Node

Written by Max Hinchman

Introduction

The nodes of a network store, update and help spread the transaction history of the blockchain. These nodes make up the basic infrastructure of a blockchain network. Nodes are mostly computers or servers but can be any device that is connected to the internet. The nodes on a network are in perpetual communication with other nodes in order to maintain an up to date ledger. Because the nodes of a network store all of the network’s data, so it can be said that the blockchain exists on the nodes.

A full node has a copy of the entire blockchain transaction history but this does not make a full node a miner. A node does not have to constantly be online. A node that is off line but still has a copy of the entire transaction history is still considered a node. When the off line node does connect again, it will need to update the most current transaction history. Nodes do not need to verify transactions. This is the main difference between a node and miner. A miner is a node but a node is not necessarily a miner.

The number of nodes between networks vary but theoretically a network could only have one node. However, having only one node brings forth creates a single point of failure. Many nodes on a network are active participants because they want to voluntarily contribute to the network community. There are some networks that are more resource intensive than others, so certain networks might require nodes to have much more computing power.

Certain blockchains such as DASH utilize masternodes, which in addition to storing and validating transactions, are also responsible for general management of the network. These duties can include managing voting events and protocol execution. Because masternodes are responsible for more things than a normal node, the activities usually require much more energy and computing power. Masternodes are usually compensated for their efforts but it usually requires a substantial investment in order to participate as a masternode in a network.

Suggested Reading

Blockchain: What are nodes and masternodes? by Jimi S

How Nodes Work on the Blockchain by World Crypto Index

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