Blockchain Node: From Concept to Sustainable Revenue Generation

Want to make money from Crypto without a huge capital? What is running a node and why has it become an attractive choice for many people? This article will decode how node operators are profiting from blockchain.

What Is a Node in Blockchain?

To understand what is running a node, first you need to grasp the basic concept. A node is an electronic device (computer, server) participating in the blockchain network with three main functions:

• Receiving, verifying, and storing transaction data
• Transmitting information between network nodes to maintain synchronization
• Protecting the integrity of the distributed ledger

Each node is part of a decentralized structure, helping blockchain operate without a central server. This is also why what is running a node holds significant value—it’s a way for you to directly contribute to the system and be rewarded.

Types of Nodes and Their Characteristics

Not all nodes are the same. These differences determine operational costs, difficulty level, and profit potential:

Full Node stores the entire blockchain history from start to finish. It ensures the highest accuracy but requires large storage capacity. However, you can choose a Pruned Full Node to only keep the most recent blocks, saving memory while maintaining expectations.

Light Node only stores block headers, relying on full nodes for verification. It conserves resources but has lower independence.

Lightning Node operates on Layer 2 like the Lightning Network (Bitcoin), focusing on transaction speed and low fees.

Supernode are special nodes with roles such as monitoring or maintaining protocols, often authorized in systems like NEM or Elrond.

Choosing which type of node depends on your goals and financial capacity.

Practical Ways to Generate Revenue from Running a Node

1. Receive Airdrops from Launch Projects

This is the easiest way to start. Many projects have gifted tokens to early node runners:

• Celestia awarded an airdrop worth about $3,000 USD to light node runners
• Ironfish distributed >$1,000 USD to early testnet participants

Initial costs are just cheap VPS, but rewards can reach thousands of dollars.

2. Become a Validator and Earn Staking Rewards

Many blockchains like Ethereum, Cosmos, Avalanche allow nodes to operate as validators. You will:

• Stake tokens to secure the network
• Receive a percentage from transaction fees
• Benefit from newly issued tokens

However, this method requires a large amount of tokens or community delegation. You also need operational knowledge and continuous stability.

3. Participate in Testnet Nodes of Promising Projects

Zircuit, Seda, 0G, and many other projects are looking for testnet node operators. Although they don’t have tokens yet, the airdrops upon mainnet launch are highly anticipated.

This is a way to build a “early” portfolio with minimal risk.

4. Provide RPC Nodes and Query Data

If you have strong infrastructure (high-end VPS, large bandwidth), you can:

• Offer RPC endpoints for dApps
• Charge fees per query request
• Receive grants from projects needing fast data

This is the longest-term revenue path but requires higher initial capital.

Basic Process to Start Running a Node

Step 1: Choose a Suitable VPS

Popular providers: Contabo, Hetzner, AWS, Digital Ocean.

It’s important to carefully check each project’s configuration requirements:

• RAM, CPU, storage, bandwidth
• L1 chains like Aptos, Sui often require >=16GB RAM
• Testnets may only need 4-8GB initially

Step 2: Install the Node

• Find official installation scripts from the project’s Github
• Use Ubuntu 20.04 or 22.04 for most nodes
• Follow community step-by-step instructions

Step 3: Monitor and Maintain

• Use commands to check node status (depending on each project)
• Follow the project’s Telegram, Discord channels for configuration updates
• Record logs, block counts, node ID as proof for retroactive airdrops

Step 4: Store Important Data

• Record wallet addresses, private keys, node ID
• Some projects require node verification via Discord
• Save all proof of activity to confirm eligibility for airdrops

Things to Keep in Mind When Running a Node

Monthly VPS costs typically range from $5-$50 depending on configuration. Compared to investing in tokens, this is a low capital, but requires continuous maintenance.

Not all nodes will receive airdrops. Do your own research (Do Your Own Research) before committing time and money to uncertain projects.

Running a node effectively is not just about installation and forgetting. You need patience to monitor, update configurations, and keep detailed records.

Conclusion

What is running a node is fundamentally one of the most sustainable ways to earn money in Crypto if you have basic technical knowledge. Unlike trading or farming, it doesn’t require large capital but demands patience and a systematic approach.

If you’re just starting out, begin with free or inexpensive testnet nodes to learn the process. Once proficient, expand into validator or RPC node providers to generate long-term revenue.

The key to success is choosing the right project, maintaining stable nodes, and keeping detailed records of all activities.

Note: This article is not investment advice. Always do thorough research before deploying node operations.