Blockchain 101: Nodes

Nodes

Novice enthusiasts and blockchain veterans alike have all heard of a node while conducting some crypto-related research. But what is it exactly? This article aims to explain what a node is, its purpose, and why they are essential to the overall functionality of blockchain technology.

Key Concepts

• Blockchain Infrastructure
• Types of Nodes

Blockchain Infrastructure

Depending on what industry professional you ask, the definition of nodes varies slightly. In the world of digital assets, any computer or server that connects to a blockchain network is considered a node. They execute certain functions like creating, sending, or receiving information. Nodes communicate within the network and transfer information about transactions and new blocks to other nodes on the network.

Nodes are the foundation of a blockchain’s security as they host copies of the blockchain and help perform various necessary tasks for the network to function. A consensus mechanism is the process of users agreeing that transactions are valid without a central authority. Consensus mechanisms influences how transactions are verified, energy usage, network fees, and transaction speed. Nodes are important because their interactions within a blockchain network forms one unified blockchain infrastructure.

Types of Nodes

A key component of blockchain technology is to ensure data integrity and provide credibility to the network. These properties are maintained by sharing the same ledger amongst different systems, distributed globally. There isn’t a one-stop-shop for nodes on a blockchain network. Different nodes serve different purposes. The type of node a blockchain has depends on the network requirements but generally speaking; there are seven different types of nodes available for use in blockchain networks.

Authority Nodes

Although decentralization is a driving force behind blockchain technology, there are instances where blockchain networks need to be governed by central authorities. Some networks that benefit from this arrangement include Delegated Proof of Stake and Proof of Authority. Authority nodes are responsible for authorizing other nodes to join a Blockchain network.

Full Nodes

A full node is a node type that forms the backbone of a blockchain network. These nodes validate blocks of data and maintain consensus. They host the entire blockchain network and have every transaction recorded in their databases.

Light Nodes

Lightweight nodes or “light nodes” don’t store complete blockchain copies and are used for simplified payment verification (SPV). They communicate with the blockchain network while relying on full nodes to provide them with the necessary information they don’t save. This decreases a user’s download time and storage space.

Lightning Nodes

Lightning nodes establish a connection between users outside the blockchain, allowing “off-chain transactions” to happen. This reduces the load on the network and allows for faster, cheaper, and more efficient transactions on a blockchain network. Not only can lightning nodes establish connections, but they can also run on top of multiple blockchains, promoting interoperability.

Master nodes

Although they cannot add blocks to the blockchain, the purpose behind Master nodes is to validate and record transactions. Master nodes operate on a collateral-based system which means that the operators have to own a certain amount of the cryptocurrency. However, to participate in this, users must lock away a certain amount of money in the form of the network’s native token. Operators receive crypto earnings that are usually a percentage of their stake in exchange for their investment.

Mining Nodes

Mining nodes use computing power to solve a cryptographic Proof of Work (PoW) puzzle to maintain the integrity of a blockchain network. Mining nodes get data from other nodes to learn the current status of the blockchain and how to work on finding the next block.

Pruned Nodes

The more the size of a blockchain increases, the more the storage size required for nodes increases. This causes running a node because of the disk space they had to support to get it up and running. A pruned node is a type of node that performs much of the functions of a full node but does not possess a complete copy of the blockchain. A blockchain network can be downloaded for the verification process, and once completed, only a small portion of the data is stored, which allows users to have their node, increasing the security of the network.

Conclusion

There are many moving parts to establishing, maintaining, and communicating with a blockchain network. We learned that nodes bridge the communication gap in blockchain by storing, spreading, and preserving blockchain data. But don’t take my word for it; go to Google and fall down the blockchain rabbit hole and learn for yourself. Remember, friends, do or do not; there is no try. Happy learning!