It is helpful to understand the functions of master nodes relative to their corresponding nodes (nodes and complete nodes) when discussing master nodes. A single blockchain network does have subtle and sometimes significant differences in structure. Therefore, the general types of nodes included may have slightly different roles and responsibilities depending on the network to which they belong. A common feature among all nodes: they all run software, usually called protocols, which determine the rules, features and functions of a specific blockchain. So, what exactly is a node? How does it work?

1、 What is the master node?

Nodes are sometimes called light nodes or conventional nodes, which are the most basic types of computing devices supporting blockchain networks. Generally speaking, a decentralized blockchain network consists of all the nodes that support it. In PoW system, miners are nodes; In the PoS system, the pledge wallet is the node. PoW and PoS are consensus mechanisms that allow nodes to reach an agreement on the effectiveness of transactions, thereby agreeing on the status of the entire blockchain.

When a group of new transactions encapsulated in a block is broadcasted to the entire network by one of the nodes, all other nodes must verify its validity. When the block is added to all copies of the blockchain, the network consensus is achieved. Light nodes usually only download blockchain data that is just enough to process and verify new transactions, so their computing workload is small. Remember that a complete blockchain usually represents a large amount of data. Lightweight nodes reduce the data requirements of the blockchain, enabling them to run quickly without making the underlying system bogged down by too much data.

A complete node can do everything that an ordinary node does, but it also contains a complete copy of the blockchain general ledger, that is, all real-time transactions of the blockchain. It downloads all transactions that have occurred on the blockchain and fully verifies them with other nodes. Theoretically, as long as one computer keeps a complete copy of the ledger, the blockchain network can be fully recovered in the event of a catastrophic failure of the entire node network.

Since many decentralized computers and servers around the country maintain the latest copy of the blockchain general ledger, complete nodes provide higher security for the network. In order to stop the network, all complete nodes need to be destroyed. This brings us to the master node. The master node does not actually add new blocks to the blockchain, but only verifies them. According to the Blockchain Protocol in which they participate, they also have special management, governance and regulatory roles.

2、 How does the master node work?

The function of the cryptocurrency master node is just like the server on the decentralized blockchain network it supports; Include a complete copy of the blockchain general ledger; They also assume additional responsibilities. According to the nature of the blockchain it runs, the master node can manage voting events and execute protocol operations.

For example, on the Dash network, the master node has more permissions than ordinary nodes, and can be used to send private transactions or real-time transactions. The master node provides these vital services as a key part of the Dash pose ecosystem. The Dash master node also has a governance role. Each master node is assigned a vote to decide whether to approve or reject the new development and protocol revision on the Dash network.

The encryption master node runs on an attached system, and its function is very similar to PoS protocol. Operators must have a large number of local cryptocurrencies to operate the master node. In turn, the master node operator guarantees the annual coin income of its services. In this way, the network ensures that its most important nodes are economically motivated, which ultimately enhances the stability and loyalty of the network. Therefore, the master node is also referred to as the binding verifier system. The logic is similar to the pledge in the PoS system.

summary

After reading the above content, I believe you have a certain understanding of cryptocurrency nodes. The advantages of the master node in cryptocurrency are huge, but there are difficulties in operation and maintenance. The master node consumes more resources than the full node and light node. More technical knowledge, capital and time are required to operate the master node.