Blockchain nodes are essential components of blockchain technology. They play a crucial role in the validation and verification of transactions, contributing to the security and resilience of the overall network.

In this definitive guide, we will explain blockchain nodes, explore their importance in decentralized systems, and examine their role in shaping the future of blockchain technology.

Let’s dive right in.

What is a Node in Blockchain?

In its simplest form, a blockchain node is essentially a computer connected to a blockchain network that has a vital job: store, spread, and preserve blockchain data, ensuring accuracy and security for all users and chain of blocks.

Imagine a node as a librarian in an ever-growing library. Just like a librarian manages books, a blockchain node handles digital information. Each node contains a complete or partial copy of the entire network.

Illustration of a central blockchain node connected to smaller nodes, representing a decentralized network.

Quick History of Blockchain Nodes

The history of Blockchain nodes can be traced back to Stuart Haber and W. Scott Stornetta’s 1991 paper “How to Time-Stamp a Digital Document“. In fact, this research paper became the foundation behind Bitcoin, as Satoshi Nakamoto – its pseudonymous creator – cited the duo the most times throughout the original Bitcoin whitepaper.

In turn, the first Bitcoin node to ever exist was run by Satoshi Nakamoto. Here, initial mining and transaction validations were conducted by this single node, until other nodes gradually joined the network and the blockchain was born. 

Characteristics of a Node

  • Storage Capacity: Nodes store the data of a blockchain. Depending on the type of node (which we will explore below), this could mean storing the entire blockchain, or just essential parts of it.
  • Communication: Nodes must communicate with each other. This means sending and receiving information to stay updated with the latest state of the blockchain.
  • Validation: Nodes play a part in transaction validation, as they check the authenticity of digital transactions before they are added to the blockchain.
  • Decentralization: A key feature of blockchain nodes is that they contribute to the decentralization of the network. No single entity controls all the nodes, making blockchain ecosystems more democratic and resilient against failures.

Types of Blockchain Nodes

There are various blockchain node types, such as:

  • Full Nodes: Also called a complete node, these nodes download and maintain a complete copy of the blockchain.
  • Lightweight Nodes or Light Nodes: These rely on full nodes for complete information, and are designed to require less computational power (therefore being more suitable to devices like smartphones).
  • Authority Nodes: These nodes have more control and are authorized by the network to validate transactions.
  • Mining Nodes: Often associated with full nodes, these participants use computational power to solve complex mathematical problems and add new blocks of digital transactions to the mining pools and blockchain. These nodes earn transaction fees and new coins in return.
  • Archival Nodes: These nodes store the entire history of blockchain transactions, and can serve historical data to other nodes or services that require it. They are also the most resource-intensive – for instance, an Ethereum archival node requires nearly 12 TB of storage on Geth and 2 TB on Erigon.
  • Master Nodes: A master node is a unique node that performs extra duties beyond a regular node.
  • Super Nodes: A super node is the rarest type of blockchain node, used for specific functions.

For a deep dive into the role and function of each node, check our complete guide on ‘Different types of blockchain nodes‘.

The Importance of Nodes in Blockchain

Here’s why every individual node is so important:

  • Security: Each node has a copy of all transactions, which means that to hack the blockchain, you’d need to attack more than half of the nodes at the same time, which is practically impossible for a single hacker.
  • Integrity: They maintain the integrity of the blockchain by ensuring the transaction history remains accurate and unaltered.
  • Decentralization: By being spread across many different locations and operated by different people, nodes ensure the network stays decentralized, preventing any single point of control or failure.
  • Validation: Nodes validate new transactions and blocks, making sure that the consensus rules of the blockchain are followed and that transactions are legitimate.
  • Equal Participation: Everyone with a node has a say in how the blockchain is maintained and updated.
  • Resilience: Even if one node goes down, the rest of the nodes keep the network up and running without any issues.

Think of nodes as the guardians of the blockchain –  watchful, steadfast, and responsible for maintaining the order and trustworthiness of the entire system.

How Does a Blockchain Node Work?

Blockchain nodes are fundamental in the operation and integrity of blockchain networks. They play three crucial roles: maintenance, validation, and accessibility.

By breaking things down, here’s how they work:

  • Blockchain Maintenance: Nodes maintain the blockchain by storing and synchronizing all transaction data across the network. This ensures that every copy of the ledger is up-to-date and reflects the same history of transactions. 
  • Checking Transactions: When a new transaction is made, it’s broadcast to the network. Nodes then check that everything’s tip-top –  i.e. like confirming there’s enough balance for the transaction to go through.
  • Creating Blocks: Once a node verifies a transaction, it groups it with others to create a new block of data for the blockchain.
  • Reaching Consensus: The nodes then use special rules – consensus algorithms – to agree on this new block’s validity. If most nodes give it the thumbs up, it’s added to the blockchain. If a transaction is deemed invalid by a majority of nodes, it is discarded (which prevents fraud and ensures network integrity).
  • Continual Updating: After the new block is added, every node updates its copy of the blockchain. This keeps the entire system in sync and up to date.
  • Accessibility and Transparency: Nodes provide an access point for users to interact with the blockchain, whether it’s sending transactions, deploying smart contracts, or retrieving data. This accessibility is important for decentralized applications (dApps) and services that operate on the blockchain.

Functions of a Blockchain Node (In Practice)

Diagram of interconnected blockchain nodes forming a decentralized network.

Below we’ll explore the functions of a blockchain node in practice, in order to understand their role in the broader blockchain picture.

Verification of Transactions

Each blockchain node has the important job of checking transactions. When someone sends digital currency, like Bitcoin, the transaction isn’t immediately added to the blockchain, as first it must be verified. Here’s the simple step-by-step process for verification:

  • Transaction Broadcast: As soon as a transaction is made, it’s broadcast to the network of nodes.
  • Verification: Nodes then check the details. They look at things such as the transaction’s digital signature, as well as whether the sender has enough balance to send the amount.
  • Approval: If the transaction passes these checks, nodes approve it. It’s now ready to be grouped with other transactions into a new block.

Consensus Building

Blockchain isn’t run by any single person or group, so how does everyone agree on what transactions are valid? ‘Consensus building’ is the answer.

Further, nodes use special protocols – just like rules in a game – which help them all agree on the current, correct version of the blockchain. Here’s what this involves:

  • Proposal of a New Block: Once enough transactions are verified, they’re made into a new block. This block is then proposed to the network.
  • Consensus Algorithms: This is where those protocols, known as consensus algorithms or consensus protocols, come into play, as they help nodes agree on the new block’s validity.
  • Agreement: If the majority of nodes follow the rules and reach the same conclusion, consensus is achieved, and the block is added to the blockchain.

Network Communication

A blockchain stays up-to-date across the globe through network communication. 

Here, nodes talk to each other constantly, as they share information about new transactions, blocks, and the blockchain’s current state. This communication ensures every node has the latest data, which is vital for the blockchain to operate accurately and efficiently.

How to Run A Blockchain Node Using Google Cloud’s Blockchain Node Engine

All dApps connect to blockchains using nodes. Here, developers can either utilize nodes that are managed by another company, opt for professional blockchain node providers, or create their own (for more customized solutions).

Creating a blockchain node involves several steps that streamline the process while ensuring the node is secure, reliable, and capable of scaling if necessary. 

Here’s a concise overview of how to set up a blockchain node, specifically using Google Cloud’s Blockchain Node Engine:

Choose Your Blockchain and Node Type:


Decide on the blockchain network and type of node you need, such as a full node or an archive node. As previously explored, each type of node serves a different purpose.

Check Hardware Requirements:

Nodes need your computer to have certain features, like a specific amount of memory or processing power. For instance, below are the minimum requirements to set up a Bitcoin node:

  • 750 GB or more of free disk space available (minimum read speed of 100 MB/s). 
  • Latest version of Linux, Windows, or Mac OS X.
  • SSD with: 70 MB/s random write and 32 MB/s random read capacity. 
  • At least 8 GB of RAM and an internet download speed of 400 KB/s. 

Set Up the Virtual Machine (VM):

Create a VM in Google Cloud. This involves selecting the appropriate machine type and configuration, which should align with the demands of the blockchain network you are participating in.

Configure Network Settings:

Define your network settings to ensure that your node is secure and communicates effectively within the blockchain network. This includes setting up firewalls and possibly assigning a static IP address to maintain a stable connection.

Deploy the Node Software:

Install the blockchain node software, like Geth for Ethereum nodes, on your VM. This step might involve syncing the node with the blockchain, which can take some time depending on the blockchain’s size and the node type.

Now, to keep your node open for business:

  • Stay Online: Keep your computer on and connected to the internet so your node can communicate with other nodes.
  • Monitor Performance: Check your node regularly to make sure it’s running smoothly.
  • Update Consistently: Download and install software updates to stay secure and functional.

Note: The steps mentioned above may vary depending on the blockchain node engine you deploy.

Security Measures for Blockchain Nodes

To keep a blockchain node secure:

  • Use Firewalls: Firewalls help block unwelcome visitors.
  • Encrypt Data: This scrambles the information so only those who should see it can do so.
  • Regular Backups: Save copies of your node’s data in case you need to restore it after a problem.

For detailed information on securing your nodes, read our comprehensive guide on Blockchain Node Security.

Blockchain Node Providers

Blockchain node providers are services that manage the technical operations of blockchain nodes on behalf of their clients. These providers maintain nodes across various blockchain networks, ensuring they run smoothly, remain secure, and are always up to date with the latest network changes (such as upgrades or hard forks).

Key Benefits of Using Node Providers

  1. Scalability and Reliability: Running a full node, especially an archive node that stores the complete history of a blockchain, requires substantial storage and processing power. Node providers offer robust infrastructure that can scale as application demand grows, ensuring consistent uptime and performance.
  2. Cost-Effectiveness: By outsourcing node operations to a provider, developers can avoid the substantial capital and operational expenses associated with setting up and maintaining their own node infrastructure. This can be particularly advantageous for startups and smaller teams with limited resources.
  3. Simplicity and Focus: Developers can concentrate on building and optimizing their applications without the distraction of managing underlying node infrastructure. This allows them to deploy faster and iterate on their products without being bogged down by technical maintenance tasks.
  4. Security: Professional node providers implement advanced security protocols and continuous monitoring to guard against downtime, attacks, and other security threats. This level of security is often beyond what individual developers or smaller companies could feasibly implement on their own.
  5. Flexibility: Most node providers offer various service tiers and configurations, allowing developers to choose options that best meet their specific needs. Whether it’s a lightweight node for a new application or a heavy-duty archive node for a data-intensive service, providers can accommodate for a diverse range of requirements.

Examples in the Industry

Major cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Microsoft Azure are known for hosting blockchain nodes, offering tailored solutions that integrate with their other cloud services. 

This integration provides additional benefits, such as enhanced analytics, regular maintenance, and easier data access, which are invaluable for applications like block explorers or financial services.

Learn more about the top blockchain node providers in our up-to-date guide.

Scalability & Performance of Blockchain Nodes

Man working on a laptop with a holographic blockchain network display, illustrating digital cryptocurrency connections.

When we talk about blockchain nodes, scalability relates to how well the network can grow and process more transactions without a drop in performance. Here, performance refers to how fast transactions are processed, as well as how effective the node is in its operations.

Let’s break this down simply:

  • More Transactions, More Challenges: As more people use a blockchain, there’s more data to process. Nodes need to manage this without slowing down.
  • Technology Updates: Developers improve blockchain software, so nodes can handle more data and sync up faster.
  • Better Hardware: Sometimes, you might need a more powerful computer to maintain a high-performing node.

Now, what does this mean if you are running a blockchain node?

  • Stay Updated: Regularly upgrade your software to the latest version for better scalability.
  • Robust Internet Connection: You need a strong, fast internet connection to keep up with the network.
  • Hardware Considerations: If you’re serious about running a node, invest in a computer that can handle the demand.

Remember, scalability is key to a blockchain’s success…as if nodes can’t handle growth, transactions slow down, and users then get frustrated.

Node Communication in Blockchain Networks

Nodes chat with each other to agree on the state of the blockchain. Here’s how they do it:

  • Broadcasting Transactions: When someone sends a transaction, nodes spread the word to the network.
  • Propagating Blocks: Once a block of transactions is verified, nodes share this block with the network.
  • Consensus Talks: Nodes use special rules called consensus algorithms in order to finally agree on which transactions are correct.

Communication keeps the blockchain network strong and in sync. Here’s what’s in it for nodes:

  • Trust: The more a node is in agreement with others, the more trust it builds in the network.
  • Efficiency: Good communication means transactions are verified quickly and accurately.
  • Security: When nodes talk effectively, it’s harder for anyone to cheat the system.

Impact of Nodes on Transaction Validation

To ensure that everything’s fair, the following things occur:

  • Correct Details: It asks questions like ‘is the transaction formatted right?,’ or ‘does the sender have enough coins?’
  • History Check: A node looks at past transactions to ensure nothing fishy is going on.
  • Network Agreement: A node communicates with other nodes to ensure that each agrees on a transaction before it’s final.
  • Building Trust: Every time a node validates correctly, it strengthens trust in the whole network.
  • Record-Keeping: Once a transaction is approved, a node helps update the blockchain with the latest info.

Blockchain Node Protocols and Governance Models

The way these nodes make decisions and manage themselves is known as governance. There are a few models that different blockchains use:

  • On-chain Governance: When rules are coded right into the blockchain protocol, we call this on-chain governance. Here, changes are proposed, voted on, and implemented automatically without stepping outside the blockchain’s environment.
  • Off-chain Governance: This happens outside of the blockchain’s code. Think of it as a community meeting where users discuss and agree on changes before manually updating the node’s software.
  • Decentralised Autonomous Organizations (DAOs): Some blockchains use DAOs, wherein decisions are made by stakeholders who vote based on their share or investment in the network.

What Are Blockchain Nodes Used For: Real-World Applications

Let’s break down how blockchain nodes are being used in the real world.

Use Cases in Different Industries

Financial Services: The finance sector has been a pioneer in using blockchain nodes, as they help ensure secure and transparent transactions. With nodes checking every transaction, there’s a notable reduction in fraud and a speedier settlement process.

  • Banking: Banks use nodes for faster cross-border payments and to streamline back-end operations.
  • Insurance: Nodes help in verifying the authenticity of claims and reducing fraud.

Healthcare: Patient privacy and data integrity are critical in healthcare. Here, blockchain nodes can maintain secure, immutable records, ensuring that patient data isn’t tampered with and remains confidential.

  • Medical Records: Nodes ensure that medical histories are accurate and only accessible to authorized personnel.
  • Drug Traceability: Nodes track the journey of medications from manufacturer to patient, preventing counterfeit drugs.

Supply Chain Management: Transparency is vital in supply chains, as blockchain nodes track goods every step of the way. From production to delivery, they’re able to ensure authenticity and timely arrival.

  • Food Safety: Nodes trace food products back to their source, which is useful in resolving food contamination issues.
  • Anti-counterfeiting: Nodes help verify the authenticity of products, to help combat fake goods.

Voting Systems: Nodes in blockchain-based voting systems can increase trust in the electoral process by ensuring votes are counted exactly as cast, without any alterations.

The Future of Blockchain Nodes

Futuristic illustration of a digital world connected by blockchain networks, with glowing nodes and lines representing global connectivity.

Considering the current trends and scenarios, here’s what we can expect from blockchain nodes in the future:

  • More efficient and scalable nodes

Blockchain nodes will likely become more efficient and scalable by adopting solutions such as sharding, Layer-2 protocols, quantum computing, and interoperability. 

These solutions will reduce the data and computational requirements for running a node, as well as enable cheaper and faster transactions across different peer networks.

  • More accessible and user-friendly nodes

Blockchain nodes will become more accessible and user-friendly due to improvements in their design, usability, and functionality. 

For example, nodes could offer more intuitive interfaces, better documentation, and easier installation and maintenance processes. They could also provide more features and services, such as analytics, governance, and rewards, in order to attract and retain users.

  • More diverse and decentralized nodes

Blockchain nodes will become more diverse and decentralized by increasing their numbers, variety, and distribution. This will enhance the security, resilience, and inclusiveness of networks, to foster more innovation and collaboration.

 

What is a Blockchain Node? – FAQs

The main purpose of a blockchain node is to maintain a copy of the blockchain's ledger, validate new transactions and blocks, and distribute this information to other nodes.

A Full Node downloads and maintains a complete copy of the blockchain, fully validating transactions and blocks, while a Light Node holds only part of the blockchain and relies on Full Nodes for complete information.

Yes, for public blockchains like Bitcoin, anyone can set up a node as long as they meet the hardware and software requirements.

Yes, running certain types of nodes can be profitable, such as mining nodes, but it also depends on the specific blockchain economics and the node's operational costs.

The biggest challenge of running a blockchain node is arranging sufficient hardware resources. After that, regular software updates to ensure security against threats, and managing the node's performance can also be quite a challenge. Node operators must also keep up with the evolving technical requirements of the blockchain network.

Blockchain nodes are used in various industries for secure and transparent transactions, streamlining back-end operations, maintaining patient privacy and data integrity in healthcare, enhancing supply chain transparency, and increasing trust in electoral processes.