root_dissolve_network

Call v320 → current #120

Dissolves a network using root authority.

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Used by: developerssubnet owners

The Big Picture

Normal dissolution requires owner action and may have waiting periods. Root dissolution is the admin override - it removes a subnet immediately, regardless of owner consent or immunity periods. This is an emergency or governance power, not normal operations. Used when a subnet is harmful, broken, or abandoned and must be removed.

Why This Matters

Subnets are generally owner-controlled, but the network needs a way to remove problematic ones. Root dissolution provides this nuclear option. It's heavily restricted (only root/sudo can call it) and should be used rarely and with justification.

Example Scenario

Subnet 42 is running malicious code that harms participants. Governance decides it must be removed immediately. Admin calls root_dissolve_network(netuid=42). The subnet is gone within one block, regardless of the owner's wishes or immunity period remaining.

Common Questions

Can the subnet owner prevent root dissolution?
No - root authority overrides owner control. That's the point. If an owner could block it, malicious owners could keep harmful subnets running.
What happens to the lock deposit?
Depends on the reason for dissolution. Malicious subnets might have deposits slashed. Emergency removals might return deposits. Check governance decision.
Is there a warning before root dissolution?
Usually governance processes involve discussion and voting before using this power. In emergencies, it might be immediate. Check community channels for context.

Use Cases

  • Emergency removal of malicious or broken subnets
  • Governance-mandated subnet shutdown
  • Cleanup of abandoned subnets
  • Network maintenance and security response

From Chain Metadata

Remove a subnetwork The caller must be root

Input Parameters

#NameTypeDescription
0
netuid
u16 Subnet/network identifier (0-65535)

Permissions

Origin
Unknown
Required Role
Any

Permission data inferred from metadata. May be incomplete.

Requirements

  • Caller has root/sudo privileges
  • Network exists

Effects

Events Emitted

NetworkRemoved

Postconditions

  • Network removed immediately
  • All neurons deregistered
  • Subnet parameters cleared

Side Effects

  • Administrative override of normal dissolution
  • Bypasses immunity period and owner consent
  • Lock may or may not be returned depending on circumstances

Possible Errors

NetworkDoesNotExistSubNetworkDoesNotExistRootNetworkDoesNotExistNetworkExistHotKeyNotRegisteredInNetworkEmissionValuesDoesNotMatchNetworksDidNotPassConnectedNetworkRequirementNetworkTxRateLimitExceededIncorrectNetworkVersionKeyAllNetworksInImmunityCanNotSetRootNetworkWeights

Code Examples

import { ApiPromise, WsProvider } from "@polkadot/api";
import { stringCamelCase } from "@polkadot/util";

const provider = new WsProvider("wss://entrypoint-finney.opentensor.ai:443");
const api = await ApiPromise.create({ provider });

// Build root_dissolve_network call
const netuid = 1;

const call = api.tx[stringCamelCase("SubtensorModule")][stringCamelCase("root_dissolve_network")](
  netuid
);

Runtime Info

View Source
Pallet Index
7
Call Index
120
First Version
v320
Current Version
v393
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