Node and Client

Client are a software that enable participation in the Bitcoin network, where a node validates and relays blockchain data.

What is Node and Client?

In the Bitcoin digital asset ecosystem, a “node” refers to any device running client software that connects to the peer-to-peer network to validate transactions and blocks against consensus rules, contributing to decentralization and security. As of 2025, over 20,000 reachable Bitcoin nodes are operational worldwide, with Bitcoin Core dominating at approximately 97% market share, followed by alternatives like Bitcoin Knots at 2-3%.

A “client,” the software powering nodes, comes in thick (full-featured) and thin (lightweight) variants. Bitcoin Core client functions as both a full node and wallet, enabling users to send/receive digital assets.

The distinction blurs in practice: all nodes run clients, but not all clients operate as full nodes; for instance, SPV clients connect outbound to 8-10 full nodes without inbound relays, limiting their decentralizing impact. In 2025, institutional adoption via providers like Crypto APIs’ Node-as-a-Service has surged, offering dedicated RPC nodes with low-latency access to validated data, absorbing costs for businesses while individuals use affordable hardware like Raspberry Pi 5 setups under $200. This setup ensures the network’s integrity, as nodes collectively store replicas of the 19.92 million BTC circulating supply, verifying against attacks like double-spends.