Concept

Lightweight node is a type of blockchain node that is designed to store limited or lightweight information rather than a complete copy of the network. Originally, it is an Ethereum node, which only downloads the network’s block headers, a limited amount of data needed to carry out transactions on the Ethereum network. Opposed to other types of nodes, particularly full nodes and archive nodes, a lightweight node is the smallest component of its network that corresponds to a specific part of it with the aim only to validate the authenticity of the transactions. In view of the size and limited scope, light nodes are easy to maintain and operate. A lightweight node (also, light node) uses a technique known as simрlifiеd рауmеnt vеrifiсаtiоn (SPV) to validate transactions. These nodes are served by full nodes to establish a connection with the Bitcoin network. In other words, lightweight nodes solely depend on the full nodes to run and function.

Operation

By design, nodes maintain the latest record of transactions and ensures that all participants operate according to the network’s rules. Nodes validate and process transactions without the need for a centralized structure, and hence bolstering the integrity and security of the network. On most blockchains, a node represents a single and standalone computer which stores all of the information recorded on the blockchain, functioning as a distributed ledger. Mutual verification can take place amongst nodes scattered across the network without the help of a central authority. The addition of crypto nodes makes it more difficult to meddle with the entire system. Nodes operate by maintaining a storage of the complete history of transactions on a network. Upon addition of a new group of transactions, or a block, nodes submit the new information to each other as an update, ensuring consistency across the network. In short, nodes are designed to validate each other’s transactions, while maintaining a database of validated transactions in a distributed manner.

For that function, lightweight nodes use the minimum amount of data, as practically possible, to connect with the Ethereum blockchain, and utilizes full nodes for all of the other information required in the processes. Full nodes record full blockchain data and participate in verification and validation of the blocks. A lightweight node represents a downloadable wallet interacting with full nodes for validating information stored on the network. By limiting the need to stored information, and with no excessive data, lightweight nodes run fast without negatively impacting the underlying digital structure.