Each proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchain handles validator states differently. Here’s a breakdown of these stages across Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and Polkadot (DOT):

1. Activating Validators
   
   This refers to validators that have been set up but are waiting to enter the network and begin validating transactions. The time to activate depends on the protocol and network conditions:

• • Ethereum (ETH):
    • Validators must stake 32 ETH to be eligible.
    • New validators enter an activation queue if there is high demand. This queue length depends on the number of validators entering or exiting the network and can take hours to weeks.
    • Until the validator is active, it does not earn rewards. 
    • You may view the validation queue here.

• • Solana (SOL):
    • Solana has a quicker activation process. New validators typically go live within 1-2 epochs (an epoch is approximately 2-3 days).
    • There is no formal activation queue like Ethereum, but rewards only begin accruing once the validator is fully active in an epoch.

• • Polkadot (DOT):
    • Validators on Polkadot must go through a nomination period before becoming active.
    • Activating a validator depends on whether it is chosen by the Phragmen election process, a complex process built into the protocol where the stake from DOT nominators is allocated among their selected validators on a basis that varies by era (about 24 hours).. This process takes approximately one era to activate.

2. Active Validators
   
   These validators are fully operational, participating in block production and earning staking rewards.

• • Ethereum (ETH):
    • Active validators propose and attest to blocks.
    • Validators receive rewards for attesting to blocks and can earn additional miscellaneous rewards through GlobalStake’s optimized validator strategies.

• • Solana (SOL):
    • Active validators verify transactions and produce blocks during each epoch.
    • With GlobalStake, miscellaneous rewards are also potentially earned via Jito for additional performance.

• • Polkadot (DOT):
    • Active validators participate in consensus and block production.
    • They are randomly selected to produce blocks and earn staking rewards shared with their nominators.

3. Deactivating Validators
   
   These validators are in the process of exiting the network, meaning they will stop participating in block production and earning rewards. This phase is often subject to specific network rules:

• • Ethereum (ETH):
    
    • Validators must go through an exit queue before fully deactivating.
    • The exit queue length depends on network congestion, and once exited, there is an additional withdrawal delay before staked ETH becomes available.
    • Validators may also be force-exited if they become inactive or are slashed.

• • Solana (SOL):
    
    • Validators can be deactivated between epochs.
    • Unstaking SOL involves an unstaking cooldown of approximately 2-3 days (1 epoch). During the unstaking period, no rewards are earned. 

• • Polkadot (DOT):
    
    • Deactivating validators must go through a 28-day unbonding period before staked DOT is released.
    • Validators are automatically removed from the active set if they are not re-elected during the nomination process.

4. Inactive Validators (or Shutdown Validators)
   
   These are validators that are no longer participating in the network. They do not earn rewards and cannot validate blocks.

• • Ethereum (ETH):
    
    • Validators become inactive after successfully exiting or if slashed for misbehavior (e.g., double-signing or prolonged downtime).
    • Partial slashing reduces staked ETH, while severe misconduct can lead to full ejection and forfeiture of funds.

• • Solana (SOL):
    
    • Validators stop participating if they fail to meet performance thresholds.
    • There is no permanent penalty like Ethereum’s slashing, but inactive validators lose eligibility to earn rewards.

• • Polkadot (DOT):
    
    • Inactive validators may have bonded DOT slashed if they violate protocol rules.
    • Validators who are not elected or who unbond their stake become inactive.