Full Node Burden

Definition ∞ Full Node Burden refers to the resource demands, such as storage, bandwidth, and processing power, required to operate a complete blockchain node. Running a full node necessitates downloading and verifying the entire transaction history of a blockchain, which can amount to hundreds of gigabytes or even terabytes of data. This operational requirement places a significant technical and financial strain on individuals or entities wishing to contribute to network decentralization and security. The increasing size of blockchain ledgers exacerbates this burden over time.
Context ∞ Discussions surrounding blockchain scalability and decentralization often reference the Full Node Burden as a critical challenge. News frequently highlights initiatives aimed at reducing these requirements, such as light client technologies or sharding solutions, to encourage broader participation. A key debate involves balancing the need for network security and data integrity with the accessibility of running a full node for ordinary users.