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Epoch

What is Xone Epoch

With the successful activation of the new epochs module via hard fork at height # 6397023, Xone Chain now adopts a standardized and modular Epoch system, inspired by Evmos Epochs (opens in a new tab), enabling flexible, composable, and on-chain managed time cycles.

The upgraded module provides a generic time cycle scheduler for on-chain logic, supporting dynamic triggering of network-level events (rewards, validator updates, governance, etc.) at the end of each epoch, all via configuration and without requiring hardcoded logic.

Definition and rules of Epoch

What is Epoch?

An Epoch is a recurring period defined by block height intervals, during which certain scheduled logic is triggered. The Epochs module manages multiple named epoch identifiers (e.g., day, staking, distribution), each with independent cycles.

  • Block generation time: ≈ 1.3 second/block
  • Natural time span:
    hour = 1 H (3600s)
    day = 1 D (86400s)
    week = 7 D (604800s)
  • Execution: Registered hooks (BeforeEpochStart, AfterEpochEnd) are triggered automatically

Dynamic periodicity: At the end of each Epoch, the network will automatically trigger the preset on-chain operations (such as reward settlement, validator rotation) and start a new cycle. This design makes the operation rhythm of Xone Chain clear and regular.

Core rules of Epoch

ParameterValueDescription
Epoch IdentifierdayDefault epoch name; custom identifiers can be added.
Epoch Interval86400s1 Days.
Current Epoch NumberDynamically increasingCan be queried on-chain using module API.
HooksBeforeEpochStart/AfterEpochEndTrigger staking, distribution, governance logic.

Core functions of Epoch

Reward distribution and staking economy

Periodic reward settlement: Staking rewards, transaction fee sharing, etc. of all network participants are settled and distributed uniformly at the end of each Epoch. Example: If you stake tokens in Epoch #100, the rewards will be credited to your account at the end of Epoch #100; you can also understand it as settlement at the beginning of Epoch #101.

Transparent and verifiable: Users can track Epoch progress and expected returns in real time through block browsers.

Validator (Nodes) rotation

Decentralized rotation mechanism: At the end of each Epoch, Xone Chain selects validators for the next cycle based on staking weights and random algorithms to prevent power concentration.

Fairness: New validators need to wait for the Epoch switch to take effect.

Security: Frequent rotation reduces the risk of long-term attacks.

Protocol governance and upgrades

On-chain governance window: Major protocol upgrades or parameter adjustment proposals (such as handling fee rates, inflation models) must be voted on within a full Epoch cycle and take effect in the next Epoch. Example: If the proposal is passed in Epoch #101, execution will start from Epoch #102.

Network status snapshot

Checkpoint: A chain status snapshot is generated at the end of each Epoch to facilitate fast synchronization of light node and verification of data integrity.

🔧 What Changed Compared to Pre-Upgrade Epoch Logic?

AspectOld LogicNew Module
Epoch definitionFixed block interval logic embedded in core code.Fully modularized with named epochs.
Trigger logicTightly coupled with staking/distribution.Decoupled with hook-based logic.
CustomizabilityHard to change (requires code updates).Fully configurable via params or governance
UsabilitySingle-purpose (staking/reward).Multi-purpose, reusable for multiple modules.
GovernanceNo control.Epoch interval and hook logic can be governed.

🚀 Benefits of the New Epochs Design

  • High Customizability: Support for multiple epoch identifiers and parameters.
  • On-Chain Flexibility: Epoch behavior is configurable and upgradeable via governance proposals.
  • Modular Hooks: Modules can independently register to respond to epoch changes.
  • Predictability: Clear periodic cycle simplifies application behavior planning.

Comparison with Epochs of other blockchains

To help understand the Epoch design of Xone Chain, the following is a comparison of similar mechanisms of mainstream public chains:

ChainEpochCore PurposeDesign Features
Solana~2-3 D (dynamic adjustment)Inflation reward distribution, validator weight updateDynamic periodic adaptation to network performance changes
Ethereum 2.032 blocks (~6.4 Minutes)Validator Committee Rotation, Finality ConfirmationHigh-frequency coordination of short-term adaptation to PoS consensus
Cardano432,000 blocks (~5 D)Staking Rewards Distribution, Slot Leader ElectionNatural time alignment, emphasizing the pledge economic cycle
Xone Chain3600s/86400s/604800sRewards distribution, validator rotation, governance effectivenessHigh Customizability、Flexibility、Modular、Predictability

📡 Querying Epoch Info (via gRPC or Http)

grpcurl -plaintext https://gateway.xone.org evmos.epochs.v1.Query/EpochInfos

View Details

FAQ

Q1: How does this affect reward distribution and staking?

All staking rewards and updates are now managed through the epochs hook system. Rewards are still settled at the end of each epoch, but the underlying trigger is now cleaner, more secure, and maintainable.

Q2: Can I define my own Epochs?

Yes. Developers can register new epoch identifiers (e.g., weekly, custom) and associate them with specific modules via hooks.

Q3: Will Epoch intervals remain fixed?

Yes by default, but they can be modified via governance proposals without code upgrades.

The new Epochs module marks a significant milestone in Xone Chain’s modular architecture evolution. It enhances network coordination, simplifies scheduling logic for future applications, and ensures better governance agility — all while maintaining predictable and user-friendly block-level timing.

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