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What Are Blockchain Nodes and How Do They Work?
What Are Blockchain Nodes and How Do They Work? - Flow Card Image

A blockchain node is any device that runs a blockchain’s protocol software and connects to its network. Nodes are integral to the decentralized network, acting as stakeholders for the blockchain. Their primary function is to maintain the consensus of a blockchain’s public ledger, which varies depending on the type of node.

A blockchain node refers to a device-stakeholder pair that runs the protocol software of a decentralized network. Nodes form the governing infrastructure of a blockchain and maintain consensus of a public ledger. Examples of devices that can serve as nodes include routers, modems, switches, hubs, servers, and printers.

How Do Blockchain Nodes Work?
Nodes have three main purposes:
1. Maintenance: Nodes keep all copies of the ledger in sync, storing encrypted data of past transactions while taking on new blocks for scalable growth.
2. Validation: Nodes execute transactions based on a majority consensus, ensuring that authenticated proposals are added to the blockchain while unapproved proposals are rejected. This maintains synchronization and reflects the true state of the network.
3. Accessibility: Nodes store blockchain data and keep it transparent and accessible to any user in the network.

Types of Blockchain Nodes
Blockchain nodes are grouped by the functions they perform. Despite their differences, all nodes work toward maintaining the integrity of a network.

1. Full Node:
- Pruned Full Node: Retains only the most recent entries after reaching memory capacity, prioritizing security over storage.
- Archival Full Node: Stores the entire blockchain ledger, recording all transactions up to its genesis block.

2. Authority Nodes: Elected by the community to act as moderators of a private or partially centralized blockchain.

3. Mining Nodes: Verify transactions using a proof-of-work consensus model, solving complex cryptographic puzzles for rewards.

4. Master Nodes: Validate transactions and maintain records without generating new blocks.

5. Staking Nodes: Use locked funds as collateral in a proof-of-stake consensus model, randomly designated for authentication powers.

6. Light Nodes: Designed for fast, simple processing of transactions and daily activities, depending on full nodes to function.

7. Lightning Nodes: Execute transactions off-chain through separate connections to reduce network congestion.

8. Super Nodes: Perform specialized tasks, such as implementing protocol changes or maintaining protocols, and are created on demand.

Why Are Blockchain Nodes Needed?
Nodes democratize network control by fulfilling mechanisms of utility and governance, such as authenticating transactions and executing decision-making protocols. They uphold the principle of decentralization, ensuring the network's resilience and security by distributing authority across various nodes. The more nodes a blockchain hosts, the more decentralized and secure it becomes.

Resources:
https://tinyurl.com/bdz5nf5f
https://tinyurl.com/fr949w22

Categories : Computer Science

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