# Cardano

[Cardano](https://cardano.org/) is a decentralized platform with a proof-of-stake consensus, focused on secure and scalable smart contracts. It tackles scalability and interoperability issues through a research-driven approach, subjecting its open-source blockchain to rigorous peer review by academics and programmers.

You can find the link to the block explorer below:

{% embed url="<https://explorer.cardano.org/en>" %}

* [Staking Guide](#staking-guide)
* [Validator Address](#validator-address)
* [Performance](#performance)
* [Staking Mechanics](#staking-mechanics)

### Staking Guide

{% embed url="<https://www.luganodes.com/blog/ADASG/>" %}

### Validator Address

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Mainnet" %}

<table><thead><tr><th width="105">Type</th><th>Address</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Pool ID</td><td>pool1qvudfuw9ar47up5fugs53s2g84q3c4v86z4es6uwsfzzs89rwha</td></tr></tbody></table>
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

### Performance

Luganodes validator performance can be tracked [here](https://cexplorer.io/pool/pool1qvudfuw9ar47up5fugs53s2g84q3c4v86z4es6uwsfzzs89rwha).

### Staking Mechanics

<table><thead><tr><th width="230">Metrics</th><th>Details</th><th data-hidden>Details</th><th data-hidden></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Reward Frequency</td><td>Once per epoch (5 days)<br>first reward will take approximately 15 to 20 days (4 epochs)</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Auto-compounding</td><td>Yes</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Penalty</td><td>No</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Slashing</td><td>No</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Stake Lockup</td><td>None</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Unbonding Period</td><td>None</td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>