Vitalik Buterin Proposes Design for Easier Ethereum Node Operation
Vitalik Buterin has proposed a new design for Ethereum nodes to enhance decentralization and reduce hardware requirements. Key points include:
- Introduction of “partially stateless nodes” allowing users to store a subset of Ethereum data instead of the entire blockchain (over 1.3 TB).
- Aimed at enabling everyday users to run nodes on personal devices, overcoming the impracticality of current full node requirements.
- Nodes would store only relevant data, verifying other parts on demand through cryptography.
- The model allows user configuration of stored data, such as smart contracts or tokens, without needing to retain complex Merkle proofs.
- Proposed system builds on EIP-4444, which limits node history storage to 36 days while distributing older data across the network.
- This proposal is in early stages but may influence Ethereum's decentralization roadmap.
