Blockchain node. Fundamentals. Types. Rewards. Iron Fish Node.

9 min readJul 29, 2022

This article is devoted to such core topic in blockchain, as node. I am trying to explain in simple words some theory and practical tips. Furthermore, I will tell you about Iron Fish node running, as a part of testing network program that is going right now.

Hello, friends! My name is Val, I am Ph.D, teaching assistant from Ukraine. I am passionate about blockchain era in IT and am on my learning curve in the industry now. In this medium blog, I am sharing my new knowledge with you. Feedback is appreciated. Get ready to dip drive into this essential topic. More interesting articles in my blog:

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Why you need to know it?

Yes, if you are reading my blog, you definitely need it. But why? What is the purpose to know such bases?

When I was a student, I used to study only practical information. I thought that theory is understood from the practice, or is unnecessary knowledge. What I mean is that, you can become a node runner without knowing what is it, but you can’t understand blockchain functioning without theory on node.

Node is the base of reliability in blockchain. I would like to call it chain link ring. And what is the chain without links? — Right, void.

What is node?

So, let’s get closer to the real, essential information.

A node is a connecting point of a network. In other words, a network consists of nodes and lines.

Functions of a node depend on the network itself. For example, computer network nodes, internet network nodes, distributed network nodes, telephone network nodes, cable TV system nodes, etc. All of them have their specifics, but they are aimed to receive and send information. Among common functions are storing, structuring, creating, computing information and structured data. (I have mentioned differences between data and information in here: Data storage trends 2022. Blockchain storage. Arweave + KYVE. | by Val Savchuk | Medium)

Computers, servers, routers, cameras, transmitters, printers, etc, connected together into one network, are network nodes.

Another important issue is that, while there is no network without nodes, the lack of any node should not influence the network itself. This rule is brought by theory of distributed systems and make networks reliable. [Source]

Blockchain Node

A blockchain network, according to its definition is “is a decentralized, distributed, and often public, digital ledger consisting of records called blocks that are used to record transactions across many computers so that any involved block cannot be altered retroactively, without the alteration of all subsequent blocks.” [Blockchain — Wikipedia]

As a teacher, I would ask students, after telling them the explanation above: “What is a node in blockchain?” You can read the description once again before the next paragraph. I think you do know the answer already.

The node in blockchain is a computer that stores a copy of blockchain network, or a part of it. Yes, blockchain stores all and every transaction inside, so it grows with every new one. Any computer, but with enough resources, can become a blockchain node, no matter where it is located, while it has an internet connection.

Nodes in blockchain work in distributed peer to peer way. That means, they are responsible for controlling each other functioning. The “consensus” is often used as a base of validation. I have already uncovered the topic here: Data validation — you need it. KYVE. | by Val Savchuk | Medium

Node types

In blockchain, when it is said just “node”, a full node is taken into account. The full node is one that has the copy of the whole blockchain network. But it is not the only node used by the technology [Source SoFi]:

Light node

The light node, comparing to the full node, does not store the copy of blockchain, but only the part of it. The aim is to reduce download and computing time, storage value for the end user. That is why the light node version contains only the needed information for specific functions.

Archival Full Node

This is the real full node and the main one. It stores full blockchain data so, has a lot of storing resources. Archival Full Node locates on servers. This type of nodes is often used for validation and to maintain consensus (we used to call them validation nodes), or mining nodes, that create new blocks.

Pruned Full Nodes

This type of node is storage saving one. It “pruns” older blocks, and thus save some more space for new ones.

It is used to be called full node, but I assume it to be more likely like a light node. Here is why:

Foremost, the node downloads the whole blockchain first. However, after that the node starts the pruning process, delete all the oldest nodes until only recent ones are left.

Mining Nodes

For mining purposes can archival nodes be used, but not the only one. Miners can also be another modes. The only thing needed: they should be chosen to create a block according to the Consensus. If it is “proof-of-work” requirement, the node should be strong enough to accomplish the task better than others, to create the block. For this purpose, the node needs information on the network status and how the new block is created. This can be runtime data and the node shouldn’t have a lot of storage, but it should have good computing possibilities. To try mining, you can take part in Iron Fish testing network program.

Authority Nodes

These nodes are used for not fully decentralized networks, to bring “Consescus” to them. Such things as the number of nodes or who will run them is decided by centralized organization or thought voting.

Masternodes

Are full nodes, but with no right to create new blocks. These can also be used for validation.

Lightning Nodes

This node is not used to store blockchain, but to organize off-chain communication and user experience.

So, the main functions of blockchain nodes are storing blockchain, creating blocks, fulfill transactions, validate transactions, guarantee network safety, support user experience and off-chain communications.

Validation node

When Googling node topic or superficially studying the subject, I think, you noticed validation node as one of the blockchain node types.

“A validator node is a special type of full node that participates in “consensus.” By participating in consensus, validator nodes become responsible for verifying, voting on, and maintaining a record of transactions.” What is a validator node? | Radix DLT — The Decentralized Finance Protocol

As we have learned already, archival full nodes and masternodes can be used for validation.

I have told you a lot about validation in my previous article, so more details are there, but here are some main functions of validation nodes [Source XResearch]: automated transaction validation; manual validation; track spam actions, review contributions, control content, calculate statistics, guide voting, etc.

To validate, the node should have enough staking amount of specific token on its account.

How to become the node runner and get rewards?

To have enough reliable nodes, projects offer rewards and / or other benefits for the runners. The number of nodes influences the reliability and decentralization levels of the network.

“The Node Reward Program is an initiative to incentivize…” projects “…users to set up more nodes to increase the decentralization of the network.” [Node Reward Program | Docs | Ardor]

As I have mentioned above, anyone can become a node runner, but enough computing resources, and free spot in the system are needed. When I am talking about free spot, that means that some networks have limited amount of nodes, especially while testing period.

Yes, one of the most popular ways to be rewarded for running node is incentivized testnet. I have already written about testnets here: Crypto Testnet vs Ambassador program. Iron Fish Testnet. | by Val Savchuk | Medium. There are other ways to be rewarded, too.

To get rewards while running the node, you should follow the next steps:

Own computer with enough computing and storing resources;
Download software from official website;
Get enough tokens;
Stake the token;
Set up the node;
Run node for enough time;
Get rewards.

The rewards are often the tokens, or better percentage for staking. But before running any node, be sure that the token will cost a thing. Foremost, you should check investors and partners of the project. If it is already on the market, get sure it showed itself reliable. Some more details about token value are here.

IronFish node

There are a lot of blockchains that reward their node runners, but today I will tell you more about Iron Fish.

Iron Fish is one of the top startups in the industry and right now the second phase of its testing network program is going on. One of the activities is running the node. This testnet is the great example on how node runner can be rewarded, and what does it require.

To run Iron Fish node, there are the following steps to be fulfilled:

Get a computer with minimum 4 core CPU and 8 GB RAM.
Install Node.js
Run “ironfish testnet”
Set up the node with your own graffiti (account name)
Run “ironfish start”, now the node will be running.
Leave it for 12 hours
Gain points
Points will be proportionally translated into tokens

But, as I have mentioned right above, the token value is an issue. We do not now, how much will it cost. I won’t give you any numbers. Nevertheless, the investors and partners are promising. It is worth trying to earn more with the node. I do.

Conclusion

I have never been that short, when making conclusion. Anyway, the only thing I want to mention is that if you have enough tokens, or can buy them, if you have a resourceful computer and have already read my article try to run some node. First of all, this is the base for blockchain, so it is important to understand. Secondly, it is the way to earn some money. Nevertheless, try to run your first node from the one you do not need to spend much. Iron Fish testing node can be the one.

Check out the video here