The advancement of blockchain technology has led to the development of intricate mechanisms that improve network security and performance. A notable innovation within the Ethereum ecosystem is EigenLayer, which introduces the concept of restaking. This article seeks to clarify EigenLayer and its elements, offering a comprehensive explanation of its functionality and the meaning of terms such as restaking and EigenPods.

What is Restaking?

Restaking is a process introduced by EigenLayer, a protocol built on Ethereum, which allows the reuse of staked ETH to enhance cryptoeconomic security. Users who have staked ETH either natively or through a liquid staking token (LST) can opt-in to EigenLayer's smart contracts. By doing so, they can restake their ETH or LST to extend security to additional applications on the network, thereby earning additional rewards. This restaking mechanism allows stakers to provide greater security for services within the EigenLayer ecosystem, known as Actively Validated Services (AVSs).

What is EigenLayer?

EigenLayer is the pioneering restaking implementation on Ethereum, enabling the use of ETH to secure various protocols. Through EigenLayer, users can deposit their ETH, activate new validators, and opt to restake their ETH across selected networks for additional security roles. This process is managed via specialized smart contracts within the EigenLayer ecosystem, providing an innovative way to maximize staking returns while contributing to the security of various blockchain protocols.

What are Key Concepts in EigenLayer’s Restaking?

• EigenPods: EigenPods are essential smart contracts in the EigenLayer architecture, managing ETH restaked on secondary networks. They enforce penalties and slashing events, ensuring that any consensus layer rewards and withdrawn validator balances are sent to the EigenPod. After checking for accrued penalties and enforcing them via burning, the EigenPod relays the remaining ETH to the user's wallet. Additionally, EigenPods allow users with liquid staking tokens (LSTs) or ETH staked directly on the Ethereum beacon chain to restake their tokens through EigenLayer for enhanced security and rewards.
• Actively Validated Service (AVS): AVS refers to blockchain-based applications, protocols, or services operating outside the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) that require validator services from EigenLayer's decentralized network of restaked Ethereum (ETH).
• Operators: Operators are specialized service providers within the EigenLayer ecosystem responsible for maintaining the infrastructure required for AVSs to function effectively. They ensure AVSs block production and network integrity according to protocol rules. When users restake their ETH and choose an operator, they share in the risks and rewards of all supported AVSs.
• Open Marketplace: EigenLayer provides a market mechanism where operators can select which AVS to secure based on their risk-reward preferences, and AVS can impose specific requirements on operators.
• Pooled Security: EigenLayer enables the reuse and pooling of Ethereum's staked ETH economic security across multiple AVSs, enhancing their overall security without each needing independent validator sets.

How to Restake with InfStones Step by Step?

Restaking your ETH involves several steps that can be challenging. The InfStones platform simplifies this process by providing detailed guidance, making it easier and quicker to complete restaking.

Step 1: Create Your EigenPod on EigenLayer

Each wallet intended as a withdrawal address requires its own dedicated EigenPod contract.

Step 2: Stake ETH with InfStones

Stake amount meets the minimum requirement of 32 ETH, as set by EigenLayer for Native Restaking.

Step 3: Restake ETH with InfStones

Enable EigenLayer Native Restaking within the interface by clicking the button and pasting your EigenPod address.

Step 4: Delegate to An Operator

Once you have successfully restaked and are earning restaked points, you still need to delegate your restaked ETH to an operator such as InfStones to earn rewards from AVSs. Delegation applies to the entire EigenPod, meaning a single end-user address can have one EigenPod delegated to one Operator.

For a detailed guide on restaking your ETH, we invite you to consult our earlier blog.

What are the Profits of Restaking?

Restaking allows ETH holders to earn multiple profits from a single staked asset.

• ETH Staking Profits: These rewards function similarly to traditional ETH staking, but with a key difference: consensus layer rewards are sent to your EigenPod instead of your withdrawal address. Execution Layer (EL) reward and MEV will continue to be sent directly to your withdrawal address and you can easily claim them through InfStones’ platform.
• AVS Restaking Profits: EigenLayer is currently in the early stages of developing its reward distribution methodology, so the specifics of this process have yet to be determined.
• Restaked Points: Restaked ETH also accrues restaked points, which are earned based on the amount and duration of the staked ETH. Users will accumulate points as long as they maintain their restaked ETH position.

How to Claim Your Reward with InfSones?

Your first step towards claiming reward begins on the InfStones website, you can easily claim your Execution Layer (EL) reward and MEV directly through InfStones’ platform.

Step 1: Check Claimable Reward Redeem Card

Begin by accessing the Safe Stake section and entering the Dashboard. Here, you can view and redeem your claimable rewards by simply connecting your wallet and selecting your validators.

Step 2: Claim MEV Reward

Click "Claim Reward" to seamlessly bridge your efforts with your earnings on the InfStones platform once you've identified the validators with rewards ready for claiming.

For a detailed guide on claiming your MEV reward and consensus layer reward, and monitoring your restaked points, we invite you to consult our earlier blog.

Why Restake ETH with InfStones?

Choosing InfStones for EigenLayer Restaking offers distinct advantages over other restaking solutions in the market. Here’s why InfStones stands out:

• Enhanced Security for Your Assets: With InfStones' Native ETH restaking, your ETH is securely stored in the Beacon Chain contract, significantly reducing the risk of contract attacks compared to LST deposits where assets are held within the EigenLayer contract.
• Preferred Target for AVS Project Airdrops: Direct participation in EigenLayer Native Restaking through InfStones increases your chances of being included in AVS project airdrop lists, making you a prime candidate for these rewards.
• Greater Liquidity with Easy Unstaking: InfStones allows you to unstake and withdraw your funds at any time, providing lower liquidity risk compared to other methods.