BNB Smart Chain (previously known as Binance Smart Chain) has gained popularity among dApp developers due to its EVM compatibility, which allows “relocating” Ethereum applications to a low-fee environment of BNB Chain. BSC nodes are now a hot topic for those looking to build crypto products on this chain.
Let‘s now explore what BSC nodes are, how they differ from ETH nodes, and finally what is the optimal way to apply them to dApp development.
Why job nodes do for a blockchain
If approached from a structural perspective, every blockchain comprises many computers that run dedicated clients and connect to each other to form a network. These computers are known as nodes and are pretty much imperative for any chain’s existence.
ETH nodes are similar to those running a BNB Smart Chain and are divided into the same types:
- Full: pillars of the network as they participate in transaction validation, relay smart contract deployment, and keep records of each and every action within the entirety of the blockchain; these often require immense resources to remain operational.
- Light: operate with a summarized version of the same data stored on full nodes and can make calls to request additional information; valued for not taking too much of computing power to function.
- Archive: while full nodes carry the weight of the whole network database, they can often disregard older records to spare some space; for this case, there are a third type that will provide access to a complete history since day one.
For apps to run under the decentralized domain, they require a connection established to full nodes to a) gather information from the blockchain and deploy it into the application, b) channel user requests to a blockchain and register new transactions. Therefore, when it comes to building a Web3 app, having access to nodes is a must.
How to run a node
By this time you may be wondering “Can I run my own node?” Ultimately, everyone can host one to contribute to the blockchain revolution in general or to have an entry point to any network.
When spinning up a node, you should consider three things:
- download the node software: similar to Ethereum, BSC nodes work with the Geth client;
- prepare to allocate a significant amount of storage space on your hardware. For instance, ETH nodes require a 2TB free disc space at a minimum;
- processor capacity is also important.
As an alternative, everyone can access nodes via custom RPC provided by various services.
Try GetBlock’s API instead of hosting a node
A node provider service by GetBlock allows seamless deployment of networks for developers to focus on actual product development rather than managing nodes on their own. The platform currently supports over 50 blockchains, from the most popular like Ethereum, BSC, Arbitrum, and Solana, to less well-known ones.
In order to get their own endpoint to BSC nodes or their counterpart Ethereum, users need to sign up on the website, which is completely free, and choose one of the two plans:
Shared endpoints
If you’re planning to host low-capacity apps or test-launch your product, this offer will suit you best. By choosing this tariff, you receive a BSC or ETH node API that will be used by some other clients but you can also harness free 40,000 requests.
Dedicated nodes
For power users, GetBlock hosts separate servers for BSC nodes that can be set up according to customer’s needs. With this option, you will be offered unlimited requests at no rate limits. This combined with 24/7 professional support will make it easy to build high-performing blockchain services without the headache of self-maintaining full nodes.
For every plan, GetBlock guarantees unparalleled connection qualities and 99%+ uptime.
Summary
BNB Chain being a fork of Ethereum shares many similar features with the latter, yet, it is known for better accessibility due to more optimized gas fees and speedier transacting times. Additionally, the blockchain supports Ethereum smart contracts so the transitioning between the two chains is made easy.
Node services like GetBlock will free users from the need to run a separate node for building their crypto products and services and help leverage the security and functionality of the ecosystem.
