Ethereum: What are stale shares and what can I do to avoid them?
Ethereum: Understanding Obsolete Shares and How to Avoid Them
As an Ethereum miner, you are aware that your shares on the network are not always accepted by all mining pools. In fact, a small percentage of your shares may be marked as “obsolete.” What exactly are obsolete shares and how can you avoid them?
What are obsolete shares?
Obsolete shares are shares that have been rejected by a mining pool or another validator for a variety of reasons, including:
- Block rejection: If a block containing your shares is rejected, it means that the block header was invalid or there were errors in the transaction verification process.
- Validator conflicts: Conflicts between different validators can lead to the rejection of obsolete shares.
- Network Congestion: Excessive network conditions can cause lockups in some pools or validation nodes.
Why are stale shares a problem for mining companies?
Miners who accept stale shares without addressing them can be penalized, for example:
- No Reward: Taking stale actions means you don’t receive any reward for those actions.
- Loss of Reputation: Refusing to address stale actions can damage your reputation with mining pools and other validators.
How to Avoid Obsolete Actions
To minimize the risk of obsolete actions, follow these best practices:
1.
Check for Blockchain Errors
Before accepting actions, verify their validity by checking the Ethereum blockchain using tools such as Etherscan or Gasprice.io.
2.
Use a Reliable Mining Pool
Choose a proven and reliable mining pool that has a track record of successfully managing obsolete assets.
3.
Monitor Your Stakes Balance
Regularly check your stake balance to detect any changes in network conditions that could cause blocks.
4.
Consider using a different mining pool
If you are experiencing frequent crashes or losses due to outdated activities, consider switching to a new mining pool that has a better track record of dealing with these types of issues.
5.
Update your mining software and hardware
Keep your mining hardware up to date with the latest software and hardware versions to minimize bugs and increase stability.
6.
Report outdated activities to the pool
If you encounter blocks due to shared invalid blocks or other issues, report them to the appropriate groups for resolution.
By following these guidelines, you can reduce the likelihood of encountering outdated activities and ensure that your Ethereum mining efforts are rewarding and profitable.
Additional Resources:
- Ethereum.org Deprecated Stock Policy: Learn more about how the Ethereum platform handles deprecated stocks.
- Mining Pool Forum: An online community where miners discuss and share knowledge on a variety of topics, including deprecated stocks.
- Blockchain Analysis Tools: Software like Etherscan or Block Explorer to monitor the Ethereum blockchain.
By staying up-to-date and taking proactive steps, you can minimize the risk of buying deprecated stocks and enjoy a more rewarding and successful experience as an Ethereum miner.