Solayer (LAYER) is a cutting-edge restaking protocol built natively on the Solana blockchain, designed to enhance network security, scalability, and decentralized application (dApp) performance through innovative tokenized staking mechanisms. By enabling users to restake their SOL or Liquid Staking Tokens (LSTs), Solayer unlocks new layers of economic security and efficiency across the Solana ecosystem.
What Is Solayer (LAYER)?
Solayer is a next-generation restaking protocol that leverages the robustness of the Solana blockchain to allow users to amplify the utility of their staked assets. Instead of leaving staked SOL idle, users can restake them via Solayer to generate sSOL — a liquid staking token — and support Actively Validated Services (AVSs). These services include dApps, infrastructure layers, and external systems that require decentralized security.
This dual-layer approach not only improves network scalability but also enables dApps to secure blockspace and prioritize transaction inclusion, leading to faster and more reliable performance.
Key Milestones Achieved
- Over 50 Actively Validated Services (AVSs) successfully onboarded.
- More than $400 million in SOL restaked through the protocol.
- Launch and adoption of sUSD, a T-Bill yield-linked stablecoin, across major DeFi platforms.
- Decentralized governance proposals implemented by the LAYER token holder community.
- Recognized as a leading restaking protocol within the Solana ecosystem.
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The Solayer Ecosystem: A Closer Look
Solayer’s architecture is engineered for efficiency, security, and interoperability. It operates on two foundational pillars:
1. Restaking Mechanism
Restaking allows users to reuse their staked SOL or LSTs to secure additional protocols beyond Solana’s base layer. When users restake, they receive sSOL, a liquid token representing their restaked position. This token can then be delegated to secure various AVSs, effectively multiplying the economic security of their original stake.
This mechanism maximizes capital efficiency and empowers developers to build secure dApps without launching their own validator sets.
2. Shared Validator Network (SVN)
Solayer introduces a Shared Validator Network (SVN) that aggregates staked assets to provide shared security across multiple services. Validators in this network simultaneously secure both Solana’s main chain and connected AVSs, reducing redundancy and improving decentralization.
By pooling resources, the SVN lowers entry barriers for new protocols while enhancing overall network resilience.
How Does Solayer Work?
Solayer integrates seamlessly into the Solana ecosystem through a series of interconnected components designed to optimize performance and reward participation.
Core Components of Solayer
Restaking & sSOL Generation
Users begin by restaking their SOL or LSTs through the Solayer platform. In return, they receive sSOL, a liquid staking derivative that maintains flexibility while earning rewards. sSOL can be freely transferred, traded, or used across DeFi applications.
Actively Validated Services (AVSs)
AVSs are protocols or services that rely on external validation for security. Solayer allocates economic security from restaked tokens to these services, allowing them to operate securely without managing their own staking infrastructure. Examples include oracle networks, cross-chain bridges, and AI-driven dApps.
Stake-Weighted Quality of Service (swQoS)
To ensure fair and efficient resource allocation, Solayer employs swQoS, a mechanism that prioritizes transaction processing and security based on the amount of sSOL delegated to each AVS. Higher stakes result in better service quality, creating an incentive-aligned ecosystem.
sSOL and sUSD: Dual-Token Utility
- sSOL: Serves as the primary utility token for restaking, delegation, and liquidity provision.
- sUSD: A yield-bearing stablecoin pegged to the US dollar and backed by real-world assets like Treasury bills. Users earn passive income while using sUSD in DeFi protocols.
Governance and Incentives
Holders of the LAYER token participate in decentralized governance, voting on protocol upgrades, fee structures, and ecosystem development. Participants also earn staking rewards proportional to their contributions, encouraging long-term engagement.
How to Join the Solayer Ecosystem
Participating in Solayer is simple and accessible to any Solana wallet holder.
Step 1: Connect Your Wallet
Visit the official Solayer platform and connect a compatible Solana wallet such as Phantom or Solflare. Ensure your wallet contains SOL for transaction fees.
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Step 2: Restake Your SOL or LSTs
Navigate to the “Restake” section and select the amount of SOL or LSTs you wish to restake. Confirm the transaction to mint sSOL, which represents your restaked position.
Step 3: Delegate sSOL to AVSs
Browse available AVSs on the dashboard and delegate your sSOL to those you want to support. Your delegation enhances their security and earns you rewards based on performance.
Step 4: Monitor and Manage Your Stake
Use the intuitive dashboard to track rewards, performance metrics, and AVS health. You can reallocate or withdraw your stake at any time.
Step 5: Participate in Governance
If you hold LAYER tokens, engage in governance by voting on proposals that shape the future of the protocol.
Step 6: Earn and Compound Rewards
Rewards accumulate based on your stake size, chosen AVSs, and duration. Claim them periodically or let them compound for greater returns.
Maximizing Returns on Solayer
To optimize earnings:
- Choose high-performing AVSs with strong track records.
- Commit for longer durations to benefit from reward multipliers.
- Stay updated on new features, governance opportunities, and emerging AVS integrations.
LAYER Token: Governance and Tokenomics
The LAYER token is an SPL-2020 governance token central to the Solayer ecosystem. With a fixed supply of 1 billion tokens, it drives decision-making, incentivizes participation, and secures network operations.
Key Uses of LAYER
- Vote on protocol upgrades and funding allocations.
- Earn restaking incentives for supporting AVSs.
- Pay transaction fees on the platform.
- Secure the Shared Validator Network.
- Facilitate liquidity between sSOL, sUSD, and dApps.
Token Distribution
- Community & Ecosystem (51.23%): Includes R&D (34.23%), community incentives (14%), and Emerald Card sale (3%).
- Core Contributors & Advisors (17.11%)
- Investors (16.66%)
- Solayer Foundation (15%)
Vesting Schedule
- Genesis Drop & Community Sale: Fully unlocked at launch.
- Community Incentives: Linear vesting over 6 months.
- Ecosystem & Foundation: Quarterly releases over 4 years.
- Team & Advisors: 1-year cliff, then linear vesting over 3 years.
- Investors: 1-year cliff, linear vesting over 2 years.
How to Claim LAYER Tokens via Genesis Drop
The Genesis Drop rewarded early adopters with LAYER tokens based on their staking activity.
To claim:
- Visit the claim portal and connect your wallet.
- Check eligibility and allocation (available since February 10).
- Claim tokens starting February 11 — within a 30-day window.
This initiative reinforced community ownership and bootstrapped decentralized participation.
Roadmap: The Future of Solayer
Phase 1: Launch & Initialization (0–6 Months)
- Rollout of restaking protocol and sSOL.
- Deployment of SVN.
- Onboard initial AVSs.
- Launch educational campaigns.
Phase 2: Growth & AI Integration (6–12 Months)
- Introduce sUSD stablecoin.
- Integrate with AI-powered dApps.
- Launch developer grants.
- Activate governance.
Phase 3: Decentralization & Optimization (12–18 Months)
- Full transition to decentralized governance.
- Optimize swQoS for efficiency.
- Expand AVSs to cross-chain systems.
- Release advanced staking tools.
Phase 4: Expansion & Sustainability (18–24 Months)
- Enable cross-chain restaking.
- Improve interoperability with Layer-1s.
- Shift to demand-driven rewards.
- Launch InfiniSVM for ultra-fast processing (100 Gbps).
Phase 5: Ecosystem Maturity (24+ Months)
- Implement Accounts Lattice Hash for scalable growth.
- Pursue institutional partnerships.
- Evolve governance frameworks.
- Promote deflationary tokenomics to increase LAYER value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is restaking in the context of Solayer?
A: Restaking allows users to reuse already-staked SOL or LSTs to secure additional services (AVSs), enhancing capital efficiency and network security.
Q: How do I earn rewards on Solayer?
A: You earn rewards by restaking SOL/LSTs into sSOL and delegating it to AVSs. Rewards come from validator yields, protocol incentives, and performance bonuses.
Q: What is sUSD and how does it generate yield?
A: sUSD is a stablecoin backed by real-world assets like U.S. Treasury bills. Its yield comes from these off-chain investments, passed on to users within the DeFi ecosystem.
Q: Can I unstake my assets anytime?
A: Yes, sSOL is liquid and can be withdrawn back into SOL when needed, offering flexibility without locking up funds long-term.
Q: Is Solayer safe and decentralized?
A: Yes. Built on Solana’s secure foundation and governed by LAYER holders, Solayer uses a shared validator model to maintain decentralization and resilience.
Q: How does swQoS improve network performance?
A: Stake-Weighted Quality of Service ensures that AVSs with higher sSOL backing receive priority in transaction processing and resource allocation, aligning incentives with performance.
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Conclusion
Solayer (LAYER) is redefining how staked assets contribute to blockchain security and scalability. By introducing a powerful restaking framework, shared validator infrastructure, and dual-token utility via sSOL and sUSD, Solayer empowers users to earn more while strengthening the entire Solana ecosystem. With a clear roadmap toward full decentralization, cross-chain expansion, and institutional adoption, Solayer is poised to become a foundational layer in Web3’s next evolution.