.
How do I migrate my CRO tokens from Ethereum?
Token migration involves moving CRO from the Ethereum network (ERC-20) to the native Cronos POS Chain. This can be done easily through the Crypto.com App, Exchange, or the non-custodial Crypto.com DeFi Wallet app. Advanced users can use a web tool with MetaMask or Ledger.
Is my staked CRO at risk if my validator gets slashed?
Yes, if a validator commits a Byzantine fault (e.g., double-signing), a slashing penalty of 5% is applied to the total stake, which includes the funds delegated by users. It is crucial to choose reliable and well-maintained validators.
What is the Croeseid testnet?
Croeseid is the public testnet for the Cronos POS Chain. It allows developers and node operators to test applications and network upgrades without using real-value tokens. The test token is called TCRO.
Can I run a validator node on Cronos Chain?
While anyone can run a Cronos node, becoming a validator that can propose blocks was initially by invitation only. The application process for new validators is expected to open in the future as the network becomes more decentralized.
What happens if I send tokens to the wrong address?
Transactions on a blockchain are irreversible. It is virtually impossible to recover funds sent to an incorrect address. Always double-check addresses before confirming any transaction.