Understanding Blockchain RPC Nodes: What are they and how do they work?

2023-06-01, 01:55

[TL; DR]
Blockchain RPC nodes facilitate communication between blockchains and decentralized applications.

Private RPC endpoints are more scalable and flexible than public RPC endpoints.

GetBlock, Chainstack, Alchemy, and Infura are examples of blockchain node providers.

Introduction

The proper functioning of the blockchain requires various components and infrastructure. As an instance, there is a need for blockchain nodes which support the permissioned distributed ledger. Other important components of the blockchain are the RPC nodes which form a gateway that enable developers to access the distributed ledger in an efficient and cost effective manner.

This article explores the concept of RPC nodes and why they are important in web3 development. We will also discuss the types of RPC nodes as well as RPC endpoints and their importance.

What are blockchain RPC nodes?

A remote procedure call, popularly known as RPC, refers to a request-response protocol where a software program utes subroutines in other locations called address spaces. In other words, an RPC is a type of a computer server that enables users to read data that exists on a certain blockchain and sends transactions to other networks. It is a that connects or bridges a decentralized application and a blockchain.

In addition, these RPC nodes enable different components of decentralized applications (Dapps) to interact with each other using a request-reply function. As you note, RPC nodes are a special type of API which enable servers to ute codes remotely on separate s.

Blockchain nodes - Aayushguptaji

Let’s use a specific example to allow you to understand the concept clearly. If a user of a decentralized exchange (DEX) wants to swap BTC for USDT the request is sent using the DEX’s interface on his/her browser. However, the DEX should communicate with the blockchain to check if the user’s wallet has the required amount of BTC. It also sends the transaction to the Bitcoin blockchain for verification and ution. Therefore, the RPC node communicates in real-time with the user, confirming whether or not the required amount of BTC is in his/her wallet.

In return, if the user confirms the transaction using the DEX interface the RPC node will broadcast on the blockchain network. As a result, the transaction is uted.

Components of the RPC node

An RPC node consists of a server and client, among others. The server is the component of the RPC node which receives requests from the client and utes them.

Also, remember that a server is also called a blockchain node which is a computer that runs a blockchain software. Such a computer keeps a record of the blockchain’s transactions. Its other roles include relaying, verifying and uting the transactions which the users initiate on the blockchain.

It is also essential to note that the blockchain does not have a centralized server. Instead, it has a network of nodes that acts as a decentralized or distributed server.

On the other hand the client component is responsible for initiating the RPCs and sending the requests to the server. In addition, there is a client stub which creates a server timetable, inserts the views into the message and then sends it.

How do Remote Procedure Calls (RPCs) nodes work?

A client application initiates the RPC and sends a request to the blockchain. The request which should be specific must contain the name/information about the procedure or the function to be uted. It should also indicate any other relevant parameters.

After receiving the request the blockchain utes the required function such as swapping tokens. Usually, the blockchain retrieves additional parameters from the request. Once uted, the blockchain returns the results to the client’s decentralized applications. The following diagram shows how Remote Procedure Calls work.

How RPC work - Guru99

As you see in the image, the various components like client stub, RPC runtime and Server stub function in a coordinated way to pass and receive information.

The importance of RPC endpoints

For us to understand the RPC infrastructure we should know the roles of RPC endpoints.

An RPC endpoint acts like an address or location where a client can send requests to. In return, the targeted server will accept the request and ute the required action. When a decentralized application requires certain information from a blockchain it uses the RPC to relay a request to the associated RPC endpoint.

Therefore, in simple terms an RPC endpoint is an entry point to a blockchain. It is through an RPC endpoint that a specific RPC node receives information and acts on it. What is important is to connect the RPC node to the right RPC endpoint. Basically, there are two types of RPC endpoints namely Public RPC endpoint and Private RPC endpoint.

Public RPC endpoints

The public RPC endpoints are the gateways to the blockchains which the blockchain teams create to enable developers to build their nodes with minimal cost. These endpoints are free and accessible to anyone. Likewise, the individuals can use them without sharing their personal information or register with the blockchain.

However, these endpoints are not suitable for commercial purposes since they have limited bandwidth. Also, with public endpoints the users cannot get additional assistance, technical support or request tailor-made solutions to their problems.

Private RPC endpoints

These are RPC endpoints that are managed by private entities. As such, the private firms charge the users for the requests which they send to different blockchains. Nevertheless, the users should register with the RPC node providers as well as setting up their endpoints toolkits.

Additionally, the users can get customized services as well as accessing technical support from the providers. There are other advantages of using private endpoints such as speed, scalability and flexibility.

The reasons why web3 developers should use private endpoints

As pointed above, web3 developers should use private endpoints because they are fast, flexible and scalable.

Speed
Private endpoints offer speed responses which modern decentralized applications require. This is because they serve fewer clients than the public endpoints. For public endpoints many individuals use them since they are free and require no registration.

Flexibility
In addition to speed, private endpoints are more flexible than the public ones. The key reason why private endpoints are flexible is that their providers offer additional technical support to the users. As such, the users can get specialized APIs for their applications.

Scalability
Lastly, private endpoints are more scalable than the public ones. The reason is that their users can get additional throughput if they can afford them. Also, RPC node providers can enable developers to access both programmable blockchains like Ethereum, Polygon and Arbitrum as well as non-programmable ones like Bitcoin and Litecoin.

The application logic of private endpoints can connect with multiple s yet remain efficient. Also, they pass over much information which is processed rapidly to connect wallets or make transactions, among others.

Examples of blockchain RPC node providers

There are several reputable blockchain node providers on the market that serve different blockchain networks. For example, their RPC endpoints can connect with Solana RPC nodes and Ethereum RPC nodes, among others. As we know, both Solana and Ethereum are the leading blockchains that host many dapps.

Revolutionizing dApps: The Impact of Blockchain RPC Nodes

The RPC nodes are important in the blockchain sector as they support various use cases of web3 such as marketplaces, NFTs, distributed data storage s and trading bots, among others.

The RPC nodes connect with RPC endpoints which are entry points to the blockchains. Different Dapps need them to confirm and authorize various operations which their users initiate. Let’s look at a few specific functions of RPC nodes.

The RPC nodes are an important component of large scale distributed applications where operating logic works with multiple s. As such, they enable developers to create applications that interact with one or more blockchain s.

Various decentralized applications need RPC nodes to enable seamless interaction with many blockchain s. This enhances their functionalities and those of the blockchains they are connected to. For example, RPC nodes enable wallets with multiple-chain preferences to interact with blockchains.

Primarily, the RPC node provides an efficient transmission mode of data among blockchain based s which help developers to make changes if there are technical hitches. This increases blockchain efficiency and security. Also, they allow open communication among various protocols and technologies.

The RPC blockchain nodes help developers to access different information such as historical blockchain data, block numbers, transactions and node connections. Without them it would be difficult for them to get the important information they want when developing and using decentralized applications.

Obtaining RPC Endpoints for your Dapp: A step-by-step guide

Now, let’s consider how you can obtain RPC endpoints on your decentralized application. You have to follow the next steps:

The first step is to create an account on the RPC node provider website.

From there, you select the blockchains that you are interested in like Solana or Ethereum.

Next, you select the configurations of the API endpoint.
Then, choose the tariff plan you are comfortable with, which meets your needs.

Once the RPC node provider activates the RPC endpoint you can integrate it into the codebase of the Dapp.

With all that done, you can start sending requests to blockchain nodes.

Conclusion

The RPC blockchain nodes provide a means of communication between decentralized applications like digital wallets and blockchains. They also enable the various components of dapps to communicate with each other. Private RPC endpoints are more scalable and flexible than public ones. Although anyone can use public RPC endpoints, the Private RPC endpoints provide better service to commercial users.

FAQS about blockchain RPC nodes

What is an RPC provider blockchain?

An RPC provider blockchain connects decentralized applications to blockchains. It enables web3 applications to connect with blockchains using APIs.

What are RPC endpoints nodes?

RPC endpoint nodes are URLs where blockchain data can be directed to. They act like network locations or addresses where decentralized applications send data to.

What are the different types of RPC nodes?

There are different types of RPC nodes which include full nodes, light nodes and archival nodes. A full node contains the complete data of a blockchain while an archival node stores historical data only. A light node keeps limited data like timestamps and the preceding block’s hash.

What is an RPC node Solana?

An RPC node Solana is a gateway that connects the Solana blockchain to Solana dapps to get the required information. The developers that use the Solana blockchain run both validator nodes and RPC nodes.

Does Ethereum use RPC?

The Ethereum blockchain uses RPC to relay information within its . For example, it has RPC nodes that run the Consensus Layer (CL) infrastructure and the ution Layer (EL).

Author: Mashell C., Gate.io Researcher

*This article represents only the views of the researcher and does not constitute any investment suggestions.

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