Node Modes of Operation
The Ergo node offers several modes of operation, allowing users to balance resource requirements (disk space, memory, bandwidth) with security assumptions and desired functionality. Choosing the right mode depends on your specific use case, such as running a backend for a dApp, securing personal funds, or simply verifying transactions.
Archival Full Node
Maximum security with complete blockchain history. Stores all blocks and UTXO data from genesis.
Full transaction validation
Complete wallet restore
Full API support
High storage (100s GB+)
Pruned Full Node
Full security with reduced storage. Keeps recent blocks and prunes older history.
Full transaction validation
Fast bootstrap sync
No wallet restore
Medium storage (~1-2GB)
Light Full Node
Digest mode with minimal storage. Keeps UTXO digest and validates via ADProofs.
Full security
Minimal storage (~1-3GB)
Limited API support
Wallet compatibility issues
Light SPV
Ultra-light client for transaction verification. Minimal resources, relies on full nodes.
Very fast sync
Minimal storage (MBs)
No full validation
Relies on full nodes
Mode Comparison
| Feature / Mode | Archival Full Node | Pruned Full Node | Light Full Node | Light SPV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Max Security, Full History | Full Security, Reduced Storage | Full Security, Minimal Storage | Tx Verification, Minimal Resources |
| Key Config | stateType="utxo"blocksToKeep=-1 | stateType="utxo"blocksToKeep > 0 | stateType="digest"blocksToKeep > 0 | N/A (Client Software) |
| Bootstrapping | Full Sync from Genesis | Full Sync / UTXO Snapshot / NiPoPoW | Full Sync / NiPoPoW / UTXO Snapshot | NiPoPoW Sync |
| Storage (Initial) | Very High (100s GB+) | Medium (~1-2GB + Recent Blocks) | Low (~1-3GB + Recent Blocks) | Very Low (MBs) |
| Storage (Ongoing) | High (Grows with chain) | Medium (Grows slowly) | Low (Grows slowly) | Very Low |
| Resource Needs | High (CPU/RAM/Disk IO) | Moderate | Moderate-Low | Very Low |
| Sync Time | Very Long | Fast (with bootstrap) | Fast (with bootstrap) | Very Fast |
| Full Tx Validation | Yes | Yes (for kept blocks) | Yes (via ADProofs) | No |
| API Support | Full | Full (for available data) | Limited | N/A |
| Wallet Compatibility | Full (incl. restore) | New Wallets OK; No Restore | New Wallets OK; No Restore | Verification only |
| Use Cases | Mining, Archiving, Max Trust Backend | dApp Backend, Personal Wallet Backend | Mobile Node Backend, dApp Backend | Light Wallets, Quick Verification |
Detailed Explanations & Notes
1. Bootstrapping (utxoBootstrap, nipopowBootstrap)
- These settings significantly speed up initial sync for Pruned and Digest nodes by downloading compressed UTXO snapshots or using NiPoPoW proofs.
- Using
utxoBootstrap=trueis common for Pruned nodes. - Using
nipopowBootstrap=trueis common for Digest nodes. - Enable both for fastest sync, especially on resource-constrained devices.
- Progress Indication: Monitor network activity or data directory size during large snapshot downloads.
2. Digest Mode (stateType="digest") Limitations
- Keeps only authenticated digest (root hash) of UTXO set, verifying state transitions using ADProofs.
- Wallet Compatibility: Users report issues with P2P transaction submission. Verification recommended.
- API Limitations: Some endpoints requiring full UTXO set access may be unavailable.
- Peer Relaying: Cannot relay transactions as they don't validate against full UTXO set.
3. Wallet Restoration (Pruned & Digest Modes)
- Nodes with
blocksToKeep > 0cannot restore wallets from seed phrases if wallets were used before oldest kept block. - Use Archival Full Node (
blocksToKeep = -1) or trusted explorer service for restoring older wallets. - For new wallets created while pruned/digest node is running, restoration might work, but archival node is safest.
4. Resource Usage
- Storage estimates depend on
blocksToKeepsetting and chain activity. - Typical light/mobile setup using digest mode with bootstrapping: ~3GB initially.
- Memory requirements vary: archival node (8GB+), pruned/digest nodes (2-4GB), more needed during intense activity.