Jito releases IBRL Explorer: First-ever quantification of Solana validator performance, a new step towards network transparency

Jito Labs Launches IBRL Explorer Tool, Providing the First Quantitative Evaluation Framework for Block Building Behavior on the Solana Network. The core value of this tool lies in breaking the “black box” of validator performance, allowing network participants to see clearly who is building blocks according to the rules and who is playing “time games.”

What Issues Have Been Discovered

The scan results of IBRL Explorer are not optimistic. Two common non-compliant behaviors exist in the Solana network:

Tail Packing and Time Games

• Late Packing: Validators pack transactions only at the last moment of a block, delaying transaction state propagation
• Slot Timing Games: Exploiting time differences for non-compliant operations, weakening network stability
• Actual Impact: Increased network latency and reduced efficiency of state propagation

These behaviors seem to be validators “optimizing” blocks, but in reality, they sacrifice the overall network performance.

How IBRL Scoring Works

Jito’s introduced IBRL scoring mechanism includes three dimensions:

Through these three scores, each validator receives an IBRL score, intuitively reflecting their block-building quality.

Significance for the Solana Ecosystem

Incentive Effect of Transparency

The launch of this tool breaks information asymmetry. Validator performance can now be quantified, compared, and incentivized. High-performing validators will gain more attention, while underperformers face pressure to improve. This is a case of “sunlight is the best disinfectant.”

Path to Network Performance Optimization

With IBRL Explorer, the Solana ecosystem can identify behaviors that harm the network. This provides data support for subsequent consensus upgrades and validator incentive adjustments. According to related information, Solana is preparing the “Alpenglow” consensus upgrade, aiming for “1-second finality,” and data from IBRL Explorer will be an important reference for optimization.

Indicator of Ecosystem Health

Currently, SOL price is $137.62, with a 7-day increase of 12.11%, and a market cap of $7.753 billion. The launch of this tool indicates that core infrastructure teams like Jito are continuously strengthening Solana’s technical foundation, building a more solid base for the ecosystem’s long-term development.

Why Launch Now

Solana experienced a “stress test” in 2025 during the Meme coin trading frenzy. The network did not collapse but became more robust, with about a 25% increase in block capacity and lower fees. Based on this, launching IBRL Explorer is a natural step— the network has proven its capacity, and now the focus is on optimizing quality. Transparent validator scoring mechanisms are an important move from “can it handle” to “how to handle better.”

Summary

The launch of IBRL Explorer marks a move into a more refined governance stage for the Solana network. From identifying issues, quantifying performance, to incentivizing improvements, this tool connects a complete chain of enhancements. For validators, it means their performance will be visible; for the entire network, it provides data for performance optimization. While Ethereum is solidifying its foundation through institutionalization and interoperability, Solana is preparing for the “settlement layer of high-frequency financial worlds” by improving its infrastructure.