Running a node on the Near Protocol is fundamentally different from other Layer 1 blockchains due to its sharded architecture. Instead of every node storing the entire history of the chain (which creates massive hardware bloat), Near segments its infrastructure into specialized roles.
This guide breaks down the three primary node types that power the network and the specific hardware requirements for each.
1. The Block Producer (Validator Node)
This is the "heavy lifter" of the network. Validator nodes are responsible for validating transactions across all shards and producing the final blocks.
- Role: Aggregates chunks from various shards into a single block.
Hardware Requirements: High-end specs are required because these nodes must process vast amounts of data in parallel.
2. The Chunk-Only Producer
This is a role unique to Near’s "Nightshade" design. To lower the barrier to entry, Near introduced Chunk-Only Producers.
- Role: These nodes only validate transactions for one specific shard (a fraction of the network) rather than the whole chain. They produce "Chunks" (parts of a block) and send them to the Validator.
Hardware: Significantly lower requirements.
3. The RPC Node (Remote Procedure Call)
These nodes act as the gateway for external applications. When a user interacts with a dApp, the request is sent to an RPC node, which then relays it to the Validators.
- Role: Read/Write access for APIs. These do not participate in consensus voting but are vital for network uptime.
- Use Case: Used by developers, exchanges, and data indexers to query the blockchain state without running a validator.
Summary
By separating "Block Production" from "Chunk Production," Near Protocol allows for a more decentralized hardware layer. You do not need a supercomputer to participate in the network's infrastructure.