Nodes

What are Nodes?

Nodes are computers running blockchain software that maintain, validate, and propagate network data. They form the backbone of any blockchain network, storing the ledger, verifying transactions, and relaying information. Without nodes, blockchains couldn’t function—they’re the physical infrastructure of decentralized networks.

Node Types

Full Nodes

Complete blockchain copy:

• Store entire transaction history
• Verify all transactions independently
• Don’t require trust in others
• Highest security/sovereignty
• Significant storage requirements

Light Nodes (SPV)

Minimal data storage:

• Store only block headers
• Verify using Merkle proofs
• Trust full nodes for data
• Lower resource requirements
• Suitable for mobile devices

Archive Nodes

Historical data access:

• Full node + historical states
• Can query any past state
• Massive storage requirements
• Essential for block explorers
• Used by applications needing history

Validator Nodes

Block production (PoS):

• Full node + validation capability
• Stake tokens as collateral
• Propose and attest to blocks
• Earn rewards for participation
• Subject to slashing

Mining Nodes

Block production (PoW):

• Full node + mining capability
• Solve computational puzzles
• Compete to create blocks
• Earn block rewards
• High energy consumption

Node Functions

Transaction Validation

Verifying correctness:

• Check signatures
• Verify balances
• Enforce protocol rules
• Reject invalid transactions
• Essential for security

Block Propagation

Spreading information:

• Receive new blocks
• Validate block contents
• Relay to connected peers
• Maintain network sync
• Enable decentralization

Data Storage

Maintaining history:

• Store blockchain data
• Enable queries
• Serve other nodes
• Preserve network state

Consensus Participation

Depending on type:

• Full nodes verify independently
• Validators propose/attest blocks
• Miners compete for blocks
• Ensure agreement on state

Running a Node

Hardware Requirements

Varies by chain:

Chain	Storage	RAM	CPU
Bitcoin	~500GB	2GB	Modest
Ethereum	~1TB+	16GB+	Modern
Solana	~2TB+	128GB+	High-end

Software Options

Client diversity:

• Ethereum: Geth, Nethermind, Besu, Erigon
• Bitcoin: Bitcoin Core
• Solana: Solana validator client
• Multiple implementations improve security

Operation Considerations

Running successfully:

• Reliable internet connection
• Consistent uptime
• Storage growth management
• Software updates
• Monitoring

Why Run a Node?

Sovereignty

Self-verification:

• Don’t trust others for data
• Verify everything yourself
• Maximum security
• True decentralization

Privacy

Enhanced privacy:

• No third-party seeing queries
• Direct network participation
• Reduced data leakage
• Personal infrastructure

Supporting Network

Decentralization contribution:

• More nodes = more robust
• Geographic distribution
• Client diversity
• Network resilience

Business Requirements

Infrastructure needs:

• Application backends
• Transaction submission
• Historical data queries
• Reliable access

Node Infrastructure Services

RPC Providers

Managed node access:

• Infura, Alchemy, QuickNode
• API-based access
• No node operation needed
• Trade-off: trust/convenience

Node-as-a-Service

Managed infrastructure:

• Chainstack, Blockdaemon
• Enterprise features
• SLA guarantees
• Higher cost

Node Economics

Costs

Running expenses:

• Hardware/hosting
• Bandwidth
• Electricity
• Maintenance time

Revenue

Potential income:

• Validator rewards (if staking)
• RPC service fees (if providing)
• Mining rewards (PoW)
• Often operated at cost

Decentralization Considerations

Node Distribution

Network health metrics:

• Geographic spread
• Client diversity
• Operator independence
• Hosting diversity

Centralization Risks

Concerns:

• Cloud provider concentration
• Few client implementations
• High requirements exclude participants
• Professional-only operation

Mitigation

Improvement efforts:

• Lower hardware requirements
• Client diversity initiatives
• Home running education
• Incentive programs

Light Client Advances

Improving Accessibility

Research directions:

• Portal Network (Ethereum)
• Helios (light client)
• ZK-powered verification
• Better mobile support

Trade-offs

Considerations:

• Less than full node security
• Trust assumptions vary
• Still better than trusting third parties
• Practical for most users

The Future of Nodes

Statelessness

Emerging approach:

• Nodes don’t need full state
• Verkle trees enable
• Lower requirements
• Easier to run

Distributed Validation

DVT for validators:

• Split validator across operators
• No single point of failure
• More resilient
• SSV, Obol leading

Enshrined Light Clients

Protocol improvements:

• Better light client support
• ZK verification
• Trust-minimized queries
• Broader accessibility

Conclusion

Nodes are the physical foundation of blockchain networks—the actual computers that store data, validate transactions, and maintain consensus. While running a full node requires resources and technical knowledge, it provides the highest level of security and sovereignty. Understanding node types, requirements, and the trade-offs between running your own versus using services is essential for participating in blockchain networks in an informed way.