Subnet Management
SubnetCreation, configuration, and dissolution of subnets with locked TAO and owner-controlled hyperparameters.
Subnet Lifecycle
Subnet Management
- User submits register_network call
- Owner adjusts hyperparameters
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The Big Picture
Subnets are independent competition arenas within Bittensor. Each subnet defines what task miners perform and how validators evaluate them. Creating one requires locking TAO as collateral. Subnet owners configure hyperparameters (tempo, max UIDs, immunity period) and earn an owner cut of emissions.
Why This Matters
Subnets are where the actual work of Bittensor happens. Understanding subnet economics — lock cost, emission share, owner cut — is essential for subnet operators and stakers choosing where to allocate capital.
Example Scenario
Creating a new subnet when 50 exist costs ~100 TAO locked. The owner configures it with Tempo=360, MaxAllowedUids=256, and 10% owner cut. As validators and miners register, and stakers allocate to the subnet, it begins earning emission via TAO Flow.
Common Questions
- Do I get my locked TAO back?
- Yes, when you dissolve the subnet. The lock is returned in full — it is collateral, not a fee.
Use Cases
- Planning subnet launch economics
- Configuring subnet hyperparameters
- Monitoring subnet health and registration
- Comparing subnet economics for investment
Subnets are independent networks within Bittensor. Creating a subnet requires locking TAO (the cost decreases over time as more subnets exist). Subnet owners configure hyperparameters like tempo, max UIDs, immunity period, and earn an owner cut of emissions.
Owners can set subnet identity metadata, adjust parameters, and dissolve subnets to reclaim locked TAO.
Triggers
- User submits register_network call
- Owner adjusts hyperparameters
Inputs (2)
| Item | Type | Role |
|---|---|---|
| register_network SubtensorModule | call | Create a new subnet |
| SubnetLimit SubtensorModule | storage | Maximum number of subnets allowed |
Outputs (5)
| Item | Type | Role |
|---|---|---|
| NetworkAdded SubtensorModule | event | Emitted when subnet is created |
| NetworkRemoved SubtensorModule | event | Emitted when subnet is dissolved |
| NetworksAdded SubtensorModule | storage | Registry of active subnets |
| SubnetOwner SubtensorModule | storage | Owner account for each subnet |
| SubnetLocked SubtensorModule | storage | TAO locked per subnet |
Source Files
pallets/subtensor/src/subnets/subnet.rs pallets/subtensor/src/coinbase/root.rs Formulas
Subnet Lock Cost
The TAO cost to create a subnet resets to 2x the last lock cost on each registration, then linearly decays over time. The decay rate is lock_reduction_interval blocks (default ~14 days). Additionally, the lock cost is modulated by network emission rate — subnets with higher emission cost more to create, creating a market signal.
mult = 2 if last_lock_block != 0 else 1 lock_cost = last_lock * mult - (last_lock / lock_reduction_interval) * blocks_elapsed lock_cost = max(lock_cost, min_lock) // Linear decay: full cost at t=0, reaches min_lock after lock_reduction_interval blocks // Emission modulation: lock_cost *= subnet_emission_rate / avg_emission_rate // Ensures high-emission subnets cost proportionally more to register