// GLOSSARY -- WEB3 INFRASTRUCTURE

What is Node (Blockchain)?

1 min read Updated

A blockchain node is a computer running the network's software that maintains a copy of the ledger, validates transactions, and participates in the peer-to-peer network — the fundamental building block of decentralization.

WHY IT MATTERS

Nodes are what make blockchains decentralized. Each independently verifies every transaction — no node trusts another. Network integrity comes from this independent verification: honest nodes reject invalid transactions regardless of what other nodes do.

Node types: full nodes (complete blockchain, verify everything), light nodes (verify headers, trust full nodes for details), archive nodes (all historical states, for querying), and validator nodes (participate in consensus).

Node hardware requirements matter for decentralization: Ethereum needs ~2TB SSD, 16GB RAM. Lower requirements mean more people can run nodes, increasing decentralization.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need to run a node?
For most users, no — use RPC providers. For maximum trust minimization, running your own node means verifying everything yourself without trusting third parties.
How many nodes does Ethereum have?
Approximately 5,000-10,000 globally, making it one of the most decentralized networks by node count.
What's the difference between a node and a validator?
All validators are nodes, but not all nodes are validators. Regular nodes verify and relay data. Validators additionally participate in consensus — proposing and attesting to blocks — and earn rewards for doing so.

FURTHER READING

Enforce policies on every tool call

Intercept is the open-source MCP proxy that enforces YAML policies on AI agent tool calls. No code changes needed.

npx -y @policylayer/intercept
github.com/policylayer/intercept →
// GET IN TOUCH

Have a question or want to learn more? Send us a message.

Message sent.

We'll get back to you soon.