What Is Node?
Also known as: Blockchain Node, Full Node
In short
A node is a computer or server that connects to a blockchain network, runs its software, and stores, verifies, and relays block and transaction data to other nodes. Nodes are the basic building blocks of decentralized networks.
Nodes communicate with each other in a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. When they receive a new transaction or block, they verify it themselves according to the network's rules and, if it is valid, relay it to other nodes. This removes the need to trust a single central authority: every full node independently checks that rules, such as Bitcoin's 21 million supply cap, are not being broken.
There are different types of nodes. Full nodes verify the entire chain; archive nodes store all historical state data and provide infrastructure for block explorers and analytics tools; light nodes (light clients) download only block headers and request proof when needed. Miner or validator nodes also take part in producing new blocks in addition to verification.
Running your own node lets a user verify their transactions without trusting a third-party server and improves privacy, but it requires storage space, bandwidth, and technical knowledge. The fact that most users connect their wallets to the network through a few large RPC providers is criticized as a point of centralization in practice.
Last updated: · This content is for information purposes only and is not investment advice.