What is a node operator?

Node operators are independent computers that validate that each transaction on the THORChain network is correct. Anyone with over 1 million RUNE tokens can become a node operator.

What is bonding?

In order to become a node operator, one needs to bond at least 1 million RUNE to the network. This RUNE is essentially locked up and used as leverage to ensure each node behave in the best interest of the network. In the event a node is not behaving properly, the node can either lose rewards or lose (a portion of) the RUNE that is bonded.

The next three graphs, show the total count of node operators that have bonded RUNE as well as how this changed over time: