Root

The root subnet is the central decision-making center of Bittensor. It plays a key role in ensuring that TAO emissions are distributed fairly.

Problem: In a decentralized network like Bittensor, it's challenging to fairly distribute emissions without a central authority.

Solution: The root subnet introduces a semi-decentralized governance system. It relies on a group of the top 64 validators to make decisions about how TAO should be distributed. These validators represent both their own interests and those of their nominators . They help distribute emissions to what they believe are the most valuable and productive subnets of the network.

The Root Network is a unique subnet in Bittensor. Unlike other subnets that rely on miners to perform work, the root subnet only has validators. These validators are selected because they have the highest amount of TAO tokens staked to them across all subnets. These validators have an important job: they decide how to distribute TAO among all the other subnets.

Think of the Root Network as a group of key decision-makers. They look at what's happening in all subnets of Bittensor and make decisions on their performances. Their choices help shape which areas of Bittensor should grow and develop further, thus getting a bigger portion of the daily TAO distributed.

The root subnet operates through three main steps:

1. Choosing Validators: The 64 validators with the most TAO staked across all subnets automatically become root validators.
2. Setting Weights : Validators evaluate each subnet’s performance to assign weights accordingly. These weights reflect how valuable each subnet is to achieving the network’s overall goals.
3. TAO Distribution: Based on these weights, TAO emissions are distributed among subnets. Subnets with higher weights receive more TAO.

This process happens regularly. It allows the network to adjust as existing subnets evolve and new ones emerge.

The root subnet is essential for managing TAO distribution. It ensures that resources are directed toward high-performing subnets. This process encourages innovation within the network. It also holds subnets accountable by rewarding positive contributions with more TAO. Underperforming subnets, on the other hand, receive less.

Without the root subnet, Bittensor would lack a unified way to distribute TAO effectively.

While the root subnet is important, it still faces some challenges:

• Concentration of Power: Only 64 validators control emissions. This may lead to decisions that don’t benefit everyone equally.
• TAO Recycling : Some validators assign high weights to Subnet 0 (the root subnet itself). This effectively "saves" TAO for future use instead of distributing it to other subnets - some of which may still perform valuable work.
• Difficulty in Evaluation: Validators must assess many subnets, which can be overwhelming. This increases the risk of unfair or inaccurate weight assignments.

To address these challenges, Bittensor plans to introduce "Dynamic TAO ". This system shifts control over emissions from the top 64 validators to all TAO holders.

What Is Dynamic TAO?

Dynamic TAO changes how staking works in Bittensor:

• Each subnet has its own token (e.g., ALPHA for Subnet 1).
  When you stake your TAO in a subnet, you receive its corresponding tokens in return.
• The amount of staked TAO with a subnet, determines how much emissions it should receive.
• This means every holder has a say in which subnets get rewarded by choosing where they stake their TAO.

Root Staking in Dynamic TAO

Subnet 0 (root subnet) offers a "safer" staking option compared to other subnets:

• When you stake your TAO in root, it stays as TAO and doesn’t convert into a subnet token like ALPHA.
• Your original stake remains unaffected by price changes in subnet tokens.
• You still earn rewards through your validator’s participation across other subnets.