The definition of nodes is different in many cases. When it comes to computers or communications networks, a node often refers to a redistribution point or communications terminal. Typically, a node is made up of physical network devices, but virtual nodes are quite different.

Simply put, a network node can generate, receive or transmit information. Accordingly, we are going to discuss the different types of Bitcoin network nodes: full nodes, super nodes, mining nodes and SPV users.


Bitcoin node

By delving deeper into the blockchain article - due to its distributed system characteristics - the nodes of the computer network enable Bitcoin to operate like a decentralized peer-to-peer (P2P) digital currency. Likewise, Bitcoin is censorship-free, meaning transfers between users do not require any middlemen to provide guarantees (no matter how far apart the users are).

Therefore, the node of the blockchain is like a communication node that plays different functions. Any computer or other device connected to the Bitcoin network can be regarded as a node of the Bitcoin network. These nodes also communicate with each other. At the same time, they can also transmit transactions and transactions through Bitcoin’s point-to-point protocol. block information. However, each computer node is defined according to its specific function, so there are many different types of nodes in the Bitcoin network.


full node

Full nodes are those nodes that truly support and secure the Bitcoin network and are independent from the network. They will also participate in the confirmation of transaction information and block information. Similarly, full nodes can also add new block information to the blockchain network.

Typically, a full node will download a complete copy of the Bitcoin blockchain network information, but this is not a hard requirement (sometimes a shortened copy will be downloaded).

The establishment of a Bitcoin full node can be completed by installing a variety of different software, but the most commonly used software is Bitcoin Core. The following are the basic requirements for running a Bitcoin Core full node:

  • A desktop or laptop computer with Windows, Mac OS X or Linux operating system

  • 200GB of free disk space

  • 2GB RAM

  • Bandwidth with upload speed no less than 50kB/s

  • An Internet connection with no upload restrictions or high upload caps. Every month, the full node can upload no less than 200GB of information and download no less than 20GB of information. When running a full node for the first time, approximately 200GB of text needs to be downloaded

  • The full node operation time is no less than 6 hours a day, preferably 7x24 hours operation mode

Many voluntary organizations and users operate as full nodes of the Bitcoin network to help the ecological development of Bitcoin. Like in 2018, there were approximately more than 9,700 public nodes running on the Bitcoin network. Note that this number is only for public nodes, that is, those nodes that are visible.

In addition to public nodes, there are many hidden nodes that are not visible, often through hidden protocols like Tor, or simply running behind firewalls because they are configured not to be advertised.


Public node (super node)

Essentially, a public node or a super node is a visible full node. It communicates and transmits data with other nodes. Therefore, a super node is a redistribution point and plays the role of a data source and communication bridge.

A reliable super node usually transmits the historical information and transaction data of the blockchain to nodes around the world 24/7. For this reason, a super node requires more computing power and better network connections than a hidden full node.


Mining node

In order to be able to mine Bitcoin in an increasingly competitive environment, it is necessary to invest in special mining hardware and programs. These mining programs (software) are not directly related to Bitcoin Core, they are mined in parallel with Bitcoin Core. A miner can either choose to mine on his own or join a mining pool.

The full nodes of individual miners use their own copies of block data, while the miners of the mining pool collaborate together, each of whom can contribute their own computing power. In a mining pool, only the administrator of the mining pool is required to run as a full node - which can be regarded as the full node of the entire mining pool.


Lightweight or SPV users

Also known as Simple Payment Verification (SPV) users, these lightweight users use the Bitcoin network but are not full nodes. SPV users do not contribute to network security because they do not save copies of blockchain information and do not participate in the verification of transaction information.

Simply put, SPV is a way to view transaction information without downloading a copy of the entire blockchain information. Therefore, SPV users rely on other full nodes (super nodes) to provide information. These lightweight users are like communication terminals and are also used by many digital currency wallets.


User VS Mining Node

It is worth mentioning that there is a difference between running a full node and running a full mining node. Anyone can become a full mining node by investing in special mining hardware and software.

Before attempting to mine a block, a miner needs to collect transaction information that has been previously confirmed by full nodes. Then, you need to create an alternative block (with a set of transaction information) and try to mine at the same time. If a miner successfully finds the hash of this candidate block, he publishes it to the entire network so that other nodes can verify its authenticity. Therefore, the accuracy and security of this consensus rule are jointly maintained by nodes in the entire network, not just miners.


Conclusion

Bitcoin nodes communicate with each other through Bitcoin’s peer-to-peer network protocol, which is how they verify the integrity of the system. If a node wants to spread some wrong information, it will be quickly identified by those loyal nodes and disconnected from the network.

There are no financial rewards for running a full node, but it is still highly recommended because it provides users with integrity, security, and privacy. Full nodes ensure the smooth execution of rules. They protect the blockchain from being attacked. In addition, a full node does not need to trust other people, which allows users to have 100% control over their property.