Discussing Decentralization Systems and Their Nodes

A decentralized system is a network structure composed of multiple highly autonomous nodes. In such a system, nodes can freely connect with each other, forming new relationships. Any node has the potential to become a temporary center, but does not possess the power to forcibly control other nodes. Interactions among nodes produce non-linear effects through the network. This open, flat, and equal system structure is what we refer to as decentralization.

Decentralization does not completely discard the center, but allows nodes to autonomously choose and decide the center. Unlike centralized systems, nodes in decentralized systems do not rely on a single center and will not be unable to survive if they lose the center. In such systems, each participant is both a node and may also become a center. However, this central position is temporary and not mandatory.

Full nodes in the Bitcoin network are a typical representation of Decentralization. Full nodes store the complete blockchain data and can independently verify all transactions while updating information in real-time. They are primarily responsible for broadcasting and validating transactions. The threshold for becoming a Bitcoin full node is not high; it just requires a regular computer and the appropriate client software. Currently, the complete Bitcoin transaction data is about 200GB. By running a full node, users can directly verify transactions without relying on intermediaries.

In order to further lower the participation threshold, the Bitcoin Core client also provides a pruned node feature. Although this type of node does not store the entire blockchain data, it can still independently complete transaction confirmations.

In contrast, Ethereum's full nodes (referred to as "archive nodes") are more complex. In addition to storing transaction data, Ethereum also includes a programmable virtual machine (EVM), which means it needs to store a large amount of "state" data. This results in Ethereum's storage requirements far exceeding those of Bitcoin; currently, a complete Ethereum network data is nearly 2TB, which is about 10 times that of Bitcoin.

Overall, decentralized systems achieve a more open and equal structure through a distributed Node network, laying the foundation for the development of blockchain technology. Different blockchain projects have their own characteristics in Node design, but all are committed to lowering the barriers to participation and encouraging more users to become active participants in the network.