Node

A participant component in a blockchain network — a computer running the protocol software, maintaining state and relaying transactions.

Different node types serve different functions: full nodes store complete history and validate all transactions; light nodes verify only headers; validators (or miners) participate in consensus.

Systems Connection

Nodes are the components of a blockchain system. Each node maintains a local copy of state and follows protocol rules to stay synchronized. The network structure — how nodes connect and communicate — shapes system properties like latency, resilience, and decentralization.

Key Properties

• Peer-to-peer — nodes communicate directly, no central server
• Redundancy — many nodes store the same data
• Permissionless (in public chains) — anyone can run a node

See Also

• Cryptoeconomics — parent domain
• Blockchain — what nodes maintain
• Validator — nodes that participate in consensus
• Decentralization — property of node distribution