Node
A node is a computer that stores a copy of the blockchain, checks transactions and blocks against the network's rules and passes them on to other nodes. More independent nodes mean a sturdier network.
How it works
A blockchain does not live on one server. Thousands of connected nodes each keep a copy. When you send a transaction, your wallet hands it to a node, which relays it onward. Every node checks signatures and balances itself and drops anything that breaks the rules.
There are several kinds. A full node stores the whole chain and verifies it from the start. A light node keeps only block headers and trusts full nodes. An archive node also keeps every past state and serves block explorers and analysts. Miners and validators are nodes that also produce blocks, not just check them.
Anyone can run a full node: for bitcoin you need an ordinary computer, a stable connection and hundreds of gigabytes of disk. Your own node lets you verify your transactions and balance yourself instead of trusting someone else's server.
You send 0.1 ETH. Your wallet submits the transaction through an RPC server, which is someone else's node. If that server is down, the wallet shows an error even though the network is fine. Switching to another RPC endpoint or your own node fixes it.
A common misconception is that running a node earns money by itself. A plain full node earns nothing; only miners and validators, who put hardware or collateral at risk, get rewards. Be careful with projects that sell "nodes" for cash with promises of passive income, as these are often marketing or schemes.
Questions and answers
What is a node in simple terms?
It is a computer taking part in the network that keeps a copy of the blockchain and checks that everyone follows the rules.
Why run your own node?
To verify transactions and balances yourself instead of trusting someone else's server, and to support the network. It usually pays nothing.
What is the difference between a node and a validator?
A validator is a node that also creates and votes on blocks after locking coins as collateral. A regular node only checks and relays data.
Related terms
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Updated: 2026-10-19