Node Types

The Shardeum network runs on two main types of nodes. Each node type serves a different purpose, and operators can choose the configuration that best matches how they want to support the network.

Validator Nodes

• Role: Validators are responsible for proposing blocks, participating in consensus, and securing the network.
• Requirements: Requires staking SHM tokens and maintaining high uptime and performance.

Full Nodes

• Role: Full nodes do not participate in consensus. They maintain and verify the blockchain state, functioning as a reliable “source of truth” for applications, wallets, and other network participants.
• Configuration: Full nodes run with pruning enabled by default, storing only the most recent state needed for operation.
• Use cases include:
  1. Running infrastructure for dApps
  2. Supporting RPC endpoints
  3. Improving network resilience
  4. Non-validating node participation

Archive Nodes

Archive nodes are a special configuration of full nodes.

• Role: Archive nodes store all historical blockchain state from genesis to the present.
• Use cases include::
  1. Indexers
  2. Blockchain analytics
  3. Data providers
  4. Explorers and infra partners
• Configuration: Disable pruning so the node retains every historical state snapshot.
• Startup Flag:

--pruning nothing

Note: Running an archive node requires significantly more storage and may grow rapidly over time.