SSV Network has announced that a DVT client called “Anchor” built by Sigma Prime is currently live on Ethereum Testnet. This launch marks a major step for both Ethereum decentralization and DVT (decentralized validator technology).
Major upgrade! ⚓
Anchor, the second DVT client built by @sigp_io, currently lives in Testnet.
This is an important milestone in the decentralization of both DVT and Ethereum.
The anchor is designed to work seamlessly with the mainnet client, making it even bigger for the operator…pic.twitter.com/dmtpwp0r7d
– SSV Network (@SSV_NETWORK) June 5, 2025
The anchor is currently on the testnet
This testnet deployment is essential as it highlights a vital move towards a safer, more powerful and decentralized Ethereum blockchain.
The testnet environment allows developers and market players to thoroughly test the functionality of the anchor, spot bugs, and assess its effectiveness in simulated real-world situations without being exposed to risk. This is important before deploying DVT clients to the mainnet.
In the core of the Ethereum Network, particularly its Proof-of-Stake (POS) system, DVT is the fundamental way to run Ethereum Validator. This is quite different from the traditional model in which a single node operator manages validators with full control over the private key. This increases the likelihood of a vulnerability if the node's system is down, its key is corrupted, or if the baller is disconnected, which can interfere with network operations and cause losses.
The DVT approach addresses this issue by splitting the Validator key into many “key shares”. Next, distribute the key stocks to a group of distributed node operators. All independent operators run the validator's responsibility components without having a full key.
For a Validator to perform responsibility (such as proof of networks or suggestions for blocks), a number of operators (such as 3 out of four) must be approved or declined using major stocks.
All collaboration nodes within the group are actively involved. If one or some operators are disconnected or encountered a hitch, other functional operators can still make consensus, meet the threshold and carry out responsibility while the validators remain connected.
What does this development mean?
Built by Sigma, “Anchor” is a new DVT client. Its presence means there is another independent, powerful software alternative to working with validators with DVTs.
Ethereum relies on a variety of client software to operate the network. If technical issues or bugs affect clients, they can affect most of the network. By running several DVT clients developed by different teams, the vulnerability to such failures is greatly reduced.
