Blockchain Nodes
A distributed network of computers that can validate blocks and transaction data by executing software.
The more nodes a blockchain hosts, the more decentralized it will be. A healthy number of nodes spread across unique locations is integral to desired level of decentralization in contrast to a concentration of power.
Types of Nodes
- Full node
- Pruned full node
- Archive node
- Authority node
- Mining node
- Master node
- Staking node
- Light node
- Lightning node
- Super node
Ethereum Nodes and Clients
Hosting
To run a node on your computer, requires a client application. A client application downloads a copy of the Ethereum blockchain.
Job of nodes and client software:
- verifies the validity of every block
- keeps up-to-date with new blocks and transactions
- helps others download and update copies of the blockchain
Method
Running an Ethereum node is the process of running client software on a computer while connected to the internet. If offline your node is dormant, if online your node will automaticaally sync up with latest blockchain updates.
What security risks to installing and running a node?
Benefits
Having your own node eliminates the need to rely on third-party information on the state of the network as well as improving the following attributes of the blockchain:
- Privacy
- Security
- Increased decentralisation
- Censorship resistance
- Sovereignty
With a node up and running you're along the path to staking ETH to earn rewards.
You need to be a validator or miner to earn financial rewards
Providers
From ethereum.org see nodes as a service options.
- Alchemy
- Infura