ETH staking involves locking up a certain amount of Ethereum (ETH) to support network operations, particularly in the proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. This process allows participants to earn rewards for their contribution to the network’s security and efficiency.When users stake their ETH, they can either run their own validator node or delegate their tokens to an existing validator. Running a validator requires a minimum of 32 ETH, while delegating allows users with smaller amounts to still participate.Stakers help confirm transactions and maintain the blockchain, and in return, they earn rewards, typically paid in ETH. These rewards are proportionate to the amount staked and the duration of staking. However, staking also involves risks. If a validator behaves maliciously or fails to maintain uptime, they may lose a portion of the staked ETH. Additionally, staked funds may be locked for a certain period, making them temporarily illiquid.Overall, ETH staking provides a way for individuals to earn passive income while actively enhancing the security and functionality of the Ethereum network.