Reporting

Observer Responsibilities

Selected observers have specific duties each epoch: test gateways, document results, and submit findings through two channels. Proper completion of these responsibilities determines observer rewards and future selection chances.

Dual Submission Process

Observers must submit their findings through both channels to fulfill their duties:

1. Detailed Reports to Arweave

• Format: Comprehensive JSON reports with full evaluation data
• Purpose: Permanent audit trail and transparency
• Content: Complete test results, timing data, and failure details

2. Onchain Observations to the ar.io Protocol

• Format: List of failed gateways
• Purpose: Efficient vote tallying for consensus
• Content: Binary pass/fail determinations for each gateway tested

Observer Evaluations

Observers test assigned gateways against prescribed ArNS names and document their findings:

Evaluation Results

Observers evaluate gateways based on:

• Gateway Wallet Ownership: Verifies correct wallet address
• ArNS Resolution: Tests successful name-to-transaction resolution
• Content Hash Verification: Ensures data integrity
• Response Times: Measures performance within limits

Observer Rewards and Penalties

Observer performance directly impacts rewards and future participation:

Successful Observer Performance

• Observer Reward: Observers who submit both reports and onchain observations receive the Observer Reward
• Future Selection: Successful reporting improves Observer Performance Ratio Weight (OPRW)
• Increased Chances: Higher OPRW increases likelihood of future observer selection and more reward opportunities

Failed Observer Performance

• No Observer Reward: Observers who fail to submit required reports forfeit their Observer Reward
• Gateway Penalty: If the deficient observer is also a functional gateway, their gateway reward can be reduced for that epoch
• Reduced Selection: Failed submissions decrease OPRW, diminishing future observer selection chances
• Lost Opportunities: Lower selection probability means fewer chances to earn Observer Rewards

Observer Accountability

The system tracks observer performance to ensure network quality:

• Submission Tracking: Both Arweave reports and onchain observations must be submitted
• Performance History: Observer submission record affects future selection probability
• Reward Impact: Consistent reporting builds credibility and increases earning potential

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Next Steps

Ready to understand how these reports are processed? Learn about Performance Evaluation to see how reports become votes and determine gateway rewards, or explore Reward Distribution to understand the complete incentive structure.