It is highly important to know that Without nodes, decentralized networks would not exist.
Blockchain uses a network of nodes to keep functioning. This means no nodes no blockchain networks.
Nodes are foundational to maintaining the decentralized nature of blockchain, because without nodes nothing will operate on the blockchain. These nodes are mostly operated by individuals and organizations, and sometimes through service providers, to ensure transaction validation and other activities remain consistent on the blockchain network. However, as blockchain ecosystem grows, node reliability faces increasing challenges, which lead to the failure of their initial functionality.
In this article, I explore:
- Blockchain Nodes; Types of nodes
- Why Do Blockchain Nodes Fail; Vulnerabilities of Blockchain nodes
- How Nodes Impact Web3 dApps: The impacts of their failures
- Way Out to Keep your Project on Without Losing your Sanity: GetBlock
What Are Blockchain Nodes, Anyway?
Think of a node as a computer running as a server, as show in the image below. Blockchain nodes are computers that work independently together, as a separate entity and communicates with other nodes in a peer to peer (P2P) system, connected to a blockchain network. Each node holds a copy of the records and participates in the network consensus mechanism. It is also important to know that every nodes are not the same. In addition, depending on the type of the blockchain network, nodes also operate in different ways.
Type of Blockchain and Role of Nodes: Main Types of Nodes
Nodes are essential for blockchains like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and others. They maintain a copy of the blockchain history and collaborate to agree on new transactions. The original blockchain, Bitcoin, employs Proof-of-Work (PoW), where nodes (typically miners) utilise computational power to solve puzzles and add new blocks. Big PoW networks like Bitcoin, with around 10,000 full nodes, are hard to attack because it costs over $100 million to even try. this makes them secure. Smaller PoW networks, though, can be easier targets if miners move resources to attack them.
Then there is Proof-of-Stake (PoS), used by Ethereum after its big update, from PoW to PoS. Here, nodes (known as stakers) are chosen based on how many tokens they hold. The more tokens, the better their chance to validate transactions and earn rewards, but they also risk slashing their stakes if their validation goes wrong. Delegated Proof-of-Stake (dPoS), seen in networks like EOS, lets token holders vote for a few delegate nodes (usually 15–100) to handle validation, which is fast but less spread out.
Types of Nodes
Full Nodes: These are the heavy lifters. They store the entire blockchain history and validate every transaction. They’re like the librarians of the blockchain, keeping all the records in order.
Light Nodes: These are the quick and nimble ones. They don’t store the entire blockchain but rely on full nodes for information. They’re perfect for devices with limited storage, like your smartphone.
Mining Nodes: In Proof-of-Work (PoW) networks like Bitcoin, these nodes not only validate transactions but also compete to solve complex mathematical puzzles to add new blocks to the chain. It’s a high-stakes game with crypto rewards on the line.
Each type of node plays an important role in maintaining the network functionality, security, and decentralization. Without them, the blockchain would be an empty shell.
Why Do Nodes Fail? The Usual Suspects
Nodes might be the backbone of blockchain, but they’re not invincible. Here are the top reasons they sometimes drop the ball:
Scalability Struggles
As networks grow and transaction volumes spike, nodes can get overwhelmed. Smaller networks, without the node density or computational power of giants like Bitcoin, feel this pain the most. It is like trying to fit a semi truck through a garden hose.
Network Congestion
Too many transactions at once? Nodes slow down or crash. It’s rush hour traffic but for your blockchain. This can lead to delays and even outages, as seen in networks like Ethereum during peak usage.
Technical Failures
Nodes run on hardware and software, both of which can fail. A fried hard drive, a buggy update, or a misconfigured setting can knock a node offline faster than you can say “reboot.” It’s the digital equivalent of a flat tire.
Security Attack
Smaller networks are prime targets for attacks. If a bad actor gains control of most nodes (hello, 51% attack), they can rewrite the blockchain’s history. It’s like a corporate hostile takeover, but with crypto.
Human Error
We are all human (well, most of us). A misconfigured setting, a botched code push, or an accidental shutdown can send a node into the abyss. It is like forgetting to pay your electric bill and wondering why the lights are off.
When Nodes Fail, Projects Suffer
When nodes fail, it is not just a small problem, because it affect projects a lot with few examples I list below.
- Delayed Transactions: If nodes are down or slow, transactions take longer, annoying users and costing money, especially for time sensitive apps like DeFi or games, as seen in outage talks.
- Compromised Security: Fewer working nodes mean the network is less safe, making it easier for hackers to cause trouble, like double spending. This is big in PoS and dPoS, where node operators might cut back, weakening the network.
- Data Inconsistencies: Rarely, node failures can mess up the blockchain data, though most have backups. For example, PoW systems use many nodes to check blocks, reducing data loss, but long outages can still cause issues,
The Way Out Solution: GetBlock
Running your own nodes has always been an option, but it is tough. because you need lots of money for computers, software, and upkeep, which is hard for small teams. That is where node service providers like GetBlock with best of the best experience for node running and API. GetBlock features make nodes to be more reliable:
High Uptime Guarantees: GetBlock.io promises 99.9% uptime (99.99% for big plans), backed by agreements, as seen on their site. This means nodes are almost always on.
Dedicated and Customized Nodes: They offer nodes built just for you, starting at $1,000/month, with unlimited requests and old data, fitting your project needs more perfectly, as in their Dedicated Node Offerings.
Advanced Monitoring and Statistics: Their dashboard lets you track usage, available in Pro ($399/month) and Enterprise plans, helping spot issues early.
24/7 Support: Included in Pro and Enterprise, with fast help for big plans, crucial for keeping nodes running, as listed under their Enterprise solutions.
Private Infrastructure: For big clients and projects, they offer private setups with custom tweaks, balancing, and alerts, boosting reliability.
Scalability: As projects grow, GetBlock scales, ensuring nodes handle more traffic, perfect for expanding apps.
Using GetBlock is considered as the most fitted option for your project, instead of doing it yourself. GetBlock lets you have full focus on your project. Case studies, like Kyunghun Cheong praising cost efficient Binance Smart Chain nodes and Domantas Pelaitis enjoying real-time data access, show their reliability.
My Conclusion
Using node services like GetBlock, offers high uptime, custom nodes, monitoring, and support, for you to enjoy a cost-effective and scalable node service. And for projects wanting to stay running and safe, GetBlock is a smart choice for you.