Help CenterIn TXC, the nodes that accept new blocks from miners are hidden behind firewalls in a private network, and only talk to other nodes that have identified themselves as being authorized to submit new blocks & transactions to our network. This is how we prevent unauthorized mining participation.
Still, it's important to understand the function of Nodes in a decentralized currency.
In blockchain technology, nodes are fundamental components that play a crucial role in the functioning and maintenance of the blockchain network. A node can be defined as any active electronic device that participates in the blockchain network. This includes computers, servers, and even mobile devices that are connected to the blockchain.
### Types of Nodes
1. **Full Nodes**: These nodes maintain a complete copy of the entire blockchain. They validate and relay transactions and blocks, ensuring that all rules of the blockchain protocol are followed. Full nodes contribute significantly to the security and integrity of the network.
2. **Light Nodes (or Lightweight Nodes)**: These nodes do not store the entire blockchain but instead keep only a portion of it, usually the headers of blocks. Light nodes rely on full nodes to provide them with the necessary information to verify transactions. They are often used in mobile wallets due to their lower resource requirements.
3. **Mining Nodes**: In proof-of-work blockchains, mining nodes are responsible for creating new blocks by solving complex mathematical problems. They validate transactions and add them to the blockchain, receiving rewards in the form of cryptocurrency for their efforts.
### Functions of Nodes in Blockchain
1. **Transaction Validation**: Nodes verify the legitimacy of transactions before they are added to the blockchain. This process ensures that double-spending does not occur and that all transactions comply with the network's rules.
2. **Block Creation and Propagation**: In networks that use mining, nodes create new blocks by solving cryptographic puzzles. Once a block is created, it is propagated through the network, allowing other nodes to validate and add it to their copies of the blockchain.
3. **Network Security**: The decentralized nature of nodes enhances the security of the blockchain. Since there are numerous nodes spread across different locations, it becomes exceedingly difficult for any single entity to manipulate the blockchain or conduct fraudulent activities.
4. **Data Storage**: Full nodes store the entire history of the blockchain, which allows them to provide a complete and accurate record of all transactions. This data is crucial for auditing and verifying the integrity of the blockchain.
5. **Consensus Mechanism Participation**: Nodes participate in the consensus mechanism of the blockchain, which is the process by which all nodes agree on the state.