Nodes

Types of Nodes

Understanding the Node Types in the Avail Network

Nodes

Avail Node Types

What are the Types of Nodes in the Avail Network?

Introduction

The different types of nodes in the Avail Network differ in their functions, storage needs, and levels of engagement in the network. The following provides an overview of the different nodes in the ecosystem.

Main Node Types

Light Client

Full Node

Validator Node

Additional Nodes

Pruned Node

Archive Node

RPC Node

Bootstrap Node

Relay Node

Node Types Explained

Let’s take a closer look at each node type.

Light clients help users to interact with the Avail blockchain without having to download the entire transaction history. A trusted set of nodes is used to engage with the network.
The current state of the Avail blockchain is maintained by full nodes. The history of the blockchain is not stored to optimize for quick access to current data. As such, full nodes are ideal for tasks that require quick data access, such as transaction verificaiton.
Validator nodes participate in block production and network governance. A staking mechanism ensures the security and integrity of the network.
Archive Nodes

The complete transaction history of the blockchain is stored in archive nodes. As such, this node type is suitable for historical data analysis and auditing. Significant storage and computational resources are required to run an archive node.

Storage Requirement

High

Network Role

Auxiliary

Use Case

Network Security, Governance

Hosted By

Trusted entities, elected participants, staked node providers

Pruned Nodes

The storage requirements of pruned nodes are reduced as certain types of historical data is not stored. However, pruned nodes still participate in network consensus. Only the most recent state is maintained in this node type.

Storage Requirement

Variable

Network Role

Core

Use Case

Limited Storage Environments

Hosted By

Users with limited storage capacity

RPC Nodes

The API exposed by RPC nodes serves as gateway for remote interactions, such as external clients and developers wishing to engage with the network.

Storage Requirement

Moderate

Network Role

Gateway

Use Case

Development, Remote Access

Hosted By

Developers, remote network users

Bootstrap Nodes

New nodes joining the Avail network can use bootstrap nodes as initial connection points. Bootstrap nodes are important for the stability of the network as they support new nodes in joining the network as well as discovering peers and maintaining connectivity.

Storage Requirement

Low

Network Role

Initial

Use Case

Network Initialization

Hosted By

Early network participants

Relay Nodes

Commincation between peers unable to establish a direct connection is enabled by relay nodes who act as intermediaries.

Storage Requirement

Moderate

Network Role

Connectivity

Use Case

NAT Traversal; Firewall Bypass

Hosted By

End users, businesses setting up private networks

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